2×2 Inch Photo Size (51×51 mm)
The 2×2 inch photo is the standard for US passports and visas, and is also used for Philippines IDs and several other documents. Below are the verified specs, the countries that use this size, and a free tool to make one.
Quick specs
| Print size | 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) |
|---|---|
| Pixels @ 300 DPI | 600 × 600 px |
| Pixels @ 600 DPI | 1200 × 1200 px |
| Background | Plain white or off-white |
| Head height (US) | 25–35 mm (1 to 1⅜ inches) from chin to crown |
| File format | JPEG, PNG, HEIC, HEIF (US allows all four) |
| Digital file size (US) | 54 KB – 10 MB |
| Official source | travel.state.gov |
Countries that use 2×2 inch photos
Accepted vs rejected examples
Accepted
Neutral expression, eyes open, plain white background, face fills 50–69% of the photo width.
Head too small
Face takes up less than 50% of the photo width — rejected by US passport services.
Tilted head
Head must be straight, facing the camera directly. No tilt or angle.
Shadow on face
Uniform lighting required. No shadows from the nose, ears, or hands.
How to make a 2×2 photo
- Open our tool and select 🇺🇸 United States from the country list. The tool automatically sets the size to 2×2 inches.
- Upload a photo — a recent one with a plain background works best.
- Crop using the face guide oval so your head fills 50–69% of the photo width.
- Remove the background with our AI and choose white.
- Download the digital photo or an A4 print sheet with 8 copies.
Frequently asked questions
Is 2×2 inches the same as 51×51 mm?
Yes. 2 inches equals 50.8 mm, which is rounded to 51 mm in passport specifications. Both refer to the same physical size.
What is the pixel size for a 2×2 photo?
At 300 DPI (standard print), a 2×2 photo is 600 × 600 pixels. At 600 DPI (higher quality), it is 1200 × 1200 pixels.
What background color is required?
The US requires a plain white or off-white background. The Philippines requires white. Always check the current official requirement before printing.
Can I use the same 2×2 photo for a US visa?
Yes — US passports and US visas use the same 2×2 inch specification. You can use the same photo for both, as long as it meets the current rules on travel.state.gov.