Standard photographic print sizes
Encyclopedia
Standard photographic print sizes are used in photographic printing
. Cut sheets of paper meant for printing photographs are commonly sold in these sizes.
They are often denoted with a code of the format nR, where the number n represents the length of the shorter edge in inches. In the normal series, the long edge is the length of the short edge plus 2 inches (10" or less) or 3 inches (11" and above). The alternative Super series, denoted SnR, has an aspect ratio
of 3:2 (or as close as possible) and thus provides a better fit for standard 135 film
(35mm) at sizes of 8 inches or above.
In Japan, the same print sizes (and several additional ones) are known by different names. The Japanese L is equivalent to 3R, while 2L — twice the size — matches 5R. KG represents the size of a traditional 4"×6" (4R) Japanese postcard (hagaki). The nP or series are defined in reference to a of 457×560 mm, with smaller numbers (fewer cuts) indicating larger sizes.
Unlike ISO 216
paper sizes, the aspect ratios of photographic prints vary, so exact scaling of prints is not always possible. However, there are some logical correspondences between the sizes, noted below when applicable.
Many of the standard sizes are the same as sheet film formats, and are appropriate for making contact sheets from these films.
Photographic printing
Photographic printing is the process of producing a final image on paper for viewing, using chemically sensitized paper. The paper is exposed to a photographic negative, a positive transparency , or a digital image file projected using an enlarger or digital exposure unit such as a LightJet printer...
. Cut sheets of paper meant for printing photographs are commonly sold in these sizes.
They are often denoted with a code of the format nR, where the number n represents the length of the shorter edge in inches. In the normal series, the long edge is the length of the short edge plus 2 inches (10" or less) or 3 inches (11" and above). The alternative Super series, denoted SnR, has an aspect ratio
Aspect ratio (image)
The aspect ratio of an image is the ratio of the width of the image to its height, expressed as two numbers separated by a colon. That is, for an x:y aspect ratio, no matter how big or small the image is, if the width is divided into x units of equal length and the height is measured using this...
of 3:2 (or as close as possible) and thus provides a better fit for standard 135 film
135 film
The term 135 was introduced by Kodak in 1934 as a designation for cartridge film wide, specifically for still photography. It quickly grew in popularity, surpassing 120 film by the late 1960s to become the most popular photographic film format...
(35mm) at sizes of 8 inches or above.
In Japan, the same print sizes (and several additional ones) are known by different names. The Japanese L is equivalent to 3R, while 2L — twice the size — matches 5R. KG represents the size of a traditional 4"×6" (4R) Japanese postcard (hagaki). The nP or series are defined in reference to a of 457×560 mm, with smaller numbers (fewer cuts) indicating larger sizes.
Unlike ISO 216
ISO 216
ISO 216 specifies international standard paper sizes used in most countries in the world today. It defines the "A" and "B" series of paper sizes, including A4, the most commonly available size...
paper sizes, the aspect ratios of photographic prints vary, so exact scaling of prints is not always possible. However, there are some logical correspondences between the sizes, noted below when applicable.
Many of the standard sizes are the same as sheet film formats, and are appropriate for making contact sheets from these films.
Table of some common sizes
| Japan | Size (in.) | Size (mm) | 300ppi (pixels/in.) | Aspect ratio Aspect ratio The aspect ratio of a shape is the ratio of its longer dimension to its shorter dimension. It may be applied to two characteristic dimensions of a three-dimensional shape, such as the ratio of the longest and shortest axis, or for symmetrical objects that are described by just two measurements,... |
Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E | 3¼" × 4½ | 82.5 × 120 mm | 974 × 1417 px | 16:11 (1.45) | Size in inches is approximate | |
| 3R | L | 3½" × 5" | 89 × 127 mm | 1050 × 1500 px | 10:7 (1.43) | Called "9 × 13 cm" worldwide. |
| 4R | KG | 4" × 6" | 102 × 152 mm | 1200 × 1800 px | 3:2 (1.5) | Standard 135 film 135 film The term 135 was introduced by Kodak in 1934 as a designation for cartridge film wide, specifically for still photography. It quickly grew in popularity, surpassing 120 film by the late 1960s to become the most popular photographic film format... & print size in US, Canada, Australia and India. Called "10 × 15 cm" worldwide. |
| 4D | 4.5" × 6" | 114 x 152 mm | 1350 x 1800 px | 4:3 (1.33) | New size for most consumer level digital cameras and Micro 4/3 cameras. | |
| 5R | 2L | 5" × 7" | 127 × 178 mm | 1500 × 2100 px | 7:5 (1.4) | Twice the size of a 3R print. Called "13 × 18 cm" worldwide. |
| 6R | 8P | 6" × 8" | 152 × 203 mm | 1800 × 2400 px | 4:3 (1.33) | Twice the size of a 4R print. |
| 8R | 6P | 8" × 10" | 203 × 254 mm | 2400 × 3000 px | 5:4 (1.25) | Can be used for contact prints from 8x10 film. Called "20 × 25 cm" worldwide. |
| S8R | 6PW | 8" × 12" | 203 × 305 mm | 2400 × 3600 px | 3:2 (1.5) | Closest approximation to A4 (210×297mm), twice the size of a 6R print. Called "20 × 30 cm" worldwide. |
| 10R | 4P | 10" × 12" | 254 × 305 mm | 3000 × 3600 px | 6:5 (1.2) | |
| S10R | 4PW | 10" × 15" | 254 × 381 mm | 3000 × 4500 px | 3:2 (1.5) | |
| 11R | 11" × 14" | 279 × 356 mm | 3300 × 4200 px | 14:11 (1.27) | Called "28 × 36 cm" worldwide. | |
| S11R | 11" × 17" | 279 × 432 mm | 3300 × 5100 px | 17:11 (1.54) | ||
| 12R | 12" × 15" | 305 × 381 mm | 3600 × 4500 px | 5:4 (1.25) | ||
| S12R | 12" × 18" | 305 × 457 mm | 3600 × 5500 px | 3:2 (1.5) |