Photo and drawing paperPS-09
Photo print sizes in Japan: dimensions and ratios of L-size, 2L-size, KG, Rokugiri and Yotsugiri, how phone photos get cropped, pixel counts and frames
There are about ten photo print sizes, from L-size to Zenshi. We show the chart first, then explain ratios, how phone photos get cropped, pixel counts and choosing a frame, step by step.
In this article (14 sections)
- Conclusion: What does the photo print size chart look like?
- How do you check photo print sizes with the calculator?
How are photo print size names decided?1
- How do photo print sizes split up by aspect ratio?
How much of a phone photo gets cut off at each photo print size?3
How many pixels does each photo print size need?1
- What frame fits photo print sizes?
- How do photo print sizes differ from A4 and postcards?
- How are ID photo sizes decided?
- What are common mistakes with photo print sizes?
- What terms come up with photo print sizes?
- What other articles go with photo print sizes?
- Sources
In Japan, photo print sizes are usually chosen by print names such as L-size and 2L-size. The same names are used both at photo shops and on printers.
However, photo print sizes vary in shape (the ratio of width to height). Even with the same phone photo, how much gets cut off changes with the size you print.
Here is the key point. Choose photo print sizes by "ratio" before size, and you will not go wrong.
This article covers the following:
- Dimensions of DSC, L-size, KG, 2L-size, Rokugiri, Yotsugiri, Wide Yotsugiri, Hangiri and Zenshi
- How photo size names are decided (and how they relate to inches)
- Four groups by aspect ratio
- How much of a phone photo (4:3, 3:2, 16:9) gets cut off
- The pixel count each size needs, and whether phone photos are enough
- How to choose a frame
- ID photo sizes
- Common mistakes
Dimensions are shown in tables based on documents from makers (Epson and Canon) and a photo shop.
Conclusion: What does the photo print size chart look like?
| Size | mm (w × h) | inches | px (300 dpi) |
|---|---|---|---|
| L (photo) | 89 × 127 | 3.5 × 5 | 1051 × 1500 |
| 2L (photo) | 127 × 178 | 5 × 7.01 | 1500 × 2102 |
| DSC (4:3 photo) | 89 × 119 | 3.5 × 4.69 | 1051 × 1406 |
| KG (4 × 6 in photo) | 102 × 152 | 4.02 × 5.98 | 1205 × 1795 |
| Rokugiri (8 × 10 in photo) | 203 × 254 | 7.99 × 10 | 2398 × 3000 |
| Wide Rokugiri (photo) | 203 × 305 | 7.99 × 12.01 | 2398 × 3602 |
| Yotsugiri (10 × 12 in photo) | 254 × 305 | 10 × 12.01 | 3000 × 3602 |
| Wide Yotsugiri (photo) | 254 × 366 | 10 × 14.41 | 3000 × 4323 |
| Hangiri (14 × 17 in photo) | 356 × 432 | 14.02 × 17.01 | 4205 × 5102 |
| Zenshi (photo) | 457 × 560 | 17.99 × 22.05 | 5398 × 6614 |
Source (7)
- Fujifilm, multifunction printer photo prints (L and 2L are customary, not formal standards)
- Camera no Kitamura, print size guide (photo shop listing)
- Epson Japan, photo paper sizes (KG)
- Epson Japan, photo paper sizes (Rokugiri)
- Epson Japan, photo paper sizes (Yotsugiri)
- Camera no Kitamura, print size guide (Canon software lists "Wide Yotsugiri" as 10 × 15 in, a longer long side)
- Epson Japan, photo paper sizes (Hangiri)
The table shows dimensions in "short side × long side" order. px is the pixel count when printing at 300dpi.
As the table shows, the area ranges more than about 20 times from L-size to Zenshi. L-size and 2L-size are the everyday sizes; for display, Rokugiri and Yotsugiri.
If you are not sure, use these guidelines:
- For albums or handing out to people: L-size, KG
- For a desk or shelf: 2L-size
- For a wall or commemorative photos: Rokugiri, Yotsugiri
- For photo exhibitions and large works: Wide Yotsugiri, Hangiri, Zenshi
How L-size and 2L-size crop photos is covered in more detail in L-size photo.
