Passport Size Photo in Inch – 1.38×1.77 vs 2×2 Inch
There is no single universal passport photo size in inches. Different international governments enforce distinct imperial and metric standards. Indian passports adhere to 1.38 × 1.77 inches (3.5 × 4.5 cm / 7:9 ratio), while US passports and DS-160 visas require a square 2 × 2 inches (5.08 × 5.08 cm / 1:1 ratio). Mixing these two distinct formats is the leading cause of visa and passport photo rejections worldwide. Always verify your specific issuing authority before submitting your photo.
Key Difference: India Passport vs US Passport/Visa in Inches
Never confuse Indian passport specifications with US Visa standards:
1.38 × 1.77 Inch
- Authority:Passport Seva Kendra (MEA) / ICAO 9303
- Print Pixels @ 300 DPI:413 × 531 px
- Digital Web Upload:630 × 810 px (20–200 KB)
- Face Coverage:70% – 80% (31–36 mm)
- Background:Pure White (#FFFFFF)
2.0 × 2.0 Inch
- Authority:US Department of State (DS-160)
- Print Pixels @ 300 DPI:600 × 600 px
- Digital Web Upload:600 × 600 px to 1200 × 1200 px (≤ 240 KB)
- Face Coverage:50% – 69% (1 to 1 3/8 in)
- Background:Plain White or Off-White
Interactive Inch Photo Cropper & Studio
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What Is the Passport Photo Size in Inches?
The phrase "passport size photo in inch" refers to the physical print dimensions of official identity photographs expressed in imperial units. Because international civil aviation and consular bodies establish their own national standards, passport photo sizes vary:
- 1.38 × 1.77 inches (35 × 45 mm): The global ICAO standard used by over 80+ nations including India, the United Kingdom, Schengen European countries, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore.
- 2.0 × 2.0 inches (51 × 51 mm): The square standard adopted by the United States for US Passports and DS-160 non-immigrant visas, as well as Indian OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cards.
- 1.97 × 2.76 inches (50 × 70 mm): The rectangular 5:7 aspect ratio standard specified exclusively by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Indian Passport Photo Size in Inches (35×45 mm / 7:9 Ratio)
In India, official Passport Seva guidelines specify passport photos in metric units: 3.5 cm in width by 4.5 cm in height (35 mm × 45 mm). When converted to the imperial system:
• Width: 35 mm ÷ 25.4 = 1.378 inches (rounded to 1.38 in)
• Height: 45 mm ÷ 25.4 = 1.772 inches (rounded to 1.77 in)
• Aspect Ratio: 35:45 simplifies to 7:9 (0.778 decimal)
Furthermore, the Ministry of External Affairs mandates that the applicant's face (from top of hair to bottom of chin) must occupy between 70% and 80% (1.22 to 1.42 inches / 31 to 36 mm) of the total vertical height against a pure white background.
Is an Indian Passport Photo 2×2 Inches?
No, an Indian passport photo is NOT 2×2 inches. This is one of the most widespread misconceptions among applicants in India and the diaspora.
A 2×2 inch photo has a 1:1 square ratio. If you attempt to upload or affix a 2×2 inch photo for an Indian Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) application, it will be rejected because the Indian portal strictly validates a 7:9 vertical aspect ratio (1.38 × 1.77 in / 3.5 × 4.5 cm). The only Indian government document that officially requires 2×2 inches is the OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card.
1.38×1.77 Inch vs 2×2 Inch Photo Specifications Explained
1.38 × 1.77 Inch Standard
This rectangular format is designed for international machine-readable travel documents (MRTD). The 7:9 proportion allows ample shoulder visibility while keeping the face centered and dominant.
- Used by: Indian Passport, UK Passport, Schengen Visa, Australia, Singapore.
- Head Size: 70%–80% (31 mm to 36 mm).
- Print Pixels (300 DPI): 413 × 531 px.
2.0 × 2.0 Inch Standard
This square format was instituted by the US Department of State. It requires a slightly wider field of view around the shoulders with lower head coverage relative to the frame.
- Used by: US Passport, US Visa (DS-160), Diversity Visa Lottery, Indian OCI.
- Head Size: 50%–69% (1.0 to 1.375 inches / 25 to 35 mm).
- Print Pixels (300 DPI): 600 × 600 px.
