What Is 5×7 Print Size? | Inches, Pixels, And Common Uses

A 5×7 print measures 5 inches by 7 inches, or about 12.7 by 17.8 centimeters—a rectangular photo size made for frames, cards, and desk displays.

Whether you are ordering prints online or setting up a home printer, the 5×7 size occupies a sweet spot between a small 4×6 and a larger 8×10. The “5×7” label refers to five inches on one side and seven inches on the other, and the orientation determines which dimension is which. The same print can be called 5×7 in portrait orientation and 7×5 in landscape, flipping which number describes the width.

5×7 Inches In Centimeters And Millimeters

The size is straightforward in inches, but the metric conversions help when ordering from international services. One 5×7 print is 12.7 cm by 17.78 cm, or 127 mm by 177.8 mm.

Knowing the metric version matters more than you might expect. Many online print shops default to metric measurements, and a quick mental conversion avoids ordering the wrong size. The aspect ratio is 7:5, which is slightly more square than a standard 4×6 photo’s 3:2 ratio.

What Pixel Resolution Do You Need For A 5×7 Print?

The pixel dimensions you need depend entirely on the print resolution you want. A 5×7 at the standard 300 DPI requires a 1500 × 2100 pixel image, while 150 PPI needs just 750 × 1050 pixels.

Here is the breakdown at common resolutions:

The practical rule: aim for 300 DPI whenever your source file allows it. A phone camera shot from the last few years will usually exceed 1500 × 2100 pixels, but cropping aggressively can push you below that threshold. Lower-resolution files printed at 5×7 often come out soft or visibly pixelated, so check the megapixels before you order.

What Is A 5×7 Print Used For?

Frames, greeting cards, desk prints, and small wall art are the most common uses for 5×7 prints. The size fits neatly on a shelf, mantelpiece, or office desk without demanding wall space the way an 8×10 does.

The format is also popular for wedding invitations, thank-you cards, and holiday photo cards because it offers more room than a 4×6 while remaining affordable to print and mail. If you are planning to frame your print, buy the frame first — or at least check its stated inner dimensions — since 5×7 frames vary slightly in their matting and border widths.

For a ready-made selection of framed 5×7 canvas options, an overview of great 5×7 canvas prints worth considering can save you the comparison shopping.

5×7 Vs. A5: The Common Mix-Up

The most frequent mistake people make is treating 5×7 inches and A5 paper as the same size. They are close, but not identical. A5 paper measures 5.83 × 8.27 inches, making it noticeably taller and slightly wider than a 5×7 print.

Ordering an A5 print when you meant 5×7 leaves you with a photo that does not fit your frame. Double-check the unit on any order form — some international shops list A5 by default, and the misunderstanding is easy to make at a glance.