Ratio guide
2:3 ratio print sizes
2:3 print sizes are 4 × 6, 8 × 12, 12 × 18, 16 × 24, 20 × 30 and 24 × 36 in; at 300 DPI the largest, 24 × 36 in, needs 7200 × 10800 px.
The 2:3 ratio is the shape of standard photo prints and most posters, from 4 × 6 up to 24 × 36 in. If a listing includes only one file, this is the one.
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What sizes are 2:3?
Every size below has the same shape, so one file at 24 × 36 in (7200 × 10800 px) prints correctly at all of them. Pixel dimensions are inches × 300.
| Size (in) | Size (cm) | Pixels @ 300 DPI | Pixels @ 150 DPI | Frames |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 × 6 in 4x6 photo size | 10.2 × 15.2 cm | 1200 × 1800 | 600 × 900 | Photo frames |
| 8 × 12 in | 20.3 × 30.5 cm | 2400 × 3600 | 1200 × 1800 | Photo frames |
| 12 × 18 in 12x18 photo size | 30.5 × 45.7 cm | 3600 × 5400 | 1800 × 2700 | Poster frames · 30 × 45 cm |
| 16 × 24 in | 40.6 × 61 cm | 4800 × 7200 | 2400 × 3600 | Poster frames |
| 20 × 30 in 20x30 photo size | 50.8 × 76.2 cm | 6000 × 9000 | 3000 × 4500 | Poster frames |
| 24 × 36 in 24x36 photo size | 61 × 91.4 cm | 7200 × 10800 | 3600 × 5400 | Poster frames · 61 × 91 cm |
What is the 2:3 ratio used for?
Posters, photography, typography prints and anything sold as a "poster-size" download. It is the default shape of photo labs and big-box print counters, so buyers can print it anywhere with no adjustment.
Which frames fit a 2:3 print?
4 × 6 and 8 × 12 fit photo frames; 12 × 18, 16 × 24, 20 × 30 and 24 × 36 are poster frames, often sold with or without a mat. In metric markets look for 61 × 91 cm (24 × 36) and 30 × 45 cm (12 × 18).
How much is cropped when you convert art to 2:3?
From 3:4 or 4:5 art, 2:3 is taller and narrower: you lose about 11% (from 3:4) or 17% (from 4:5) of the width. Keep subjects away from the left and right edges.
In FrameReady, drag the photo to choose what's in the 2:3 frame (or use the arrow buttons), or switch that ratio to "Fit + pad" to keep the whole image.
What resolution do you need for a 24 × 36 in print?
To be print-ready at 24 × 36 in without upscaling, your source needs at least 7200 × 10800 px after cropping to 2:3. The absolute floor (150 DPI) is 3600 × 5400 px. More on this in DPI explained. Below that, drop to the next size down rather than ship a soft file.
Frequently asked questions about the 2:3 ratio
Is 2:3 the same as 4:6?
Yes — 4 × 6 reduces to 2:3. So do 8 × 12, 12 × 18, 16 × 24, 20 × 30 and 24 × 36.
What pixel size is 24 × 36 at 300 DPI?
7200 × 10800 px. At 150 DPI it is 3600 × 5400 px.
Can buyers print a 2:3 file at 8 × 10?
Not without cropping — 8 × 10 is 4:5. That is why the standard pack includes a separate 4:5 file.