Passport Photo Resolution Guide: DPI & Pixels
Understand resolution requirements to ensure your passport photo is sharp and clear. Learn about DPI, pixels, and quality standards.
Understanding Resolution
Resolution determines how sharp your passport photo appears. Two key concepts:
- Pixels: Total dots making up your image (width × height)
- DPI: Dots Per Inch - how many pixels per inch when printed
Quick Reference
- ✓ Minimum DPI: 300 DPI
- ✓ Recommended DPI: 600 DPI
- ✓ Minimum Pixels: 600 × 600 pixels
- ✓ Recommended: 1200 × 1200 pixels
Resolution Requirements
For Printing
| Photo Size | At 300 DPI | At 600 DPI |
|---|---|---|
| 2 × 2 inches (India) | 600 × 600 px | 1200 × 1200 px |
| 35 × 45 mm (Schengen) | 413 × 531 px | 827 × 1063 px |
For Digital Upload
| Portal | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Passport Seva | 350 × 350 px | 600 × 600 px |
| DS-160 (US Visa) | 600 × 600 px | 1200 × 1200 px |
DPI Explained Simply
For a 2×2 inch passport photo:
- At 300 DPI: 300 × 2 = 600 pixels each side
- At 600 DPI: 600 × 2 = 1200 pixels each side
| DPI | Quality | Use For |
|---|---|---|
| 72 DPI | ❌ Very Low | Screen only, NOT printing |
| 300 DPI | ✅ Standard | Minimum for passport photos |
| 600 DPI | ✅ High | Recommended for best results |
How to Check Resolution
On Windows
- Right-click image → Properties → Details
- Look for "Dimensions" (e.g., 1200 × 1200)
On Mac
- Open in Preview → Tools → Show Inspector
- Check "Image DPI" and "Pixel dimensions"
Quick Check
If your photo is at least 1000 × 1000 pixels, you have enough resolution for passport photos.
Phone Camera Resolution
| Camera | Resolution | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 8 MP | 3264 × 2448 px | ✅ More than enough |
| 12 MP | 4000 × 3000 px | ✅ Excellent |
| 48 MP | 8000 × 6000 px | ✅ Overkill |
Tip: Use rear camera for best quality. Front cameras often have lower resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What resolution is required for passport photos?
For print: minimum 300 DPI. For digital: at least 600x600 pixels. Higher resolution like 1200x1200 pixels is recommended for best quality.
What does DPI mean for passport photos?
DPI (Dots Per Inch) measures print resolution. 300 DPI means 300 dots of ink per inch. For a 2x2 inch photo at 300 DPI, you need 600x600 pixels.
Is phone camera resolution enough for passport photos?
Yes! Most modern phones (8MP+) far exceed the minimum requirements. Even older phones with 5MP cameras are sufficient. Always use the rear camera for best quality.
Can I increase resolution of a low-quality photo?
Upscaling adds artificial detail but not real quality. The photo will appear blurry when printed. It is best to retake the photo at higher resolution.
What is the minimum pixel size for Passport Seva?
Passport Seva requires minimum 350x350 pixels, but 600x600 pixels is recommended for better quality and acceptance.
Why does my printed photo look blurry?
The photo resolution is too low for printing at that size. For a 2x2 inch print, you need at least 600x600 pixels. Use higher resolution source photos.
What resolution for US visa DS-160?
DS-160 requires 600x600 to 1200x1200 pixels. The photo must be square format. We recommend 1200x1200 for best results.
Does cropping reduce photo resolution?
Yes, cropping removes pixels from your image. If you heavily crop a photo, the remaining area may have insufficient resolution. Take photos with minimal cropping needed.
What resolution does PassportSizePhoto.in output?
Our tool outputs photos at 600x600 pixels for digital use and 300 DPI for print layouts, meeting all standard passport requirements.
Is 72 DPI enough for passport photos?
No, 72 DPI is screen resolution only and far too low for printing. Photos at 72 DPI will appear pixelated and blurry when printed. Use minimum 300 DPI.