Why Are 5×7 Prints So Expensive? (And How to Save Money)

If you’ve ever tried to order 5×7 photo prints and felt shocked by the price tag compared to standard 4×6 prints, you’re not alone.

While they may only seem slightly larger, 5×7 photo prints often cost twice as much. So, why are 5×7 prints so expensive, and is there a way to get them for less?

In this blog, we’ll uncover the real reasons behind the pricing of 5×7 photo prints and offer practical tips to help you save money.

What are 5×7 Prints?

5×7 prints are physical photographs that measure 5 inches by 7 inches in size. They are one of the most popular photo print dimensions, larger than the standard 4×6 but smaller than 8×10, making them ideal for:

• Framing
• Photo gifts
• Greeting cards
• Tabletop displays
• Event keepsakes (like weddings or baby showers)

Why Are 5×7 Prints So Expensive?

5×7 photo prints are more expensive because they are not mass-produced like 4×6 prints. They involve higher material and labor costs, require custom machine setup, and are often priced higher due to their use in framing and gifts. Low demand and additional shipping or packaging also increase the price.

5×7 Prints Are Not the Industry Standard

Most printing labs, especially budget-friendly ones, are optimized for mass-producing 4×6 photo prints. This size is:

• The default for most smartphone and digital camera photos.
• Cheaper to produce due to higher volume.
• Often bundled into promotions and bulk deals.

Because 5×7 is a non-standard print size, it doesn’t benefit from the same economies of scale. Fewer people order 5x7s, so production costs per unit are higher.

Higher Material and Labor Costs

Although a 5×7 print is only 1 inch larger in each dimension than a 4×6, it often involves:

• More paper and ink per print.
• Custom machine adjustments or cutting.
• More labor-intensive handling.

Print labs often work with large paper rolls or sheets. To produce 5×7 prints, machines may need to be recalibrated or cuts made manually, creating extra labor and material waste—costs that are passed onto the customer.

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Premium Perception = Premium Pricing

5×7 prints are commonly used for:

• Framed photos
• Greeting cards
• Gift albums

Because they’re seen as a “premium” or gift-worthy size, many photo printing services price them higher intentionally.

Customers are willing to pay more for sentimental or decorative purposes, so prices reflect the perceived value.

Low Demand, High Cost

Fewer people order 5×7 prints compared to 4×6, which means:

• Lower batch sizes in print labs
• Higher setup cost per order
• More waste per run

This low volume drives the cost up since labs can’t streamline the process the way they do for 4×6 prints.

Shipping and Packaging Costs

If you’re ordering only a few 5x7s, you’re likely paying more for packaging and shipping per print than if you were ordering dozens of standard 4x6s.

Photo labs often use rigid mailers to protect the prints, which further increases costs.

How to Save Money on 5×7 Photo Prints?

Don’t worry—if you love the 5×7 format, there are still ways to save. Here are some effective tips:

✅ Use Online Photo Printing Services with Deals

Websites like:

• Shutterfly
• Snapfish
• Printique
• Nations Photo Lab

often offer discounts on bulk orders, or first-time user coupons. Sign up for their newsletters to get promo codes.

✅ Print Larger Sheets and Cut Them

If you’re printing multiple 5x7s, you might be able to:

• Order 8×10 or 11×14 sheets
• Use a paper trimmer to cut them into 5x7s yourself

This can drastically reduce cost per print, especially if you’re printing at home or at a local shop.

✅ Print at Local Retailers

Retail chains like:

• Walmart
• CVS
• Walgreens
• Costco

offer competitive pricing and in-store pickup, helping you save on shipping. Look out for seasonal promotions, especially around holidays.

✅ Consider DIY Printing at Home

If you have a good quality photo printer and archival-grade paper, printing 5x7s at home can be cheaper in the long run—especially for small batches.

Final Words

Now that you know why 5×7 prints are more expensive—from production inefficiencies to perceived value—you can make smart, cost-effective choices.

Whether you’re printing memories, gifts, or keepsakes, there are always ways to save without compromising on quality.

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