How do you check photo print sizes with the calculator?
Choose a photo print size such as "Rokugiri" in the tool above to get the pixel count at each dpi. The same tool also converts between mm and inches.
The tool runs entirely in your browser. The values you enter are not sent anywhere.
How are photo print size names decided?
Photo print size names are not standards but customary names for photo prints. Rokugiri, Yotsugiri and Hangiri come from round numbers of inches.
Canon's photo glossary explains them with the following inches:
| Name | Inches | Name group |
|---|---|---|
| Yatsugiri | 6.5 × 8.5 | Traditional name for photographic paper |
| Rokugiri | 8 × 10 | Traditional name for photographic paper |
| Yotsugiri | 10 × 12 | Traditional name for photographic paper |
| Hangiri | 14 × 17 | Traditional name for photographic paper |
| KG | 4 × 6 | The same size as the 4 × 6 inch prints used overseas |
| L-size, 2L-size | about 3.5 × 5, about 5 × 7 | Japanese photo print names |
To convert inches to mm, multiply by 25.4. For Rokugiri, 8 × 25.4 ≈ 203 and 10 × 25.4 = 254.
Sizes with "Wide" in the name are the base size stretched along the long side. Wide Yotsugiri keeps the short side of Yotsugiri and makes only the long side longer.
Do photo print sizes differ by shop?
Yes. Even with the same name, sizes can differ by a few millimeters between shops and makers.
The biggest difference is in Wide Yotsugiri. The value in the table is the photo shop's value.
In Canon's software, "Wide Yotsugiri" is 10 × 15 inches. The long side is 15 × 25.4 = 381mm, longer than in the table.
When matching a frame, check the dimensions from the shop you order from.
How do photo print sizes split up by aspect ratio?
Photo print sizes fall into four groups by aspect ratio. The ratio is calculated as "long side ÷ short side".
| Group | Photo print sizes | Long side ÷ short side | Photos that fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Close to 4:3 | DSC | about 1.34 | Phones and compact cameras (4:3) |
| Close to 5:7 | L-size, 2L-size, Wide Yotsugiri | about 1.40 to 1.44 | Photos cropped to 5:7 |
| Close to 3:2 | KG, Wide Rokugiri | about 1.49 to 1.50 | Interchangeable-lens cameras (3:2) |
| Close to square | Rokugiri, Yotsugiri, Hangiri, Zenshi | about 1.20 to 1.25 | Photos cropped to 4:5 or similar |
Here are some example calculations:
- DSC: 119 ÷ 89 ≈ 1.34
- KG: 152 ÷ 102 ≈ 1.49
- Yotsugiri: 305 ÷ 254 ≈ 1.20
What matters here is that Rokugiri and Yotsugiri are close to square. The larger the size, the more of a wide photo's edges get cut off.
How much of a phone photo gets cut off at each photo print size?
When the photo print size and the photo's ratio differ, the edges get cut off when you print to fill the paper. The calculated share that is cut off is in the table below.
| Photo print size | 4:3 photo | 3:2 photo | 16:9 photo |
|---|---|---|---|
| DSC | about 0.3% | about 10.9% | about 24.8% |
| L-size | about 6.6% | about 4.9% | about 19.7% |
| KG | about 10.5% | about 0.7% | about 16.2% |
| 2L-size | about 4.9% | about 6.6% | about 21.2% |
| Rokugiri | about 6.2% | about 16.6% | about 29.6% |
| Wide Rokugiri | about 11.3% | about 0.2% | about 15.5% |
| Yotsugiri | about 9.9% | about 19.9% | about 32.5% |
| Wide Yotsugiri | about 7.5% | about 3.9% | about 18.9% |
| Hangiri | about 9.0% | about 19.1% | about 31.7% |
The shares in the table assume the long direction of the photo is lined up with the long direction of the paper. The part that is cut off is split equally between the two sides.
Which photo print size suits a 4:3 photo?
DSC is a near-exact fit for 4:3 photos. 2L-size and Rokugiri also cut off relatively little.
