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What size are polaroid pictures


How Big Is A Polaroid Picture? (Photo Size in cm, inches)

By Emma Johnson •  Updated: 10/13/21 •  6 min read

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If you’re new to the art of polaroid photography, you may be wondering how it works. How do you take a photograph? How big is a Polaroid picture?

Well, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s everything you need to know.

How Big Is A Polaroid Picture?

There are three sizes of Polaroid pictures depending on which instant camera you use. The biggest picture is for the Polaroid Spectra with an image size of 4.1 x 4.0 inches (10.3 x 10.2 cm). The Polaroid SX-70, 600, and I-Type film measures 4.2 x 3.5 in (10/7 x 8.8 cm).

The smallest Polaroid film is for the Go instant camera measuring only 2.1 x 2.4 in (5.3 x 6.7 cm).

Polaroid Photo Size Comparison (in cm and inches)

When it comes to measuring the actual size of a polaroid photo, there are two main dimensions you need to know.

The first is the colored image size.

If you want to scan your photos and use the digital versions, the internal image size and photo area may matter to you. Outside the colored photo area, there is a white border that goes all around it.

Adding this in, the total image size of the photograph increases significantly lengthwise and slightly in width.

The exact measurements for polaroid photo size vary from instant camera to camera. So let’s take a look at some of the most popular Polaroid cameras and their dimensions.

1. Polaroid Film for SX-70, 600, and I-type ModelsPolaroid SX-70, 600, and I-Type Photo Size

There are many different polaroid models, thanks to the recent revival in popularity.

Many of the newer Polaroids have the same full-length dimensions as the original polaroids, the most popular being the Polaroid SX-70, 600, and I-type models.

While the Polaroid film each instant camera uses may differ, along with slight variation in the results you get, the polaroid photo size remains standard.

Polaroid 600 instant cameras are a popular model, and these are the images you’ll often see people posting online.

The polaroid itself has a rectangular shape and the I Type film measures 4.233 by 3.483 inches, including a white border that goes all around it.

The interior colored image size is 3.108 by 3.024 inches and almost square in shape.

This is the ideal size if you want to shoot portraits or post a square 1:1 photo area on Instagram after removing the border.

2. Polaroid Film for Spectra & Image Size

For people looking for a cinematic aesthetic, the classic Polaroid Spectra is a good choice.

The polaroids you’ll get from this instant camera will measure 4.051 by 3.996 inches overall, while the inner colored photo area will measure 2.890 by 3.574 inches.

These dimensions are similar to the Polaroid Image, which is a solid alternative for people looking for this image size.

3. Polaroid GoPolaroid Go Picture Size

However, the Polaroid Go instant cameras have far smaller files, with the actual size of the colored photo area being 1. 851 by 1.811 inches.

Add in the border, and the printed polaroid photo area measures 2.623 by 2.122 inches.

As you can see, the difference in size is quite large, which is why these instant cameras are called Instax mini-polaroids.

How Big Is An Instax Photo? Instax Polaroid Size in cm and inches

There are 3 sizes of Instax mini photos depending on which Instax mini cameras you have. The Instax Mini film size is 1.9 x 2.4 in (4.6 x 6.2 cm), Instax Square picture size is 2.4 x 2.4 in (6.2 x 6.2 cm), and the Instax Wide instant film dimensions are 2.4 x 3.9 in (6.2 x 9.9 cm).

1. Fujifilm Instax Wide Film

Another popular model, the Fuji Instax Wide film, is the perfect polaroid for people who want to shoot in the landscape model.

What sets this instant camera apart from other cameras is that the white border is wider in width than in length, something that is not common in the world of polaroids.

Overall the Instax Wide film measures 4.25 by 3.39 inches, while the interior colored photo area is 3.90 by 2.44 inches.

Depending on what you need the instant camera for, where you intend to store it, or how often you mean to carry it around, you may want a larger or smaller polaroid.

