standard pix sizes in Europe and such??

[kerriann85]

Ok, the boss posed a question today and I said I knew exactly where to get the answer.

Here in the US we get photos made into standard sizes. 8x10, 5x7, 11x14 and so forth. Of course that's in inches. And frames come from the store with the numbers on the front to tell us they fit pictures that are 8x10, 5x7, etc.

SO.....are pix in countries that use the metric system the same size? are they called by metric numbers? if I walk into a photo store and say I need an 8x10 will they look at me funny?
Does this make sense?

Thanks Gang, I knew I could come for help with these important matters. :D

[bwolford]

Kerri, of course they'd look at you funny. You are dressed like an American! :D

Brice

[MikeH]

Kerriann,

Although we are metric over here, virtually all stores still use the imperial sizes - 6x4, 7x5, 10x8 etc. Some will also quote the metric equivalent, but you're more likely to get a funny look if you ask for 25cm x 20cm rather than 10x8!!

I'm surprised we get away with it though being in the EU...

Mike

[Wendy]

Kerri ...

We are a strange lot in the UK. Although we have (sort of) gone metric ... we don't tend to use it :). This article may make you smile ... especially the original projected date:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metrication_in_the_UK

Wendy

[Juergen D]

Kerriann,
In Continental Europe you would be better off using metric sizes (cm). I've found this chart of standard photo print sizes on a German site:

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/2762/printsizes1kq.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

All measurements are in centimeters.

Juergen

[Frode]

And in Norway, we more or less use only the analog column.

[kerriann85]

Thanks everyone, this is pretty interesting. How 'bout Australia?

[bwolford]

Kerri, everything is up side down in Australia!

I'm not being very helpful am I?

Brice

[karen donnybrook]

I am not sure - it is years since I have actually had any prints done; because I live out of town, I usually do my own printing. I will make enquiries and let you know.

[Robyn]

We've had metric measurement for years of course, but from what I can see most processing places refer to both imperial and metric measurement. Any photo printing paper seems to have both measurements displayed equally - and usually the same with frames for sale. But I grew up with the imperial system .............. I can picture it in my mind if someone is 5' 6" tall, but if you say that person is x amount of centimetres tall, I can't get a visual picture.

[Wendy]

Robyn ...

Oh me too !!!

Wendy

[kevq]

Hi,
here in the UK we seem to have a built in dislike of metric measurements of anything.
My mother until she passed away, refused to use the new decimal currency, preferring what she called proper money.
Maths is easier now for the school children, they don't have to worry about farthings, halfpennies, florins, half crowns and crowns.
What I want to know is, why if we have gone metric, do eggs still come in sixes?
Kev:)

[Wendy]

Kev ...

You ever tried to design an egg box that takes five :D :D

Wendy

[Robyn]

Wendy and Kev,
So true..........we still have a dozen eggs, a dozen buns.....etc. etc. etc.

[kerriann85]

Thanks Brice, helpful as always! :D

Thanks for chiming in there Aussies.

It sounds like most people pretty much know what an 8x10 is. Well, except for Mike who is measuring all of his sideways (10x8) or long side first. :)

[Wendy]

Kerri ...

Here in the UK we tend to put the longest size first ... we do like to do things different :)

Wendy

[Grant]

Thanks everyone, this is pretty interesting. How 'bout Australia?



I have it under good authority that they use the Kangas a Roos in Australia.

[karen donnybrook]

Aww Grant, how long did it take you think that up :rolleyes:

[Wendy]

Grant ....

Groannnnn .... :)

Wendy

[bwolford]

Robyn,

Why do hot dog bun packages come in 10s and hot dogs come in 8s?

Brice

[Wendy]

Brice ...

To make sure that you keep on buying them :)

Wendy

[karen donnybrook]

While we were away, I went into a photography shop and the following sizes are standard in, at least, Western Australia (not sure wether the sizes are standard Australia wide).

10 x 15 cm (equivalent 4 x 6 inches)
13 x 18 cm (equivalent 5 x 7 inches)
15 x 20 cm (equivalent 6 x 8 inches)
20 x 30 cm (equivalent 8 x 12 inches)

Robin are these sizes the same in Tasmania?

[Robyn]

Yes Karen, the same.