The iPhone camera lets you choose a ratio of 4:3, 16:9 or 1:1. For everyday phone photos, choosing DSC or 2L-size keeps cropping down.
Which size suits a 3:2 photo from an interchangeable-lens camera?
KG and Wide Rokugiri are near-exact fits for 3:2 photos. Yotsugiri and Hangiri cut off about a fifth of the photo.
A photo shop's guide also describes Wide Rokugiri as a size that cuts almost nothing from 35mm film photos. To display 3:2 photos large, Wide Rokugiri or Wide Yotsugiri suits them.
Does a 16:9 photo get cut off at every size?
Yes. At the sizes in this table, every 16:9 photo loses 15% or more.
There is a print size close to 16:9 called HV (Hi-Vision). Its dimensions vary by shop and maker, so check them on the order screen.
Printing a wide photo on Yotsugiri tends to cut off the people at both ends. It is a good idea to decide where to crop it yourself before printing.
How many pixels does each photo print size need?
The pixel counts each photo print size needs for printing at 300dpi are in the table below. Today's phone photos are enough up to about Yotsugiri.
| Size | px (150 dpi) | px (300 dpi) | px (350 dpi) |
|---|---|---|---|
| L (photo) | 526 × 750 | 1051 × 1500 | 1226 × 1750 |
| 2L (photo) | 750 × 1051 | 1500 × 2102 | 1750 × 2453 |
| KG (4 × 6 in photo) | 602 × 898 | 1205 × 1795 | 1406 × 2094 |
| Rokugiri (8 × 10 in photo) | 1199 × 1500 | 2398 × 3000 | 2797 × 3500 |
| Yotsugiri (10 × 12 in photo) | 1500 × 1801 | 3000 × 3602 | 3500 × 4203 |
| Wide Yotsugiri (photo) | 1500 × 2161 | 3000 × 4323 | 3500 × 5043 |
| Hangiri (14 × 17 in photo) | 2102 × 2551 | 4205 × 5102 | 4906 × 5953 |
| Zenshi (photo) | 2699 × 3307 | 5398 × 6614 | 6297 × 7717 |
Source (7)
- Fujifilm, multifunction printer photo prints (L and 2L are customary, not formal standards)
- Epson Japan, photo paper sizes (KG)
- Epson Japan, photo paper sizes (Rokugiri)
- Epson Japan, photo paper sizes (Yotsugiri)
- Camera no Kitamura, print size guide (Canon software lists "Wide Yotsugiri" as 10 × 15 in, a longer long side)
- Epson Japan, photo paper sizes (Hangiri)
- Camera no Kitamura, print size guide (photo shop listing)
The formula is side length (mm) ÷ 25.4 × dpi. For Yotsugiri, 254 ÷ 25.4 × 300 = 3000px.
Canon's print lessons give 200 to 300ppi as the guideline for inkjet. The larger the print, the farther away it is viewed, so a somewhat lower value is enough.
Up to which photo print size can you print phone photos?
A 12-megapixel photo (4032 × 3024) gives about 300dpi at Yotsugiri. Even at Hangiri it gives about 216dpi, above the guideline of 200.
The dpi you get when a 12-megapixel photo is printed to fill the paper is as follows:
| Photo print size | 12-megapixel photo | 48-megapixel photo |
|---|---|---|
| L-size | about 806dpi | about 1613dpi |
| 2L-size | about 575dpi | about 1151dpi |
| Rokugiri | about 378dpi | about 757dpi |
| Yotsugiri | about 302dpi | about 605dpi |
| Wide Yotsugiri | about 280dpi | about 560dpi |
| Hangiri | about 216dpi | about 432dpi |
| Zenshi | about 168dpi | about 336dpi |
The formula is the photo's pixels ÷ the paper side in inches. Of the two sides, the smaller value is used. A photo taken at 48 megapixels exceeds 300dpi even at Zenshi.
The photo shop chain Camera no Kitamura shows recommended pixel counts for Hangiri and Zenshi. Both work out to 10 pixels per 1mm (about 254dpi).
Photos sent through messaging apps are sometimes shrunk. For large prints, use the original photo you took.
What frame fits photo print sizes?
