Image Size 101: Perfect Proportions for Print and Digital Media
Are you just trying to figure out the right sizes to print your photos or post them online without them looking stretched or cropped in all the wrong places?
Don’t worry, you’re not alone—and more importantly, you’re in the right place! In this article, I’ll break down the basics of image ratios for both web and print. Whether you’re managing your own brand on Instagram or LinkedIn, or simply want to print high-quality photos, I’ll explain what you need to know to get it right the first time.
If you'd like to dive deeper into how ratios affect print and digital design, I've got a free PDF guide at the end of this page with more detailed insights that you can download.
Understanding Image Ratios
An image ratio is the relationship between the width and height of an image, expressed as a ratio (for example, 16:9). Understanding these ratios is essential because they determine how your images appear on various platforms—whether in print or on social media. Incorrect ratios can lead to images that look distorted, cropped, or unprofessional.
Image Ratios for Web & Social Media
For most social media platforms, getting the right image size is essential to avoid blurry or poorly cropped visuals. Below are some of the most common ratios you’ll need for popular platforms:
Instagram Post: 1:1 (Square) – Perfect for balanced visuals that look clean.
LinkedIn Profile Photo: 1:1 (Square) – Ensures your photo isn’t cut off.
Facebook Cover Photo: 16:9 (Wide) – Prevents cropping on desktops and mobile.
Pinterest Pins: 2:3 (Portrait) – A great way to optimize your pins for better visibility.
YouTube Thumbnails: 16:9 (Wide) – Helps your video look polished and click-worthy.
Twitter Header: 3:1 (Wide) – Ensures full display of your header across all devices.
Pro tip: Always consider how your images will appear across different devices—what looks good on a desktop might not display the same way on mobile!
Image Ratios for Print
When designing for print, proportions are just as important as they are for web. However, print has more specific requirements, especially if you want your designs to look sharp when printed at different sizes. Here’s a quick breakdown of some standard ratios for print materials:
Business Cards: 1.75:1 ratio (for standard dimensions like 3.5" x 2") – A small canvas that requires sharp details.
Flyers: 2:3 or 3:2 ratio (for common sizes like 8.5" x 11") – Provides a good balance between text and imagery.
Posters: 2:3 ratio (for US 18" x 24" or EU A2) – Large, bold, and meant to grab attention.
Brochures: 2:3 ratio (for tri-fold brochures) – Makes it easy to divide content into neat sections.
Envelopes: 2:1 ratio (US #10 envelope) or 3:2 (EU C5 envelope) – Ensures your design fits neatly into standard envelopes.
Banners: 2:1 or 3:1 ratio – Ideal for outdoor events or promotional displays. Typically 2:1 for wide banners or 3:1 for narrow banners.
USA: 2' x 4' (60.96 cm x 121.92 cm) or 3' x 6' (91.4 x 182.9 cm) or 4' x 8' (121.9 x 243.8 cm) – Common for outdoor events or trade shows.
Europe: Roll-Up Banners: 85 cm x 200 cm (roll-up banner) or 100 cm x 300 cm – Ideal for both indoor and outdoor promotions. Banners: 60 cm x 150 cm or 100 cm x 200 cm -Common for various promotional activities.
For print, it’s important to keep in mind the resolution as well. You’ll usually need a high resolution of at least 300 DPI (dots per inch) to ensure the image prints clearly without pixelation. This is different from the lower resolution images often used on the web, which are typically 72 DPI.
Want to ensure your images are always the perfect size? Download my free PDF guide for even more tips and insights on image ratios for both print and web!