Additionally, when you include the white border, the Instax Wide film has an aspect ratio of 1:1.25, which is the ideal size for Instagram’s portrait mode.

2. Fujifilm Instax Mini Film

If you’re looking for smaller polaroids, then the Fuji Instax Mini film is a great option. 

The colored mini photos you’ll take with these Instax mini cameras measure 2.44 by 1.81 inches.

The white border adds more to the Instax mini film length than the width, with the final overall dimensions measuring 3.39 by 2.13 inches.

Instax Polaroid Sizes

While these mini photos don’t meet the ideal requirements for online posting, they are great for people who want to make collages, photo walls, or stick mini photos inside their phone covers.

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FAQs

Can You Enlarge Polaroid Photos?

If you want an enlarged copy of your Polaroid photo area, all you need to do is scan and print it in a larger size.

Using a professional lab with high-quality equipment will let you print mini photos at a higher resolution.

How Many Pictures Can You Take at A Time?

With most brands, you can normally take 8 Polaroid mini photos at one time.

However, this number may vary from instant camera to camera. For instance, with Instax polaroids, you can get 10 shots with each package. 

How Long Do Polaroid Photos Last?

Polaroid mini photos have a very limited lifespan.

Over time they become yellow, and the images begin to fade.

However, storing them in favorable conditions, out of direct sunlight, and away from moisture or temperature changes can help for a short period.

Your best bet is to scan and save digital copies of your polaroids.

That is why it can help to have them in the appropriate size for the purpose they are intended. 

How Long Does Polaroid Film Last?

Polaroid film comes with a specific expiration date. Depending on how you store it, the Polaroid film may last longer.

Cool and dry places like refrigerators make the best storage areas while keeping your Polaroid film out in the sun or near a moisture-prone area like a shower can greatly reduce its lifespan.

Ideally, you should use your Polaroid film within a year of when it was produced.

You’ll find the manufacturing date on the box. The longer the Polaroid film stays out, the worse of a result you will get.

While you can try to use expired Polaroid film, your mini photos will have poor resolution and may even be blurry. There are no guarantees.

Wrap Up

Now you know how big a Polaroid picture is, and the Instax Polaroid photo sizes for different instant film cameras.

At the end of the day, choosing the right polaroid photo size comes down to personal preference.

It all depends on what purpose your pictures are going to serve. If your only goal is some leisurely photography, then any size will do the trick.

Regardless, invest in a good polaroid camera and consider all your options before you make your decision.

Emma Johnson
I have loved photography from a young age and more recently started experimenting with Instant Cameras from Polaroid and Instax. I also love dancing and hanging out with my friends :)

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Polaroid Picture: Size & Format by Camera

by Ben

For many people, the Polaroid picture size is one of the decisive criteria when buying an instant camera. But be careful: depending on the source, format specifications either indicate the visible area of a photo, or the dimensions of the image including the (white) frame. To avoid any nasty surprises after buying your camera, you will find the sizes and formats of the best Polaroid models in the practical overview table.

Polaroid Image size and format:

Portrait format of the Instax Mini © FujifilmNote: The links marked as “sponsored” are so-called affiliate links. If you make a purchase via the link, we get a small commission. Your price stays the same and you support this site. Thanks!

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 is one of the most popular instant cameras on the market. And yet it is out of the question for many fans of the classic Polaroid. The reason: the Instax Mini 11 as well as other Instax models are using the unusual format 3:2. Although this portrait format has its advantages – for purists it’s a NoGo. The typical 1:1 format (meaning the image WITHOUT borders) is used, for example, in the Polaroid Now. But those who prefer a wide format will find what they are looking for in the Instax Wide 300. It offers the rather unusual format 2.4 x 3.9 inches (2:3).

Ultimately, the question of the desired image format for an instant camera is also a question of price: depending on the film, the cost per photo varies between 0.60 and 2.60 bucks.
Looking for the right Polaroid? In our Top 5 we take a closer look at the most exciting models!