Photo frames are usually chosen by photo print size names, such as "Rokugiri" and "Yotsugiri". Their inner dimensions are made to fit that size.
A frame has the following three dimensions:
| Frame dimension | What it means | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Inner dimensions | The size of the part that holds the photo | Whether it matches the photo print size |
| Outer dimensions | The size of the whole frame including the border | Whether it fits on the wall or shelf |
| Mat opening | The visible part of the mat board | How much of the photo's edges is hidden |
A frame with a mat is built to hold a small photo in a larger frame. The opening hides the edges of the photo, so do not place important people at the edges.
What to watch out for is that the same name can mean different sizes. Photo Yotsugiri, drawing paper yotsugiri and sketch-frame yotsugiri all have different dimensions.
| Size | mm (w × h) | cm |
|---|---|---|
| Yotsugiri (10 × 12 in photo) | 254 × 305 | 25.4 × 30.5 |
| Drawing paper, yotsugiri (quarter sheet) | 392 × 543 | 39.2 × 54.3 |
Source: Epson Japan, photo paper sizes (Yotsugiri) / Daio Paper, Fresh Color drawing paper, yotsugiri (100-sheet pack)
The difference from drawing paper yotsugiri is explained in drawing paper sizes. For frames, checking the inner dimensions in mm rather than the name is the sure way.
How do photo print sizes differ from A4 and postcards?
KG is a little larger than a Japanese postcard, and Rokugiri is a little smaller than A4. Side by side, they compare as in the table below.
| Size | mm (w × h) | inches |
|---|---|---|
| A4 | 210 × 297 | 8.27 × 11.69 |
| Japanese postcard | 100 × 148 | 3.94 × 5.83 |
| 2L (photo) | 127 × 178 | 5 × 7.01 |
| KG (4 × 6 in photo) | 102 × 152 | 4.02 × 5.98 |
| Rokugiri (8 × 10 in photo) | 203 × 254 | 7.99 × 10 |
| Yotsugiri (10 × 12 in photo) | 254 × 305 | 10 × 12.01 |
Source (6)
KG is sometimes called "postcard size", but its dimensions are not the same as a postcard's. Photo shop guides also list it as a separate size.
Rokugiri and A4 are close in area. In shape, Rokugiri is closer to a square.
- Rokugiri: 254 ÷ 203 ≈ 1.25
- A4: 297 ÷ 210 ≈ 1.41
For printing large at home, A4 photo paper is the easiest size to find. How to print photos on postcards is explained in the postcard size article.
How are ID photo sizes decided?
ID photo sizes are set by wherever you submit the photo. For passport photos, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs sets the dimensions.
| Size | mm (w × h) | cm |
|---|---|---|
| Passport photo (Japan) | 35 × 45 | 3.5 × 4.5 |
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, passport photo standard
Passport photo rules cover not only the paper size but also the length of the face and the space above the head. The standard is based on recommendations from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
For resumes and other applications, follow the requirements of each place you apply to. Even "ID photos" differ in size depending on where they are submitted.
Some convenience store print services print several ID photos side by side on L-size paper. Details are in L-size photo.
What are common mistakes with photo print sizes?
The most common is printing a wide photo on Rokugiri or Yotsugiri and having a lot cut off at both ends. The mistakes people ask about most are in the table below.
| Mistake | What happens | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Printing a 16:9 photo on Yotsugiri | About 30% in total is cut from both ends | Decide where to crop before printing |
| Thinking KG and postcards are the same | It does not fit postcard-size holders | Compare the dimensions in the table |
| Buying a Wide Yotsugiri frame at a different shop | The photo's long side does not match | Choose by the dimensions of the shop that printed it |
| Buying a "yotsugiri" frame meant for drawing paper | Photo Yotsugiri does not fit | Choose a frame made for photos |
| Printing large from a shrunk photo | It looks grainy | Use the original photo you took |
| Reusing ID photo dimensions | The place you apply to does not accept it | Check that place's requirements |
Comparing the photo's ratio with the paper's ratio in the tables before printing prevents almost all of these.
What terms come up with photo print sizes?
