To create the perfect prints, it’s important to understand the relationship between aspect ratios and common print sizes. This guide will walk you through what each of these measurements means and how to use them to select the right print sizes for each of your projects.
Understanding Print Sizes and Aspect Ratios
- Print Size: This refers to the physical dimensions of a printed photo, like 5x7 inches, 8x10 inches, or 16x20 inches.
- Aspect Ratio: This describes the proportional relationship between an image’s width and height. It’s represented by two numbers separated by a colon, for example, 4:3 or 16:9, which indicate how the image width compares to the height.
To choose a print size for your image, you’ll need to convert the print size measurement into an aspect ratio. Then, select print sizes with the same aspect ratio as your image to avoid cropping or stretching.
How to Convert Print Size to Aspect Ratio
To convert a print size to an aspect ratio, you’ll need to divide the length of one side by the length of another to get the difference between the two sides. Then, you’ll need to convert the number you get into a ratio factor.
This involves a bit of tricky math, so we’ve included the ratios of common print sizes below for easy reference. You can also use an online ratio calculator to find the aspect ratio of any common print size.
Common Aspect Ratios and Their Corresponding Print Sizes
2:3 – This is one of the most common photography ratios and corresponds to a lot of common print sizes, including:
- 4x6
- 6x9
- 8x12
- 16x24
- 24x36
- 30x45
- 36x54
- 40x60
3:4 – This versatile ratio is often used in fine art and certain types of photography. It strikes a balance between square and rectangular formats. Common print sizes in this ratio include:
- 6x8
- 9x12
- 12x16
- 18x24
- 24x32
- 30x40
- 36x48
4:5 – This is a slightly more square ratio than 3:4 and is a favorite ratio for portraits. Common print sizes in this ratio include:
- 4x5
- 8x10
- 16x20
- 24x30
- 32x40
- 40x50
1:1 – Known as a square ratio, 1:1 was popularized by social media and medium format photography but is also a favorite for creating modern gallery walls. Since the length and height ratio are equal, the same will be true for the print size, leaving you with print sizes like:
- 6x6
- 4x4
- 10x10
- 16x16
- 24x24
- 36x36
- 40x40
How Aspect Ratios Affect Cropping and Final Output
When you print an image with an aspect ratio that doesn’t match the print size, the image may be cropped to fit. For example, if you print a 16:9 image on an 8x10 print (4:5 ratio), parts of the image will be cut off on either side, so choosing the right ratio is key to maintaining the integrity of your original composition.
How to Minimize Unwanted Cropping
- Plan Ahead: Consider the final print size and frame shape you want to use when you shoot your images. If you know your goal is an 8x10 frame, compose your shot with that in mind. Many digital cameras even include the option to add guidelines for common ratios over your viewfinder or preview screen to help with shot composition.
- Use the Crop Tool: Prior to sending your image to print, use the crop tool in your image editing software to crop your image to the correct aspect ratio, positioning the crop so the most important parts of your image are preserved.
FAQs
What happens if my image’s aspect ratio doesn’t match the print size?
The image may be cropped to fit, which could cut off parts of the image.
My image doesn’t perfectly match an available print size, is there a way to print the entire image without any cropping?
If your image doesn’t exactly match the ratio of the print size you want to print, consider adding a border to it. This will allow the image to fit inside the dimensions of your print without cropping any edges. Additionally, you can always place a custom order with us via email. Contact us for assistance.
Need Help Selecting The Right Print Sizes? We’ve Got You Covered!
If you’re still unsure about what print size is right for your next project, our team at The Stackhouse is here to help! Contact us to learn about all our available print options. We can help you select the perfect paper and finishes to make your images shine!
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