How big is 4×6 photo? This is a great example of why there are no bad questions.
As photographers we often take the language we use for granted, it’s easy to throw ‘4×6’ into a sentence and just assume everyone know what we mean.
When someone says a ‘4×6 photo’ they are referring to the dimensions of a photograph that measures 4 inches by 6 inches. In common photography parlance however, you would hear it asked as ‘how big is a 6×4 photograph?’. The answer is the exact same, they are simply referring to the dimensions of the long edge and the short edge.
In this case the long edge being 6 inches and the short edge being 4 inches.
In metric units, this is equivalent 10cm on the short edge and 15cm on the long edge (or 10.16 cm by 15.24 cm if you need to 100% exact).
Why is the 4×6 photo size so common?
Ah, the classic 4×6 photo print size – it’s a staple in the world of photography. But do you know why it’s such a popular size? It’s all thanks to the aspect ratio of most camera viewfinders and sensors, which match the 4×6 dimensions.
Aspect ratio?
Yes, aspect ratio, it’s a fancy way of saying if you enlarged the camera sensor, it would match the dimensions of a 4×6 photo.
Take a piece of 35mm film, scale it up so the short side is 4 inches, and the long side will be 6 inches.
As you scale up, you can then predict whether or not your images will need to be cropped, depending on the size of print you want to make, so if a 4×6 requires no cropping, the neither will an 8×12, a 16×24 and so on.
Now, it’s important to note that not all cameras have the same aspect ratio. Different types of cameras have different aspect ratios, medium format cameras for example often use a 1:1 square format or something much closer called 6:4.5. Some cameras even shoot cinematic style images at 16:9
And let’s not forget about our trusty smartphones, which have a 4:3 aspect ratio that’s slightly different from the 4×6 format. When we print smartphone photos, we often have to crop the corners to make them fit into the 4×6 size. So, be prepared for a bit of cropping if you’re printing from your phone.
What is a 4×6 photo in different units of measure?
Are you curious about the size of a 4×6 photo in different units of measurement? Let me break it down for you.
What is a 4×6 photo in centimetres
In centimetres, the 4×6 format measures 10.16 x 15.24 cm (or 10×15 cm), while in millimetres, it measures 101.6 x 152.4 mm.
What is a 4×6 photo in Pixels
A 4×6 photo measured in pixels is a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels.
Which format is better 4×6 0r 5×7?
Are you stuck between the classic 4×6 or the slightly larger 5×7 photo format?
What difference can an inch make? (get your mind out of the sewer!)
First, it’s important to note that both formats are widely used and are the two most common size of photo frame available on the high street.
If you look around your family home, the vast majority of the pictures are likely to be 4×6 or 5×7, so this comes down to space as much as anything, as of course, the bigger the picture, the more space it takes up on your mantelpiece.
However, if you’re limited by the frame itself, then of course you have no choice, a 4×6 frame needs a 4×6 photo. Being smaller a 4×6 will also be cheaper than a 7×5.
But what if you have a highly detailed picture, like a landscape? In this case, the 5×7 format may be the better choice because it covers a larger area and allows you to appreciate all the intricate details.
Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong choice when it comes to photo formats. It all comes down to what you think would best suit your needs. So, whether you choose the classic 4×6 or the slightly larger 5×7, rest assured that both formats are fantastic options and will help you preserve your memories no problemo.
Tips for printing
IF you’re printing your image at home (I HATE PRINTERS), then do be sure to make a test print first on a scrap piece of paper.
There are few things as annoying than loading up your finest photo paper to find out your printer is printing weird lines, smudging or just randomly cropping part of the image.
Printer ink is expensive, so minimise your waste (and frustration) by making a test print first.
Conclusion
So, we now know that a 4×6 photo is 4 inches by 6 inches long.
The 4×6 photo format has been a favourite ever since 35mm film was introduced to the masses. It’s no surprise that this size has become the go-to for personal photo albums and frames. It’s versatile and is easy to use, because it’s default size of print fits into most default size of frame or album.