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| L-size, 2L-size | The typical Japanese photo print names |
| KG | A 4 × 6 inch photo print. Suits 3:2 photos |
| Rokugiri, Yotsugiri, Hangiri | Traditional names for photographic paper. They come from round numbers of inches |
| Wide | Name given to sizes with only the long side stretched |
| Width-to-height ratio | The ratio of the long side to the short side. Also called the aspect ratio |
| dpi, ppi | The number of dots or pixels per inch. Shows how fine the detail is |
| Inner and outer dimensions | The size of the part of a frame that holds the photo, and the size of the whole frame including the border |
| Mat | The board placed around the photo inside a frame |
What are common questions about photo print sizes?
What is the most common photo print size?
L-size is the most common. For a slightly larger display, use 2L-size.
Check the dimensions in the chart above.
How many cm is 2L-size?
2L-size in cm is the mm in the table above divided by 10. It has exactly twice the area of L-size.
The long side of L-size is the same length as the short side of 2L-size.
Are KG and postcards the same size?
No. KG is a little larger than a postcard.
Check the dimensions before putting it in a postcard album or frame.
Which is bigger, Rokugiri or Yotsugiri?
Yotsugiri. It is larger than Rokugiri in both width and height.
The smaller the number in the name, the larger the photo (roku means 6 and yotsu means 4).
How many cm is Wide Yotsugiri?
By the value in the table above, Wide Yotsugiri has a short side of 25.4cm. The long side can differ between shops and makers.
Before buying a frame, check the dimensions from the shop that printed it.
How many pixels is a 3cm × 4cm photo?
At 300dpi, it is about 354 × 472 pixels.
The calculation is as follows:
- 30 ÷ 25.4 × 300 ≈ 354
- 40 ÷ 25.4 × 300 ≈ 472
If the place you apply to specifies a pixel count, follow it.
What other articles go with photo print sizes?
Paper sizesHow Many cm Is L-Size? Differences from 2L and Postcards, Aspect Ratio, Pixels and Printing Without CroppingL-size next to 2L-size and postcards in mm, inches and pixels, how much 4:3 and 16:9 phone photos lose, pixels needed, home and store printing, albums and frames.
Photo and drawing paperWhat size is drawing paper in cm? Yotsugiri and yatsugiri dimensions, how they compare with A and B sizes, school rules and choosing a frameJapanese drawing paper sizes from the full sheet to yotsugiri and yatsugiri in mm and cm, why sources differ by a few mm, vs A and B sizes, school rules and frames.
Envelopes and mailWhat Size Is a Japanese Postcard in cm? Pixels, Aspect Ratio, Japan Post Rules and Making Your OwnJapanese postcard size in cm and pixels by dpi, vs A6 and L-size, aspect ratio, Japan Post rules for return and private postcards, bleed, A4 layout and overseas cards.
ConversionsHow many pixels is A4? A chart by dpi, how the calculation works, and how to make print dataA4 pixel counts at 72, 150, 300 and 350 dpi, how to calculate them, the dpi each use needs, Word, PowerPoint and Photoshop settings, phone photos, and common mistakes.Sources
- Photo paper, photographic paper type (Epson, in Japanese. Photo paper sizes such as KG, Rokugiri, Yotsugiri and Hangiri)
- Photographic paper sizes: photo glossary (Canon, in Japanese. Inch sizes of Yatsugiri, Rokugiri, Yotsugiri and Hangiri)
- Paper size list (Canon Easy-PhotoPrint Editor guide, in Japanese. Wide Yotsugiri as 10 × 15 inches)
- Print sizes available at Camera no Kitamura (Camera no Kitamura, Toyokawa Suwa store, in Japanese. Print sizes and recommended pixel counts)
- Print lessons that change your photos, Lesson 3: pixel count and resolution (Canon, in Japanese. 200 to 300ppi for inkjet)
- Passport application photo standard (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, in Japanese. Photo dimensions and face size)
- Set up your shot with iPhone camera tools (Apple Support, in Japanese. Choosing the aspect ratio)
- Recycled colored drawing paper (Fresh Color) (Daio Paper, in Japanese. Drawing paper sizes)