Image Count Tips: How Many Photos Are in Your Box?

Whether you're downsizing, decluttering, or digitizing, estimating your image count is one of the most helpful first steps in tackling a box of prints. It’s a great way to set expectations, save time, and understand what to expect when using a photo scanning service.

The good news? You don’t need to count every photo one by one.

Box of Photos: Estimating Without Counting

You’ve got a shoebox. Maybe two. Maybe five. But how many actual pictures are in there?

Here’s a simple rule of thumb:
One inch of stacked photo prints = about 100 images.

If you measure the total height of your stack and multiply by 100, you'll have a quick, fairly accurate image count to guide your organization or digitization efforts. If you're dealing with multiple sizes or thicker photo paper, aim a little lower. If they’re mostly 4x6 prints from the ‘90s, you may even fit 110–120 per inch.

Not sure how to begin sorting? Read our guide on how to organize photos for helpful step-by-step tips.

Best Way to Digitize Photos: Skip the Scanner Struggle

Most home scanners are slow, tedious, and prone to misalignment. That's fine for a one-off scan, but not ideal when you're facing hundreds—or thousands—of prints.

The best way to digitize photos from a box of prints is to use Heirloom’s photo scanning service. It saves you hours of labor and ensures every photo is captured clearly, cropped correctly, and returned to you both digitally and physically.

Professional services often include:

• High-resolution scanning in batches

• Automatic image rotation and enhancement

• Optional cloud storage so you don’t have to store giant folders on your computer

Plus, if you choose a cloud-based photo scanning from Heirloom, your images can be safely shared with family and friends—without mailing physical prints.

How to Organize Family Photos Before Scanning

Once you've estimated your image count, a little bit of prep goes a long way. Here's how to make the scanning process smoother:

• Group by decade, person, or event. Use sticky notes to label each set.

• Remove frames. Most services can't scan framed photos unless specifically arranged.

• Keep sizes separate. While mixed sizes are fine, stacking like-sized photos keeps them safer during shipping.

• Don’t stress perfection. Even loosely grouping photos can make digital sorting easier later on.

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