Resize an image to 500 KB
A limit of 500 KB turns up in listings, forms that take several photos, forum uploads and mail gateways.
This page is set to 500 KB in File size mode. It keeps the quality fixed (90) and finds the largest pixel size that still gives a file under 500 KB. It aims slightly below the limit and counts 1 KB as 1,000 bytes. If the picture is already under 500 KB, it is left as it is.
What size in pixels fits in 500 KB?
That depends on the picture: roughly 1,400 to 1,900 pixels on the long side for a photo. Smooth skies, plain walls and white backgrounds need very few bytes, while foliage, grain and night photos need many.
Resize or compress to reach 500 KB?
| This page (resize) | Compressor | |
|---|---|---|
| What changes | Pixel size (smaller picture) | Quality first, pixel size only if needed |
| Best when | The destination shows a small picture, or needs a clean, sharp one | You must keep the pixel size, for example a minimum width |
If a form states a minimum size in pixels, use compress to 500 KB, which lowers the quality before it lowers the pixels.
Tips for reaching 500 KB
- Full HD (1,920 by 1,080) usually fits in 500 KB for a normal photo.
- If the destination shows the picture small, resize to that size first. You will end well under the limit.
- Resize from your original file, and not from a copy that was already shrunk.
Other file sizes
100 KB, 200 KB. Or choose pixels or a percentage with the image resizer.