Passport Photo Size Conversion Table (Inches, CM, MM & Pixels)
Complete cross-dimensional matrix across imperial and metric measurement systems:
| Format / Document | Inches | Centimeters (CM) | Millimeters (MM) | Ratio | Pixels @ 300 DPI | Online Digital Spec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇮🇳 Indian Passport (PSK) | 1.38 × 1.77 in | 3.5 × 4.5 cm | 35 × 45 mm | 7:9 | 413 × 531 px | 630 × 810 px (20–200 KB) |
| 🇺🇸 US Passport & Visa (DS-160) | 2.0 × 2.0 in | 5.08 × 5.08 cm | 51 × 51 mm | 1:1 | 600 × 600 px | 600 × 600 to 1200 × 1200 px |
| 🇬🇧 UK Passport & Visa | 1.38 × 1.77 in | 3.5 × 4.5 cm | 35 × 45 mm | 7:9 | 413 × 531 px | 750 × 1000 px digital upload |
| 🇪🇺 Schengen Visa (EU 27) | 1.38 × 1.77 in | 3.5 × 4.5 cm | 35 × 45 mm | 7:9 | 413 × 531 px | 413 × 531 px @ 300 DPI |
| 🇨🇦 Canada Passport | 1.97 × 2.76 in | 5.0 × 7.0 cm | 50 × 70 mm | 5:7 | 591 × 827 px | 715 × 1000 px |
| 🇦🇺 Australia Passport | 1.38 × 1.77 in | 3.5 × 4.5 cm | 35 × 45 mm | 7:9 | 413 × 531 px | 413 × 531 px @ 300 DPI |
| 🇮🇳 PAN Card (India NSDL) | 0.98 × 1.38 in | 2.5 × 3.5 cm | 25 × 35 mm | 5:7 | 295 × 413 px | 213 × 213 px (≤ 50 KB) |
*Important Note on Pixels: Digital pixel dimensions are calculated based on print DPI resolution (Pixels = Inches × DPI). Digital upload requirements are determined specifically by each portal's database limits.
Inch to Pixel Conversion for Passport Photos: Formula & DPI
Digital images do not have a fixed physical size until they are paired with a resolution density known as DPI (Dots Per Inch) or PPI (Pixels Per Inch). The mathematical formula to convert physical inches into pixels is:
Height in Pixels = Height in Inches × DPI
For standard commercial photo printing, 300 DPI is the universal benchmark. At 300 DPI:
- 2 × 2 Inch Photo: (2.0 × 300) × (2.0 × 300) = 600 × 600 Pixels
- 1.38 × 1.77 Inch Photo: (1.378 × 300) × (1.772 × 300) = 413 × 531 Pixels
For ultra-high-definition biometric capture at 600 DPI, a 2×2 inch photo is 1200 × 1200 pixels, and a 1.38×1.77 inch photo is 827 × 1063 pixels.
How to Convert Passport Photo Inches to CM & MM
One international inch is defined as exactly 2.54 centimeters (25.4 millimeters). To convert any photo specification between units:
Inches to CM Formula
Centimeters = Inches × 2.54
Example: 2.0 in × 2.54 = 5.08 cm
CM to Inches Formula
Inches = Centimeters ÷ 2.54
Example: 3.5 cm ÷ 2.54 = 1.378 in
Passport Photo Size Standards by Country
Verified official parameters across international consulates and immigration departments:
• Size: 1.38 × 1.77 in (35 × 45 mm)
• Ratio: 7:9
• Face: 70%–80% coverage
• Background: Pure white
• Size: 2.0 × 2.0 in (51 × 51 mm)
• Ratio: 1:1 (Square)
• Face: 50%–69% coverage
• Background: White or off-white
• Size: 1.38 × 1.77 in (35 × 45 mm)
• Ratio: 7:9
• Face: 29 mm – 34 mm head height
• Background: Light grey or cream
• Size: 1.38 × 1.77 in (35 × 45 mm)
• Ratio: 7:9
• Face: 32 mm – 36 mm (70%–80%)
• Background: Light grey or neutral
• Size: 1.97 × 2.76 in (50 × 70 mm)
• Ratio: 5:7
• Face: 31 mm – 36 mm head height
• Background: Plain white or light
• Size: 1.38 × 1.77 in (35 × 45 mm)
• Ratio: 7:9
• Face: 32 mm – 36 mm head height
• Background: Plain white or light grey
How to Make a Passport Photo in the Correct Inch Size Online
Create compliant photos in exact inch dimensions using our free client-side tool in 4 steps:
Upload Portrait
Select any clear frontal portrait from your phone or PC.
Choose Inch Preset
Pick US Visa (2×2"), Indian Passport (1.38×1.77"), or custom inch values.
Align & Whiten
Frame head inside the biometric guide and activate white background cleanup.
Download & Print
Download single JPEG (20–50 KB) or printable 4×6 / A4 multi-photo sheets.
Common Passport Photo Size & Inch Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Submitting a 2×2 inch photo for an Indian Passport Seva Kendra application.
- ✗Submitting a 35×45 mm (1.38×1.77 in) photo for a US DS-160 visa form.
- ✗Printing at home with "Fit to Page" checked, shrinking physical inch size.
- ✗Manually stretching an image horizontally or vertically, breaking facial ratios.
- ✓Use 1.38×1.77 in (7:9 ratio) strictly for Indian passport and state forms.
- ✓Use 2.0×2.0 in (1:1 ratio) strictly for US visas, US passports, and Indian OCI.
- ✓Print at "100% Scale" (Actual Size) on 4×6" glossy photo paper.
- ✓Crop with locked aspect ratios in our free online tool to preserve geometry.
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Frequently Asked Questions (Passport Photo Size in Inch)
Clear, verified answers regarding imperial photo measurements, 2×2 inch standards, and conversion math.