US Passport Photo Size 2026 — 2×2 Inches in Pixels, mm & cm
By Easy Photo Passport · Updated October 3, 2026
The US passport photo size is 2×2 inches (51×51 mm). For printed photos it is exactly 2 inches wide by 2 inches tall, and for digital/online applications it should be a square image between 600×600 and 1200×1200 pixels. Your head must measure 1 to 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
US passport photo size in every unit
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Inches | 2 × 2 in |
| Millimeters | 51 × 51 mm |
| Centimeters | 5.1 × 5.1 cm |
| Pixels (minimum) | 600 × 600 px |
| Pixels (maximum) | 1200 × 1200 px |
| Aspect ratio | 1:1 (square) |
| Head height | 1 to 1⅜ in (25–35 mm) |
| Eye height from bottom | 1⅛ to 1⅜ in (28–35 mm) |
| Resolution | 300 DPI for print |
Is 2×2 the same as passport size?
In the United States, yes — "2×2" and "passport size" mean the same thing: a 2 inch by 2 inch square photo. This is different from most of the world, which uses 35×45 mm (a taller rectangle). If a form or website asks for a "2x2 photo," a US passport photo is exactly that.
Passport photo size in pixels (for online renewal)
When you renew online, you upload a digital file rather than a print. The State Department requires a square JPEG that is at least 600×600 pixels and no more than 1200×1200 pixels, under 10 MB. A photo taken on any modern phone is more than high enough resolution — the key is cropping it to a perfect square at the right head size.
Head size within the 2×2 frame
Size is not just the outer dimensions — your head must also be the right size inside the frame. From the bottom of your chin to the top of your head should measure 1 to 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm), which is 50–69% of the photo height. A correctly sized photo with the head too small or too large is still rejected.
How other countries compare
Most countries do not use 2×2 inches. If you need a photo for another country, check our full size-by-country reference. A quick comparison:
| Country | Photo size |
|---|---|
| United States | 2×2 in (51×51 mm) |
| UK / Schengen / Germany | 35×45 mm |
| Canada | 50×70 mm |
| India | 2×2 in (51×51 mm) |
| China | 33×48 mm |
| Australia | 35×45 mm |
Get the exact 2×2 size automatically
Instead of measuring and cropping by hand, upload any photo and our tool outputs it at the exact 2×2 inch / 600×600 px size with the correct head height and a white background — a digital file for online renewal plus a print-ready 4×6 sheet. Preview free, pay $2.99 only if you are happy.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a US passport photo?
2×2 inches (51×51 mm), square. For digital/online applications, between 600×600 and 1200×1200 pixels.
What is a US passport photo size in pixels?
At least 600×600 pixels and at most 1200×1200 pixels, in a 1:1 square ratio, saved as a JPEG under 10 MB.
Is 2x2 inches the same as passport size in the US?
Yes. In the United States, a passport photo is always 2×2 inches. 'Passport size' and '2x2' mean the same thing here.
What is a US passport photo size in cm?
5.1 × 5.1 centimeters (2×2 inches).
How big should my head be in a US passport photo?
From the bottom of your chin to the top of your head should be 1 to 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm), taking up 50–69% of the photo height.
What DPI should a printed passport photo be?
300 DPI. At 300 DPI, a 2×2 inch photo is 600×600 pixels.
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