What size are headshots
Headshot size is determined by how you plan to use the image. Updated: ****
| Use | Recommended size |
|---|---|
| LinkedIn or professional profile | Square, at least 400 × 400 pixels |
| Printed acting headshot | 8 × 10 inches |
| U.S. passport photo | 2 × 2 inches |
| Website or company directory | Square or portrait, based on the website template |
| High-resolution master file | At least 2,000 × 2,000 pixels |
What Size Should a Professional Headshot Be?
A professional headshot should be delivered as a high-resolution portrait that can be cropped to both a square format and a 4:5 portrait format.
Ask the photographer for:
- The large original file
- A square crop, such as 2,000 × 2,000 pixels
- A portrait crop for websites or portfolios
- An 8 × 10-inch version if you need printed copies
- An sRGB JPEG for online use
The original should leave space around your head and shoulders. That makes it easier to crop the image without cutting off your hair, chin or shoulders.
What Size Should a LinkedIn Headshot Be?
A LinkedIn profile photo should be square. LinkedIn currently accepts profile photos from 400 × 400 pixels up to 7,680 × 4,320 pixels. A square file of at least 400 × 400 pixels meets the published minimum, while a larger original gives you more room to crop and resize.
For LinkedIn, use:
- Crop: 1:1 square
- Minimum accepted size: 400 × 400 pixels
- Practical working size: 1,000 × 1,000 pixels or larger
- Framing: Head and shoulders, with the face clearly visible
LinkedIn displays profile photos in a circular area, so keep the face and other important details near the center.
What Size Is a Printed Acting Headshot?
A printed acting headshot is usually 8 × 10 inches in portrait orientation. This format is widely used for casting submissions and is commonly paired with an acting résumé.
At 300 pixels per inch, an 8 × 10-inch image requires:
2,400 × 3,000 pixels
Follow the instructions from the casting director, agent or submission platform if they specify another format.
What Size Is a Passport Headshot?
A U.S. passport photo is 2 × 2 inches, or 51 × 51 millimeters. The head must measure between 1 and 1⅜ inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the hair.
Passport photos also have requirements for:
- Facial position
- Background
- Lighting
- Expression
- Head size within the frame
A standard business headshot will not automatically meet these requirements. It must be cropped and prepared according to the official passport rules.
What Size Should a Website Headshot Be?
Website headshot dimensions depend on the image container used by the site. Common formats include:
- Square: 1:1
- Portrait: 4:5
- Vertical portrait: 3:4
- Thumbnail: A smaller version of the main file
If the website does not specify a size, provide a square image between 1,000 × 1,000 and 2,000 × 2,000 pixels. A large file can be reduced, but a small file may look blurry when enlarged.
Check whether the image will appear as a circle, square or rectangle before choosing the final crop.
What Headshot Files Should You Request From a Photographer?
For general professional use, request:
- A high-resolution original
- A square crop for LinkedIn and profile pages
- A portrait crop for websites and portfolios
- An 8 × 10-inch crop for acting or entertainment work
- A web-ready JPEG for online uploads
The safest single choice is a high-resolution portrait with enough space for different crops. Avoid requesting only a tightly cropped square unless you know the image will be used exclusively as a profile photo.
Quick Answer
Use 400 × 400 pixels or larger for a square online profile photo, 8 × 10 inches for a printed acting headshot, and 2 × 2 inches for a U.S. passport photo. For most professional uses, keep the large original and create a final crop for each platform or document.