Worked example
On an 8.5 × 11 in page with 0.5 in margins, 0.25 in gaps, 3 columns and 4 rows, twelve 3:2 photos fit at up to 2.333 × 1.556 in each. At 300 PPI each needs at least 700 × 467 px.
Each cell holds one photo
The sheet is a uniform grid. This tool fits one aspect ratio inside every cell without cropping. Different image shapes or captions may need smaller photos. A cell can contain unused space when its shape differs from the photo ratio.
Margins belong inside printable space
Use margins large enough for your printer and any header or caption you plan to add. The calculator does not know your printer’s nonprintable area. Adobe’s contact-sheet workflow likewise asks for document dimensions, resolution, rows, columns and spacing.
Pixels are a minimum, not new detail
The whole-pixel requirements are rounded upward from the fitted physical photo size. Enlarging a smaller source file does not restore detail. Check cropping and orientation separately before printing.
Explore the related calculation
For a different starting point, try the paper-size pixel guide or return to the main calculator. Browse the complete tool directory for this site.
Reference and corrections
The definitions and assumptions above follow these sources; the examples and calculator arithmetic are original to this page.
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