Ratio guide
3:4 ratio print sizes
3:4 print sizes are 6 × 8, 9 × 12, 12 × 16 and 18 × 24 in; at 300 DPI the largest, 18 × 24 in, needs 5400 × 7200 px.
3:4 covers 6 × 8, 9 × 12, 12 × 16 and 18 × 24 in — and the 30 × 40 cm frames sold across Europe. It sits between 2:3 and 4:5 and can't be swapped for either.
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What sizes are 3:4?
Every size below has the same shape, so one file at 18 × 24 in (5400 × 7200 px) prints correctly at all of them. Pixel dimensions are inches × 300.
| Size (in) | Size (cm) | Pixels @ 300 DPI | Pixels @ 150 DPI | Frames |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 × 8 in | 15.2 × 20.3 cm | 1800 × 2400 | 900 × 1200 | Desk frames |
| 9 × 12 in | 22.9 × 30.5 cm | 2700 × 3600 | 1350 × 1800 | Shelf frames |
| 12 × 16 in 12x16 photo size | 30.5 × 40.6 cm | 3600 × 4800 | 1800 × 2400 | Wall frames · 30 × 40 cm |
| 18 × 24 in 18x24 photo size | 45.7 × 61 cm | 5400 × 7200 | 2700 × 3600 | Wall frames · 45 × 60 cm |
What is the 3:4 ratio used for?
Illustrations and portrait-format art that feel too narrow at 2:3. 12 × 16 and 18 × 24 are common nursery and office sizes, and 30 × 40 cm is one of the most widely stocked frame sizes in Europe.
Which frames fit a 3:4 print?
6 × 8 and 9 × 12 suit desk and shelf frames; 12 × 16 and 18 × 24 are wall frames. Metric buyers use 30 × 40 cm (≈ 12 × 16) and 45 × 60 cm (18 × 24).
How much is cropped when you convert art to 3:4?
From 2:3 art you lose about 11% of the height; from 4:5 you lose about 6% of the width. 3:4 is the gentlest middle ground, which is why it is the best "second file" after 2:3.
In FrameReady, drag the photo to choose what's in the 3:4 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 18 × 24 in print?
To be print-ready at 18 × 24 in without upscaling, your source needs at least 5400 × 7200 px after cropping to 3:4. The absolute floor (150 DPI) is 2700 × 3600 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 3:4 ratio
What size is 18 × 24 in pixels?
5400 × 7200 px at 300 DPI.
Is 3:4 the same as 9 × 12?
Yes, and the same as 6 × 8, 12 × 16 and 30 × 40 cm.
Do I need 3:4 if I already have 4:5?
Yes. Printing a 4:5 file in a 12 × 16 frame leaves a visible gap or crop.