Wallet Size Photo: Dimensions in Inches, CM, Pixels & Where to Print
Reviewed: 2026-05-13
A standard wallet size photo is 2.5 × 3.5 inches (6.35 × 8.89 cm). At 300 DPI print resolution, that's 750 × 1050 pixels. Wallet photos are rectangular — not the same as a 2×2 inch U.S. passport photo.
What Is a Wallet Photo?
A wallet photo is a small printed photograph designed to fit inside the ID card slot or photo pocket of a standard wallet. The name comes from its original purpose — carrying a small photo of a loved one, a school portrait, or a keepsake in your wallet or purse.
Wallet size photos are commonly used for school picture day packages, senior portraits, graduation photo sets, modeling comp cards, employee ID badges, and personal keepsakes. They are not used for passports, visas, or government ID photos.
Standard Size of a Wallet Photo
The standard wallet size photo measures 2.5 × 3.5 inches (63.5 × 88.9 mm):
| Unit | Width | Height |
|---|---|---|
| Inches | 2.5 | 3.5 |
| Centimeters | 6.35 | 8.89 |
| Millimeters | 63.5 | 88.9 |
| Pixels (300 DPI) | 750 | 1050 |
| Pixels (600 DPI) | 1500 | 2100 |
The aspect ratio is 5:7 — a vertical rectangle, taller than it is wide.
Other Wallet Photo Sizes
2.5 × 3.5 inches — the most common standard. What CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, and most photo labs produce.
2 × 3 inches — "mini wallet." Some school photo packages and scrapbook suppliers use this.
2 × 2.5 inches — used for ID badges, lockets, and compact wallets.
3 × 4 inches — "large wallet" or trading card size. Less common.
When ordering, always confirm which dimensions the lab uses. "Wallet size" isn't universal.
Wallet Size Photo vs Passport Size Photo
Wallet photos and passport photos are not the same size:
| Wallet Photo | U.S. Passport Photo | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 2.5 × 3.5 inches | 2 × 2 inches |
| Shape | Rectangle (5:7) | Square (1:1) |
| Pixels (300 DPI) | 750 × 1050 | 600 × 600 |
| Background | Any | White or off-white |
| Official use | No | Yes |
Can a wallet-size photo be cut for a passport? No. Even trimmed to 2×2, the head size, framing, and composition would be wrong. You need a separate passport photo.
Is 2×2 wallet size? No. 2×2 is a U.S. passport photo. Standard wallet is 2.5 × 3.5 — completely different aspect ratios.
Is a 2×3 picture a wallet size? It can be — some labs offer 2×3 "mini wallet" prints. But the standard is 2.5 × 3.5.
How to Print Wallet Size Photos
You can fit 4 wallet-size photos on a single 4×6 inch print — 2 across and 2 down. This is the most cost-effective method.
Where to print:
Walgreens — wallet prints in-store and online, $0.39-0.59 per print
CVS — wallet prints through kiosk or website
Walmart — starting around $0.15-0.25 per 4×6 sheet (cut wallets yourself)
Online: Nations Photo Lab, Snapfish, Shutterfly — shipped to your door
At home: Print on 4×6 glossy photo paper, arrange 4 wallets in a grid. Cost: ~$0.10-0.20 per sheet.
Paper Types for Wallet Photo Printing
Glossy — shiny, vibrant. Fingerprints and glare more visible. Best for display behind clear wallet window.
Matte — non-reflective. More resistant to fingerprints. Better for photos handled frequently or in scrapbooks.
Luster/satin — middle ground. Slight sheen without heavy glare. Popular with professional photo labs.
For wallet photos that sit in a pocket for years, matte or luster holds up better.
Purposes and Uses of Wallet Photos
Today, most people keep photos on their phones. But printed wallet photos are still popular for: school picture day packages, senior portraits, graduation keepsakes, modeling comp cards, employee ID badges, memorial programs, gifts, and scrapbooking. Slightly smaller than a standard playing card — the same 2.5 × 3.5 dimensions, actually.
Printable Size Cheat Sheet
| Use | Size |
|---|---|
| Wallet | 2.5 × 3.5 in |
| U.S. Passport | 2 × 2 in |
| Standard print (4×6) | 4 × 6 in |
| Visa (varies) | Country-specific |
Wallet Size Photo FAQs
What size is a wallet photo? 2.5 × 3.5 inches (6.35 × 8.89 cm). At 300 DPI: 750 × 1050 pixels.
Is wallet size 2×3 or 2.5×3.5? The standard is 2.5 × 3.5. Some labs offer 2×3 "mini wallet." Always confirm with your print service.
Is 2×2 wallet size? No. 2×2 is a U.S. passport photo. Wallet is 2.5 × 3.5 — different size and aspect ratio.
Can a wallet size photo fit in my card slot? Yes. The 2.5 × 3.5 inch wallet is designed to fit behind the clear ID window in most wallets and bifolds.
Where can I get wallet photos printed? Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, Snapfish, Shutterfly, Nations Photo Lab, or at home on 4×6 photo paper.
How big is a wallet-size picture in inches? 2.5 inches wide × 3.5 inches tall.