Polaroid & Instant Camera formats and image sizes

In the table below you’ll find the formats and image sizes of the most popular Polaroid and instant cameras at a glance:

CameraPicture wihtout border (height x width)Picture with border (height x width)Format (picture without border)
Polaroid Now Plus3. 1 x 3.1 inches4.2 x 3.5 inches1:1
Polaroid Now3.1 x 3.1 inches4.2 x 3.5 inches1:1
Polaroid OneStep 23.1 x 3.1 inches4.2 x 3.5 inches1:1
Polaroid OneStep Plus3.1 x 3.1 inches4.2 x 3.5 inches1:1
Polaroid SX-703.1 x 3.1 inches4.2 x 3.5 inches1:1
Polaroid Go1.8 x 1.8 inches2.6 x 2.1 inches1:1
Polaroid 6003.1 x 3.1 inches4.2 x 3.5 inches1:1
Fujifilm Instax Mini 112.4 x 1.8 inches3.4 x 2.1 inchesapprox. 3:2
Fujifilm Instax Mini 92.4 x 1.8 inches3.4 x 2.1 inchesapprox. 3:2
Fujifilm Instax Mini 902.4 x 1.8 inches3.4 x 2.1 inchesapprox. 3:2
Fujifilm Instax SQ 12.4 x 2. 4 inches3.4 x 2.8 inches1:1
Fujifilm Instax SQ 62.4 x 2.4 inches3.4 x 2.8 inches1:1
Fujifilm Instax Wide 3002.4 x 3.9 inches4.3 x 3.4 inchesapprox. 2:3
Fujifilm Instax Mini Liplay2.4 x 1.8 inches3.4 x 2.1 inchesapprox. 3:2
Fujifilm Instax Mini Hello Kitty2.4 x 1.8 inches3.4 x 2.1 inchesapprox. 3:2
Leica Sofort2.4 x 1.8 inches3.4 x 2.1 inchesapprox. 3:2
Canon Zoemini S2 x 3 inchesBorder is a camera setting2:3
Kodak Printomatic2 x 3 inches2 x 3 inches2:3
Lifeprint Instantcamera for iPhone2 x 3 inches2 x 3 inches2:3
Polaroid Image/Spectra Camera - Full switch2.9 x 3.6 inches4 x 4 inchesapprox. 2:3
Polaroid Image/Spectra Camera - One switch2.9 x 3.6 inches4 x 4 inchesapprox. 2:3
8 x 10 Kameras Highformatcameras9.5 x 7.5 inches12.8 x 8.5 inches10:8

Detailed reviews of all models can be found in our instant camera test for 2022!

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Polaroid camera: large pictures included?

Large image: Polaroid’s i-Type film
in the Stranger Things special edition © Polaroid

Which instant camera has large images? We hear that question on a regular bases. Understandably so, since many of the most popular cameras on the market have the unusual credit card format (e.g. Instax Mini Film). If one disregards more exotic formats such as Polaroid’s 8 x 10 large format, most people understand “large pictures” to mean those in 1:1 format. Both Polaroid (i-Type, 600 film, SX-70 film) and Fujifilm (Instax Square) offer this format, though the Instax Square format offers a slightly smaller image with 2.4 x 2.4 inches visible image (Polaroid: 3.1 x 3.1 inches). Also offering large images is the Instax Wide film. Wide format images have an aspect ratio of 2:3 (widescreen).

Which instant camera now offers large images?

The following cameras are currently available and offer the popular 1:1 format:

Sponsored

Polaroid Originals Now I-Type Instant Camera - Black (9028)

$119.00

View on Amazon

The Instax Wide Film is also available in black and white © Fujifilm
  • Polaroid Now
  • Polaroid OneStep 2
  • Polaroid Onestep Plus
  • Polaroid SX-70
  • Polaroid 600 Series
  • Polaroid SLR670 Series
  • Instax SQ1
  • Instax SQ6
  • Lomo’Instant Square

Wide format cameras:

  • Instax Wide 300
  • InstantKon RF70
  • Lomo’Instant Wide

Polaroid Picture Size FAQs

What size is a polaroid picture?

