How Big Is a 5x7 Photo?

A 5x7 photo is 5 inches by 7 inches. The long edge is 7 inches, and the short edge is 5 inches. A 5x7 photo and a 7x5 photo are the same, depending on how the image is oriented.

A 5x7 picture is larger than a 4x6 photo but relatively small compared to an 8x10 or 16x20 photo.

Knowing 5x7 photo dimensions helps you decide if it is large enough for your purposes, where to best display the photo including the right viewing distance, and choices for mounting and framing.

Our 5x7 photo size guide gives full dimensions, best uses for 5x7 and 7x5 pictures, comparing this size to other common photo sizes, how to print 5x7 photos and more.

What Are the Dimensions of a 5x7 Photo?

A 5x7 photo is 5 inches by 7 inches. If the camera is held horizontally, the image will be 5 inches high and 7 inches wide. When the picture is taken vertically, the picture is 5 inches wide and 7 inches high.

In terms of feet, a 5x7 picture is .42 feet by .58 feet. In metric measurements, a 5x7 photograph is 12.7x17.8 centimeters, also written as 12.7x17.8 cm. Multiply those dimensions by 10 for millimeters, or 127x178 mm.

What Is the Aspect Ratio of a 5x7?

The aspect ratio of a 5x7 picture is 5:7, which can also be written 7:5. The order of the numbers isn’t important – the relationship is the key. The ratio is always the relationship between the height and the width of the photo. 5:7 can be reduced to 2.5:3 or 1:1.4.

One of the issues with a 5x7 or 7x5 photo is that few DSLR or mirrorless cameras have a 5:7 ratio. Common aspect ratios are 3:2, which is most popular, as well as 1:1 or square, 4:3 and 16:9. As a result, a 5x7 print will require that something from the original image be cropped out of it. When shooting with a 5x7 print in mind, consider a composition that will allow you to crop the photo without losing anything essential.

Why are 5x7 Photos Popular?

5x7 pictures are popular due to their small but versatile size. While 4x6 photos are the most popular, 5x7s are a close second. The 5x7 photograph size is larger than 4x6, so you can show more detail or a larger group.

There are many 5x7 frames available, and the size is excellent for displaying on desks, countertops, shelves and mantels. This also makes a nice gift size. And 5x7 and 7x5 photo prints are more affordable than larger sizes.

Popular Uses of 5x7 Photos

Due to the versatility of the 5x7 photo dimensions, they are popular for many types of photos and for various uses. Here’s why.

• Size: You can capture more of the scene in a 5x7 vs smaller prints or, conversely, get more detail in a closer shot.  
• Frames: As noted, a nice variety of 5x7 / 7x5 photo frames are available in assorted colors and materials. You can also place a 5x7 picture in a larger frame, such as 8x10, with a border around the print.
• Albums: As with frames, a wide range of 5x7 photo albums give you attractive options.
• Scrapbooks: A 5x7 horizontal print or 7x5 vertical print fit well on a scrapbook page with room for writing or decorations.

• Digital displays: This size also works well in digital picture frames like the Aura Mason, Amazon Echo Show, Google Nest Hub or Max and the Samsung Frame.

Image from Pexels

Pros and Cons of a 5x7 Photo Compared to Other Common Sizes

How do 5x7 pictures compare to common sizes from postcard or 4x6 size to 16x20s or panoramic larger sizes? Here are advantages and disadvantages of this photo size.

The pros of 5x7 photos begin with their convenient and versatile size. They are usable for most types of photography including portraits, newborns and babies, pets, group shots, nature, candid, travel and leisure.

They fit nicely in a picture frame, photo album or digital frame for display just about anywhere they can be viewed from within a few feet.

The cons of 5x7s start with the aspect ratio being different from most camera sensors. This means that the image taken by a 3:2, 4:3 or 1:1 camera will have to be cropped to print in 5x7. This isn’t true with 4x6 photos because they have a 3:2 aspect ratio, which is the same as most digital cameras, and all of the image can be printed.

Also, the 5x7 size isn’t as large as 8x10, 11x14, 16x20 or larger pictures. This means that it can’t be viewed from a distance of more than a few feet. And this size isn’t as suitable for getting detail on large shots like landscapes, cityscapes or large group photos as an 11x14 or larger photo is. The 5x7 size simply isn’t high impact. The best viewing distance for 5x7s is 12” to 24” or 1-2 feet.

What Are the Best Subjects for 5x7 Photos?

Since 5x7 and 7x5 are relatively small photos, here are typical subjects printed at this size.

• Portraits of individuals or a small family grouping.
• Close-ups of 1-3 people, perhaps from the waist up or just faces.
• ID or passport photos.
• Pet photos.
• Newborns, babies and toddlers.
• Products or small objects such as jewelry, cameras, lenses, collectibles, small food items or their ingredients.
• Nature pictures and macro shots of flowers, birds, insects, leaves, or small trees.
• Candid photos from parties or gatherings when fine detail isn’t important.
• Travel photos – this size fits a 5x7 photo album.

Image from Pexels

5x7 Photo Pixels and Prints

Any camera with 3.15 megapixel sensors is sufficient for producing high-quality 5x7 prints.

300 PPI or 300 points per inch, also called dots per inch (DPI), is considered necessary for high-quality prints. 200 PPI is average quality for picture printing.

At 300 PPI, a 5x7 picture is 1500 pixels by 2100 pixels.

At 200 PPI average quality prints, a 5x7 photo is 1000 x 1400 pixels or 1.4 megapixels. Nearly any camera including smartphone cameras, have high enough resolution for 5x7 photo prints. For example, the iPhone 8 has a 12 megapixel rear camera; the iPhone X (or 10) has a 12 megapixel rear camera.

What is the Best Camera Sensor Ratio for Taking 5x7 Photos?

The best camera sensor ratio for taking 5x7 photos is a 3:2, the sensor size used in most digital mirrorless and DSLR cameras.

Images will have to be cropped when printed 5x7 or 7x5, but more of the original image will be preserved. In other words, the cropping will be less severe when shot with a 3:2 aspect ratio than when the image is taken with other common ratios including 1:1 or 4:3.