4R vs 5R
4R is 4 × 6 in (101.6 × 152.4 mm); 5R is 5 × 7 in (127 × 177.8 mm). 5R is 25 mm wider and 25 mm taller, and the shapes differ: 4R is 3:2 like a camera sensor, 5R is 5:7, so an uncropped 4R image loses about 7 percent of its long side on 5R.
| 4R | 5R | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Width | 101.6 mm | 127 mm | -25.4 mm |
| Height | 152.4 mm | 177.8 mm | -25.4 mm |
| Inches | 4 × 6 in | 5 × 7 in | |
| Pixels @ 300 dpi | 1,200 × 1,800 | 1,500 × 2,100 | |
| Area | 154.8 cm² | 225.8 cm² | 69% |
| Aspect ratio | 2:3 | 5:7 | |
| Scale to fit | 4R → 5R: 117% | 5R → 4R: 80% |
Choose 4R when
Use 4R for everyday prints, albums and photo books. It is the cheapest print, matches the 3:2 frame of most cameras without cropping, and fits standard 4 × 6 albums, frames and postcard mailers.
Choose 5R when
Use 5R for prints that will be framed or displayed, and for invitations and greeting cards. It is the common frame size after 4 × 6, holds more detail, and its squarer shape suits portraits.
Which should you use?
Print 4R for volume and 5R for display. A 5 × 7 print holds about 56 percent more area, and at 300 dpi needs a file of at least 1500 × 2100 pixels against 1200 × 1800 for 4 × 6.
Enlarging 4R to 5R without cropping is 116 percent, which leaves 9 mm of white across the width; filling the sheet is 125 percent and crops about 13 mm from the long side of a 3:2 image. Reducing 5R to 4R is 80 percent and leaves 5 mm of white on each long edge, or crops the short side.
Set the crop yourself. Online labs default to fill, which trims heads and edges; choose fit if you would rather have a white border than lose part of the picture.
Questions about this comparison
What is the difference between 4R and 5R?
4R is 4 × 6 in (101.6 × 152.4 mm); 5R is 5 × 7 in (127 × 177.8 mm). 5R is 1 in larger each way and has a 5:7 shape rather than 3:2.
Will a 4 × 6 photo fit in a 5 × 7 frame?
Not without a mat. A 5 × 7 frame opening is 25 mm larger each way. Use a mat with a 4 × 6 window, or reprint the image at 5 × 7.
How many pixels do I need for a 5 × 7 print?
At 300 dpi, 1500 × 2100 pixels, or about 3 megapixels. A 4 × 6 print needs 1200 × 1800 pixels. Any modern phone camera exceeds both.
Scale one onto the other
The exact percentage for the print dialog, either direction.
Measure it, name it
Not sure which one you have? Type its width and height.