Polaroid picture size varies from camera to camera. While the classic Polaroid has a dimension of 3.1 x 3.1 inches or respectively 4.2 x 3.5 inches with the white border, the popular Instax Mini 11 has an image size of 2.4 x 1.8 inches. The small Polaroid Go uses a picture size of 1.8 x 1.8 inches. Take a look at the list above for further details.

Polaroid picture size in cm?

Again, there is not ONE Polaroid picture size. The classic cameras have a dimension of 107 x 88 mm (with border). More details in the table above.

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why are they needed and where to print

01 June 2021

Order Polaroid photos

Many people remember with nostalgia those times when Polaroid photos appeared and became popular. They instantly captured the life around us and did not require a visit to the photo salon. The square format and special color rendition have become their hallmark. The white border helps to focus on the image, while the wide margin at the bottom is convenient for congratulations and comments.

Now many people are wondering how to print photos in the style of Polaroid, and this is hardly surprising. Small photographs are a tribute to tradition, immersion in a special atmosphere and an opportunity to make a collection of photographs original. For young people, this format is also relevant, because it is associated with Instagram. Next, we will tell you how you can use square photos with a frame and where it is better to order them.

5 ideas for using Polaroid style photos

  1. Make a photo chronicle. Miniature pictures of the same format perfectly stack in rows, and on the spreads of the album they can be placed in many pieces at once. This is a great way to tell the story of a party, date, or kids' party from start to finish.
  2. Make gifts. You can take polaroid-style photos as small souvenirs for a large number of people - wedding guests, colleagues or classmates of a child. It is convenient to sign cards instead of postcards. You can make a more valuable present in the form of an album or a beautiful box with a photo.
  3. Decorate the interior. The possibilities for decorating are very wide. From small cards, a large and interesting collage is easily assembled. You can use them to put the name of the child on the wall, decorate the frame of the mirror or pin to the computer screen. Another idea is to hang a garland of positive shots.
  4. Keep a photo diary. Ideal for when you want to capture events and changes every day. For example, when a baby grows in a family or a person is busy with interesting work. For cards, there is easily a place in a regular diary, notebook or notebook.
  5. Create photo souvenirs. Have you tried printing your favorite pictures as a fridge magnet, notepad or calendar? This is a great way to surround yourself with interesting things and show attention to a loved one. Small cards or collages are great for this.

Where can I print Polaroid style photos?

Since small pictures are not so technically demanding, they can even be printed on a color home printer. You just need to buy good paper and process the images. Regular photos are in a rectangular format, so they need to be cropped. For convenience, special online services have been developed. The quality will not be up to par, but for the same diaries or as a note to a loved one, this is an acceptable option.

Another thing if you are interested in printing photos in the style of Polaroid with a beautiful design. A stylish photo book, a gift box with a collection of cards, fridge magnets or a large poster collage require contacting a printing house. You will save time and money if you choose a company with its own equipment and experienced staff. You will not have to overpay intermediaries and wait a long time, and quality control will be higher.

Remember that today's technology provides more options than cameras 90's. If you wish, you can make the frame not white, but colored. Lettering does not have to be handwritten. Choose a beautiful font, and the desired text will be printed along with the image. You can add lamination and other types of processing. All these services are provided by Vypusk.ru at affordable prices.

Our experts are always ready to share ideas for interesting photo framing. We will be happy to advise you or take your order by phone!

Order Polaroid photos

Print Polaroid photo in St. Petersburg, order online and cheaply print in the style of Polaroid photos

Order Polaroid style photo prints and add memorabilia

Why order Polaroid photo prints from us

Fast

We can print your Polaroid style photos in just 30 minutes!

