01 · Know the requirement
Print pixels = inches × DPI.
A 2 × 2 inch photo uses 600 × 600 pixels at 300 DPI or 1200 × 1200 pixels at 600 DPI. The physical print size is unchanged. A 35 × 45 mm photo uses approximately 413 × 531 pixels at 300 DPI.
Photo sizes · pixels
Passport Photo Size in Pixels
Calculate print pixels from inches and DPI, and compare them with DS-160, DV and original-file renewal requirements.
Print at 2 × 2 inches (50.8 × 50.8 mm exact). Keep your real appearance and original background. The official page also describes this as 51 × 51 mm.
Open This Application RouteExact size conversion
Original millimetre or inch values stay unchanged when switching units. Editing a dimension creates a custom print size; digital and original-file rules stay separate.
5.08 × 5.08 cm
50.8 × 50.8 mm · 2 × 2 in
600 × 600 px at 300 DPI
Keeps this document and application rule. Original-only routes stay unedited.
| Application | Physical size | Digital file | Next step |
|---|---|---|---|
| US passport · paper | 2 × 2 in / 5.08 × 5.08 cm | 600 × 600 px at 300 DPI | Prepare print |
| US visa · DS-160 | Digital application | 600–1200 px square JPEG | Check digital |
| US online renewal | Original digital photo | Original JPEG, PNG, HEIC/HEIF | Check original |
| DV entry | Digital application | 600 × 600 px JPEG | Read DV rules |
| Canada passport | 50 × 70 mm | Professional capture & printing | Guidance only |
| Custom print | 35 × 45 mm example | 413 × 531 px at 300 DPI | Use custom |
02 · Choose your next step
A digital application follows its own pixel rules.
DS-160 allows square JPEG images from 600 to 1200 pixels per side. DV entry uses 600 × 600 pixels. US online renewal asks for the original digital photo; a 600 × 600 print export is not its default input. Setting a DPI tag does not fix an unsuitable image.
Official sources · checked 2026-11-06
Requirements can change. The authority’s current instructions and final review take precedence.
Questions about this task
Before you continue.
Does every passport photo need 600 × 600 pixels?
No. That size fits certain US digital uses, but other applications and original-file renewal routes have different requirements.
Does changing DPI improve sharpness?
Changing a metadata label alone creates no new image detail. Enlarging a small image can produce more pixels but cannot recover missing detail.
How do I calculate pixels from millimetres?
Divide millimetres by 25.4, then multiply by DPI. Round only the final pixel count to a whole number.
Why is my 600 × 600 image still rejected?
The portal may also check file format, bytes and image quality. Lighting, head position, expression, editing history and other rules require review.
Is 240 kB the same as 240 pixels?
No. kB measures file bytes; pixels measure image dimensions. Both constraints may apply at the same time.
Can I select 600 DPI and still print 2 inches?
Yes. This tool generates 1200 pixels for each 2 inch side and writes the chosen JPEG print density. Print at Actual Size to preserve that relationship.