What is a 2x2 photo?
A 2×2 photo is a square image measuring 2 inches × 2 inches (51mm × 51mm). This is the standard size for US passport photos, US visa photos, and Indian passport photos. In digital form, the exact pixel dimensions depend on the DPI (dots per inch):
| DPI | Pixels | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| 300 DPI | 600 × 600 | US passport/visa (standard) |
| 200 DPI | 400 × 400 | Some online forms |
| 150 DPI | 300 × 300 | Low-quality (not recommended) |
For US government applications, 600×600 pixels at 300 DPI is the required specification.
US government 2x2 photo specifications
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51mm) |
| Pixels | 600 × 600 px |
| DPI | 300 |
| File format | JPEG (.jpg) |
| File size | Under 240KB |
| Color space | sRGB |
| Background | White |
| Head height | 1" to 1⅜" (50-69% of frame) |
| Eye height | 1⅛" to 1⅜" from bottom |
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How to make a 2x2 photo from any image
- Upload your photo to PhotoResizer.us.
- Select US Passport/Visa as the target format (or enter 600×600px manually).
- AI crops automatically — centering your face with correct biometric proportions.
- Background is fixed to compliant white if needed.
- Download the 600×600px JPEG under 240KB.
The entire process takes under 30 seconds. Our AI handles the complex biometric calculations so you don't have to measure anything manually.
2x2 vs other common photo sizes
| Size | Dimensions | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| 2×2 inches | 51 × 51mm / 600×600px | US passport, US visa, Indian passport |
| 35×45mm | 1.38 × 1.77" / 413×531px | UK, Schengen, Japan, Australia |
| 33×48mm | 1.30 × 1.89" / 390×567px | China |
| 50×70mm | 2 × 2.75" / 591×827px | Canada |
The US 2×2 inch square format is unique. Most other countries use rectangular photos, typically 35×45mm.
Printing 2x2 photos at home
To print 2×2 photos cheaply, use a 4×6 inch template that fits four 2×2 photos on a single print. Our tool generates this template automatically. Print at:
- Walmart: $0.25 per 4×6 print (4 photos)
- CVS: $0.35 per 4×6 print
- Walgreens: $0.35 per 4×6 print
- Home printer: ~$0.10 per sheet on glossy photo paper
Compare this to $14.99–$16.99 for two photos at a pharmacy passport photo counter.