ID Photo Sizes Explained: 1×1, 2×2 and Passport Size (35×45 mm)
Updated September 18, 2026
“1×1”, “2×2” and “passport size” are the ID picture sizes you’ll be asked for most often. This guide lists each one in inches, centimeters and pixels, and says which background to use.
Quick size chart
Sizes are width × height.
| Size | Inches | Centimeters | Pixels at 300 DPI | Often used for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1×1 | 1 × 1 in | 2.54 × 2.54 cm | 300 × 300 | School and company IDs, some application forms |
| 2×2 | 2 × 2 in | 5.08 × 5.08 cm | 600 × 600 | US passports and visas; job, school and government forms |
| Passport size | 1.38 × 1.77 in | 3.5 × 4.5 cm | 413 × 531 | Passports and visas in many countries, including the UK and the Philippines |
“Passport size” is the only one that isn’t square: it’s taller than it is wide. “300 DPI” is the usual print resolution. If you’re asked for a digital file, these pixel sizes are a good minimum.
Which background color should you use?
- White is the most common requirement for ID pictures. US passport and visa photos must have a plain white or off-white background.
- Not every country uses white. UK printed passport photos need a plain cream or light grey background, so a pure white one isn’t right there.
- The background should be plain, with no shadows, patterns or objects behind you.
When in doubt, follow the requirements list from the office or embassy you’re applying to. Some also want a name tag, a specific number of copies, or a photo taken within the last few months.
How to get a photo in the right size
- Take the photo. Leave some space above your head and include your shoulders. See how to take an ID photo at home.
- Make the background white with White ID Photo. It runs in your browser, and your photo is never uploaded.
- Crop to the right shape. Under Output size, choose 1×1, 2×2 or passport size (35×45 mm). The tool crops around your head and saves the photo at the pixel size in the chart above, at 300 DPI. You can also crop it yourself: square for 1×1 and 2×2, and 3.5 : 4.5 (7 : 9) portrait for passport size.
- Check the head size. Most official photos specify how big your head must be. A US 2×2 photo needs 1 to 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) from chin to top of head, and a UK passport photo needs 29–34 mm.
- Print it. Most photo printing shops can print your file at an exact size such as “2×2” or “passport size.” Just tell them which size and how many copies you need.