3×4 ID Photos: Size, Background Color & How to Get It Right
The 3×4 photo (3 cm wide – 4 cm tall) is the most widely used size for job applications, CVs, student cards, diplomas and certificates. Common specifications, frequent mistakes and a free 3×4 photo tool. Updated 10/2026.
A 3×4 ID photo is 3 cm wide and 4 cm tall (30 × 40 mm). The head (chin → top of hair) is about 22–27 mm, facing straight ahead, forehead and both ears visible. A white background is most common; some offices require blue – follow the receiving office's instructions.
3×4 ID photo specifications
| Size | 3 × 4 cm (3 wide – 4 tall) · 30 × 40 mm |
|---|---|
| Print resolution | 354 × 472 pixels at 300 dpi |
| Head height | About 22–27 mm, with a little space above the top of the hair |
| Background color | White (most common) or light blue – as the receiving office requires |
| Pose | Facing straight ahead, shoulders level, mouth closed, head not tilted |
| Clothing | Collared top in a color different from the background (avoid white tops on a white background) |
| When taken | Use a photo taken within the last 6 months |
Which documents use a 3×4 ID photo?
| Job applications | CVs, application forms, HR records |
|---|---|
| Education | Student cards, enrollment and exam applications |
| Diplomas & certificates | Certification exam applications, diploma issuance, exam admission cards |
| Access cards | Employee cards, membership cards (varies by place) |
Get it right the first time
Do
- Look straight into the lens, shoulders level
- Even lighting on both sides of the face, no shadows on the background
- Hair pulled back to show the forehead and both ears
- Sharp photo, no filters, no heavy skin smoothing
Common reasons for rejection
- Cropped from a selfie, so the face looks distorted and the nose too large
- Head too small or too close to the top edge
- Shadows or uneven color on the background
- Top the same color as the background, so the shoulders "disappear" into it
FAQ
How many cm and pixels is a 3x4 photo?
A 3×4 photo is 3 cm wide and 4 cm tall (30 × 40 mm). For sharp printing at 300 dpi, the file needs at least 354 × 472 pixels.
Should a 3x4 photo have a white or blue background?
White is the most widely used. Some schools and agencies require blue – check the receiving office's notice. The K-BLACK tool switches between white and blue backgrounds in just 1 tap.
How is a 3x4 photo different from a 4x6 photo?
A 4×6 photo is larger and used for Vietnamese passports and many administrative documents; a 3×4 photo is used for job applications, cards and diplomas. Many applications need both sizes – the tool has a button to combine 4×6 + 3×4 on a single 10×15 print sheet.
Can I make a 3x4 photo online with my phone?
Yes. Take a clear, front-facing photo, open the K-BLACK ID photo tool and choose the 3×4 standard: it automatically removes the background, aligns the head to the correct proportion and exports a 300 dpi print file. Photos are processed right on your device and never uploaded.
Other photo standards
Common specifications for 3×4 ID photos in Vietnam. Each school, company or agency may have its own requirements (background color, quantity, name written on the back) – check the receiving office's notice before submitting.