Guide
Photo print sizes: 4×6 to A1 and custom — what actually fits your wall?
Most people choose a photo print size by guessing, then hope it looks right. This guide gives you the rules that remove the guesswork — and a free tool to see your actual photograph at the right size on your wall before you order.
Print sizes at a glance
The small sizes below are the familiar photo-lab and print-at-home formats. Our framed prints start at A3 and go up to A1, or a custom size cut to your photo. Tap View frame in AR on any framed size to see it on your wall at true scale — no upload, no account.
| Size | Dimensions | Diagonal | Works well for | Visualise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 × 6″ | 10 × 15 cm | 18 cm | Albums, wallets, fridge, small gifts | Photo size — not framed by us |
| 5 × 7″ | 13 × 18 cm | 22 cm | Desk frames, cards, keepsakes | Photo size — not framed by us |
| 8 × 10″ | 20 × 25 cm | 32 cm | Portraits, small shelf frames | Photo size — not framed by us |
| 8 × 12″ | 20 × 30 cm | 36 cm | Larger portraits, print-at-home | Photo size — not framed by us |
| A3 | 42 × 30 cm | 51 cm | Hallways, desks, small walls, gifts | View A3 frame in AR → |
| A2 | 59 × 42 cm | 72 cm | Bedrooms, living rooms, above a sofa or headboard | View A2 frame in AR → |
| A1 | 84 × 59 cm | 103 cm | Feature walls, stairwells, large living spaces | View A1 frame in AR → |
| Custom | Any dimensions | — | When no standard size fits your photo or wall — portrait, landscape, square, or oversized | Start a custom-fit frame → |
Viewing distance — the rule that actually determines size
The single most useful rule for choosing a print size comes from photography and interior design: your ideal print diagonal is roughly your viewing distance divided by 1.5. At that ratio, the print fills your visual field comfortably without overwhelming the room.
Formula: ideal print diagonal (cm) = viewing distance (cm) ÷ 1.5
This is why standard sizes often fall short. The jumps between A3, A2, and A1 are large — A1 has roughly twice the area of A2. If your viewing distance puts you between two standard sizes, a custom print hits the sweet spot without any compromise.
| Where you will view it from | Typical distance | Ideal diagonal | Nearest standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hallway / reading corner | ~1.2 m | ~80 cm | A2 (72 cm) or custom |
| Bedroom from the bed | ~2.0 m | ~130 cm | A1 (103 cm) or custom |
| Living room from the sofa | ~2.8 m | ~185 cm | Custom (A1 is the floor) |
| Open plan / large room | ~4.0 m+ | ~265 cm+ | Large custom or multiple prints |
No standard size fits? Made-to-measure framing
Most size guides stop at “choose A3, A2, or A1.” Those jumps are large, and the size that actually suits your wall often sits between them.
A made-to-measure frame is sized to suit your wall and your photograph, with the mat and borders proportioned around the image and optically centred. Whether it’s portrait, landscape, or square, the frame is cut and finished to the size you choose rather than a fixed set of options.
Two ways to see a frame before you order
See any frame in AR now. Open a live A2 frame in AR and place it on your wall at true scale using your phone camera — nothing to upload or install.
See it with your own photo. Upload your picture to the free wall visualiser to preview your image framed, compare sizes, and confirm in AR before ordering.
See your photo at the right size before you order
Upload your photograph to the free wall visualiser. Choose A3, A2, A1, or enter custom dimensions — then see it scaled on a wall scene in seconds. Switch to augmented reality to place it on your actual wall at true scale on iOS or Android. No account needed.
Open the free wall visualiser with your photo →Frequently asked questions
Is A3 big enough for a wall?
At a viewing distance of around 1.2 m — a hallway or desk — A3 reads well. From a sofa 2.5 m away, A3 will feel small. Use the diagonal rule: viewing distance ÷ 1.5 gives your ideal print diagonal. A3's diagonal is 51 cm, which suits a viewing distance of about 75 cm.
Can I get a size between A2 and A1?
Yes. Standard sizes jump in fixed increments and those increments are large — A1 has nearly twice the area of A2. Custom framing lets you choose a size that suits your room and your photo, rather than being limited to those jumps.
Will my photo be sharp enough at A1 or a large custom size?
If your photo was taken on a modern smartphone (12 MP or above) and is in focus, it will print cleanly to A1. For large custom prints over 80 cm wide, giclée printing on archival cotton-rag paper holds fine detail that standard inkjet loses at scale.
How do I know which size looks right before I order?
Two ways. Open a framed size in AR straight from the size table to see it on your wall at true scale — no upload needed. Or upload your own photo to the free wall visualiser to preview your image framed and compare sizes. No account required for either.