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FramingHead size within tolerance
Face detection scales the head to percentages described in US passport and visa guidelines.
2×2 inch standard
2×2 inch passport photos — square format, precise head size
The United States requires 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) square photos with the head measuring 1–1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) from chin to crown. This guide covers dimensions, pixels, and how Passprint applies head-size framing.
51×51 mm / 2×2 in600×600 px @ 300 DPIUS primary
Square format challengesSquare crops are easy to get wrong
Square crops are easy to get wrong
when head height matters more than aspect ratio
Cropping to a square is not enough — US guidelines measure head height in inches. Passprint combines 51×51 mm dimensions with face-detection framing. Passprint automates the entire workflow from upload to print-ready sheet in just a few clicks.
Studio challenge
Head size within tolerance
Face detection centres the head and scales it to the percentage US passport and visa guidelines describe.
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Studio challenge
Digital file for online forms
Export a JPEG at 600×600 pixels (300 DPI) for government portal uploads.
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Studio challenge
Multi-copy print sheets
Lay out several 2×2 copies per page for walk-in studio clients who need prints immediately.
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2×2 workflow
How to create a 2×2 inch passport photo
Square 51×51 mm crop with US head-size rules — distinct from the rectangular 35×45 mm international standard.
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Upload portrait
Any well-lit photo from phone or studio camera.
Apply 2×2 preset
Square crop to 51×51 mm with head-height percentage for US documents.
Check head-size band
Verify chin-to-crown distance before export.
Export digital or print
JPEG for online forms or multi-copy A4/Letter print sheet.
Upload Photo
Processing
25 mm35 mm ISO
←35 mm→
25 to 35 mm (50 to 69%)
For Print (A4).pdf300 DPI
Passport Size Photos
A4 · 210 × 297 mm · 2 × 2 in
1
Upload portrait
Any well-lit photo from phone or studio camera.
Upload Photo
2
Apply 2×2 preset
Square crop to 51×51 mm with head-height percentage for US documents.
Processing
3
Check head-size band
Verify chin-to-crown distance before export.
25 mm35 mm ISO
←35 mm→
25 to 35 mm (50 to 69%)
4
Export digital or print
JPEG for online forms or multi-copy A4/Letter print sheet.
For Print (A4).pdf300 DPI
Passport Size Photos
A4 · 210 × 297 mm · 2 × 2 in
For users in the United States: The U.S. Department of State prohibits digital alterations of ID photographs. Our platform provides sizing and cropping services only and does not modify or enhance images.
2×2 inch referenceSquare format tools.
Square format tools.
Head size, not just square crop.
Understand 51×51 mm requirements and export with US-appropriate head-height framing.
51×51mm
600×600px at 300 DPI
USPrimary market
02
LayoutSquare print grids
Multiple 2×2 copies per Letter or A4 page with spacing for studio cutters.
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DigitalOnline form dimensions
Export JPEGs at pixel sizes government portals expect for digital upload.
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ConvertRectangular to square
Re-crop 35×45 portraits to 2×2 with correct head framing instead of stretching.
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BackgroundPlain backgrounds
White or off-white replacement after square crop for compliant submissions.
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PresetsUS preset pairing
Pair the 2×2 size guide with the US passport or visa workflow for end-to-end processing.
2×2 inch FAQ
2×2 passport photo size explained
The 2×2 inch format is mandated by the U.S. Department of State for passports and visas. It differs from the 35×45 mm international standard in both shape and head-size measurement method.
How big is a 2×2 passport photo in millimetres?
2×2 inches equals 51×51 mm. At 300 DPI that is 600×600 pixels. Passprint exports at both imperial and metric dimensions.
What is the US head-size requirement?
The head (chin to top of hair) must measure between 1 and 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) within the 2×2 inch frame per Department of State guidance.
Which countries use 2×2 passport photos?
The United States is the primary country using 2×2 inches for passports and visas. Some other nations accept square formats — verify your destination's latest rules.
How is 2×2 different from a US visa photo?
Dimensions are the same (2×2 inches), but DS-160 digital uploads have file-size limits and dimension checks. Use the US visa guide for agency DS-160 workflows.
Can I convert a 35×45 photo to 2×2?
Passprint re-crops source portraits to 2×2 with correct head framing rather than stretching rectangular images, which distorts facial proportions.
Official references
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
Square 2×2 photos made simple. Start free.
51×51 mm crop with US head-size rules and digital export for online forms.