header success
5 Column Image Grid

Standard Photo Book Sizes for Any Occasion

Choosing the right photo book size is key to showcasing your favorite memories in the best way possible. Whether you’re creating a family album, wedding book, or a travel keepsake, each size and orientation can bring your story to life differently. Let’s walk through Shutterfly’s photo book sizes to help you decide which is perfect for your project.

Popular Photo Book Sizes

When it comes to creating a personalized photo book with Shutterfly, picking the right size is essential. Your choice will depend on the occasion, the number of photos you want to include, and how you envision displaying them. Whether you’re creating a compact keepsake or a large coffee table book, Shutterfly offers various sizes that cater to every need. Below, we’ll explore each of the most popular sizes, breaking down how they work best with different photo collections and layouts to help guide your decision.

8×8 Photo Book 

8x8 photo book

Orientation: Square

This compact size is perfect for personal projects, quick highlights, or gift albums. Its versatility in handling both vertical and horizontal images makes it ideal for collections that mix different photo orientations, from Instagram shots to family moments.

8×11 Photo Book 

8x11 photo book

Orientation: Portrait

For a traditional feel, this portrait size works wonderfully for documenting milestones or professional events. Its vertical layout frames formal photos beautifully, giving them an elegant presentation. This book is great for portfolios or showcasing classic photography.

10×10 Photo Book

10x10 photo book

Orientation: Square

Similar to the 8×8 book but slightly larger, this square option provides extra space for bigger, bolder layouts. Use it for celebrations like weddings or baby showers, where you want to add a few more visual details and allow the images to shine.

11×14 Photo Book

girls trip travel photo book

Orientation: Landscape

This large, vertical book adds a formal and dramatic touch to your photo collections. It’s a great choice for weddings or portfolios where you want your images to be front and center, framed in a classic way.

12×12 Photo Book

12x12 photo book

Orientation: Square

If you’re looking for a show-stopping, bold coffee table book, this 12×12 photo book is the way to go. It offers a premium experience with space for large photos, making it perfect for showcasing professional photography or commemorating life’s biggest moments.

Photo Book Size Chart

Here’s a breakdown of Shutterfly’s available photo album sizes:

Album Size (inches) Orientation Album Size (cm) Best For
8×8 Square 20.32 x 20.32 Compact albums, everyday moments, Instagram photo books
8×11 Portrait 20.32 x 27.94 Family albums, yearbooks, children’s art books
10×10 Square 25.4 x 25.4 Wedding albums, baby books, special occasions
11×8 Landscape 27.94 x 20.32 Travel albums, wide panoramic photos, scenic photography
11×14 Portrait 27.94 x 35.56 Professional photography books, event albums
12×12 Square 30.48 x 30.48 High-impact displays, coffee table books, portfolio albums

Different Photo Book Orientations

all the different photo book sizes

When creating your custom photo book with Shutterfly, you can choose from three different orientations: square, landscape, and portrait. Each orientation offers a unique way to showcase your photos, depending on the layout and style you prefer.

Square Photo Books

Square photo books (like the 8×8 and 12×12 sizes) provide a balanced, symmetrical layout. They work well for both horizontal and vertical images, making them versatile for any type of photo. Square books are great for Instagram collections, weddings, and baby albums since they offer a modern, clean look. The uniformity of the design gives your photo book a cohesive feel and allows you to mix various photo styles without any awkward cropping.

Landscape Photo Books

Landscape-oriented books (like the 11×8 size) are wider than they are tall. This orientation is perfect for panoramic or wide photos, especially when capturing landscapes, travel adventures, or family gatherings. It highlights the grandeur of nature or a wide-angle shot. The extra width allows for creative layouts that display multiple photos on a single spread without feeling crowded.

Portrait Photo Books

Portrait photo books (like the 8×11 and 11×14 sizes) are taller than they are wide. These are great for vertical shots or classic family portraits. Portrait books offer a traditional and elegant look, making them ideal for professional photography collections, formal events, or personal portfolios. Vertical photos fit naturally on these pages, making them easy to arrange and view.

How To Choose The Right Size Photo Book

two different photo book sizes

1. Select Your Photos

Before you choose the size of your album, it’s good to have the final selection of photos. Keep a folder with some of your favorite backups. These will come in handy should you have extra space or find that some photos don’t go well with a particular layout.

2. Consider The Orientation Of Your Photos

Before choosing a size, it’s good to know the ratio of landscape to portrait photos you’ve selected. This will help you decide which album orientation will better fit your needs. It’s always easier to layout and size your photos when the album matches their orientation.

3. Consider The Number Of Photos You Want To Include

 To preserve the quality of your photos, we recommend no more than five photos per page. Of course, you have the option of designing a collage page in your album, but keep in mind that the photos will look quite small. Collages are great to recap a particular moment like a wedding dance or travel snapshots of one location.

Once you have your total number, it’s useful to divide by category and estimate how many you want per page. This will give you a better idea of your page count. For 50 to 100 photos, an album with 20 pages will be more than enough.

FAQs

What is the best photo book size?

The best size depends on how you intend to use it. For a portable, personal album, an 8×8 or 8×11 photo book is perfect. For special occasions or coffee table displays, opt for a larger 12×12 book.

How many photos can fit in each photo book size?

Each size can accommodate hundreds of photos depending on the layout. The larger the book, the more room you have for full-page images or detailed spreads.

What is the best size for a coffee table book?

A 12×12 photo book is the best choice for a coffee table display due to its large, bold format that easily catches the eye.

Is there a minimum page count for photo books?

Yes, most photo books start with a minimum of 20 pages, but you can easily add more if needed.

Related Resources

Now that you’re familiar with Shutterfly’s various photo book sizes, you’re ready to make an informed choice. Whether you’re looking for something compact for a small collection of memories or a large, eye-catching album to showcase a big event, the right size can help bring your photos to life. No matter which option you choose, your personalized photo book will be a lasting treasure. Start designing your perfect photo book today, and preserve your memories in a way that fits your style!

Additional Resources: