On this page
What uses a 2 × 2 photo
- US passport book and card (new and renewal by mail).
- US visa applications (the DS-160 uses a digital version).
- The Diversity Visa (green card) lottery, as a 600 × 600 pixel digital file.
- Many other countries' visas for US-based applicants; always check the specific embassy.
The numbers
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Print size | 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) |
| Pixels at 300 DPI | 600 × 600 |
| Pixels at 600 DPI | 1200 × 1200 |
| Head height (chin to top of head) | 1 to 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) |
| Background | White or off-white, no shadows |
| How recent | Taken in the last 6 months |
How to make a 2 × 2 photo at home
- Stand half a metre in front of a plain white wall, facing a window.
- Have someone take the photo from 1 to 1.5 m away at eye level.
- Open the passport photo maker. It crops to exactly 2 × 2 inches with your head in range and checks every rule.
- Print it: the print sheet maker fits 6 photos edge to edge on one 4 × 6 print.
Don't stretch or squash it
A rectangular photo forced into a square looks distorted and is rejected. Always crop, never resize one side only. And don't swap the background with an app; edited photos are not allowed.
Questions
How many pixels is a 2x2 photo?
600 × 600 pixels at 300 DPI, or 1200 × 1200 at 600 DPI.
Is 2x2 inches the same as 51x51 mm?
Yes. 2 inches is 50.8 mm, usually rounded to 51 mm.
How many 2x2 photos fit on a 4x6 print?
Six, edge to edge. Cut exactly on the lines.
Sources
Checked on 2 Nov 2026. Prices and rules change; always confirm with the official source before you apply. SnapToSubmit is an independent service, not a government website.