Convenient

In our online editor, you can choose a ready-made template or simply add an inscription

Quality

We print on proven materials and equipment that has proven itself in the international printing market.

About the service

Polaroid photos - square photos with a white frame and a wide field for signatures! Print memorable photos, write wishes or a date and give them to your loved ones.

If you find a white frame boring, then we have developed a catalog of templates especially for you. for decorating Polaroid photos. Now you can choose a theme design for any holiday or just choose a neutral background.

Print photos on matte or glossy photo paper, photo size - 10x13 cm. Such photos can be presented to loved ones and friends as a keepsake.

File names must be written in numbers or Latin letters. Files must not contain layers, alpha channels, LZW compression.


Where to print photos

Vyborgsky district

St. Petersburg, Vyborgskoe shosse, 3/1, OK

  • Metro Ozerki 140 m
  • Prosveshcheniya Avenue 1.6 km
  • Subway Udelnaya 2. 4 km

Kalininsky district

Pro-Center

Saint-Petersburg

  • Metro station Grazhdansky avenue 2 km
  • Metro Prospekt Prosveshcheniya 3.1 km
  • Metro Devyatkino 3.3 km

St. Petersburg, Enlightenment Ave., 80, building 2, OK

  • Metro Grazhdansky Prospekt 660 m
  • Metro Devyatkino 2.2 km
  • Metro Akademicheskaya 3 km

St. Petersburg, Nauki prospekt, 17, building 1, OK

  • Metro Akademicheskaya 450 m
  • Metro Politekhnicheskaya 1.2 km
  • Metro Square Muzhestva 2 km

Krasnogvardeisky district

St. Petersburg, Zanevsky prospekt, 65, building 1, OK

  • Metro Ladozhskaya 460 m
  • Metro Novocherkasskaya 1.1 km
  • Metro Prospekt Bolshevikov 2.3 km

St. Petersburg, Industrialny pr., 25, OK

  • Ladozhskaya metro station 3. 1 km
  • Metro station Novocherkasskaya 4.4 km
  • Metro Prospekt Bolshevikov 3.4 km

Krasnoselsky district

St. Petersburg, Marshal Zhukov Ave., 31, building 1, OK

  • Avtovo metro station 2.1 km
  • Metro Prospect Veteranov 2.2 km
  • Metro Leninsky Prospekt 2.4 km

St. Petersburg, Tallinskoe sh., 27, OK

St. Petersburg, Partizana Germana st., 2, OK

  • Prospekt Veteranov metro station 4 km

Moskovsky district

St. Petersburg, Kosmonavtov prospekt, 45, OK

  • Metro Moskovskaya 1.6 km
  • Metro Zvezdnaya 2 km
  • Metro Park Pobedy 2.3 km

St. Petersburg, Moskovsky prospekt, 137, O'KEY

  • Elektrosila metro station 360 m
  • Metro Moscow gates 1.1 km
  • Metro Park Pobedy 1.8 km

St. Petersburg, Pulkovskoe shosse, 17 building 2

  • Metro Moskovskaya 2. 4 km
  • Metro Kupchino 3.3 km
  • Nevsky district

    St. Petersburg, Bolshevikov prospekt, 8

    • Metro Prospekt Bolshevikov 840 m
    • Metro Dybenko Street 850 m
    • Metro station Ladozhskaya 2.9 km

    St. Petersburg, Bolshevikov prospekt, 10A, OK

    • Metro Dybenko street 540 m
    • Metro Prospekt Bolshevikov 1.2 km
    • Metro station Ladozhskaya 3.2 km

    Petrogradsky district

    Primorsky district

    St. Petersburg, Savushkina st., 119, OK

    • Staraya Derevnya metro station 1.6 km
    • Metro Krestovsky Island 2.5 km
    • Metro station Komendantskiy avenue 3 km

    St. Petersburg, Bogatyrsky prospekt, 13, OK

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