Photo calendar guide: sizes, layouts and paper
A photo calendar combines images you want to see every day with a layout that fits the space where it will hang. Choose the size and monthly layout first, then plan your photographs and dates.
Our wall calendars are printed and finished in the UK. Both layouts are wire bound and can start in your chosen month. Single-page calendars are thumb cut with a hanger already inserted. Double-page calendars are drilled for your own hanging equipment and do not include a hanger. Both include a front cover for your own photo and text.
Single-page or double-page layout?
| Layout | How a month is displayed | Available sizes and paper |
|---|---|---|
| Single-page | The photograph and monthly calendar grid share one page. | A5, A4 or A3; standard 200gsm or premium 300gsm silk. |
| Double-page | A photograph on the top page and monthly grid below, displayed across two pages. | A5 or A4 pages; 200gsm silk. |
A single-page layout suits a compact display. A double-page calendar gives the image and grid separate space, but needs more room on the wall when open. Consider the open display, not only the size of one closed page, when measuring the space.
Choosing A5, A4 or A3
- A5: a compact option for smaller spaces and personal gifts.
- A4: more room for photographs and a practical size for a family or home-office calendar.
- A3: a larger single-page display for photographs you want to see from farther away.
Think about the viewing distance and the detail in your images. A larger format makes small details more visible, but it also makes a low-resolution image easier to notice.
Sheets, leaves and printed sides
A leaf means one physical sheet. A sheet printed on both sides has two printed sides. Our single-page calendars use 7 sheets, giving 14 printed sides. Double-page calendars use 13 sheets, giving 26 printed sides.
Those figures describe the physical format. They do not mean a calendar contains 14 or 26 months. Check the start month, year and monthly sequence in the editor.
200gsm or 300gsm silk?
Silk has a smooth surface with a subtler sheen than gloss. Standard 200gsm silk is available across the wall-calendar range. Single-page A5, A4 and A3 products also offer premium 300gsm silk.
The higher GSM means greater paper weight. Choose 300gsm if you prefer a heavier sheet; choose 200gsm if the standard feel suits your budget and use. Paper weight alone does not determine the detail in a photograph.
Double-page calendars currently use 200gsm silk. Review the paper option on the selected product page before you begin.
Plan the images, start month and personal dates
You can choose any start month, so a calendar can work as a birthday gift, a family planner or a project that begins partway through the year. Choose the start month and year deliberately, then check the sequence before ordering.
Add birthdays, anniversaries or other personal dates using the editor. Proofread each date and its year, especially when copying information from an older calendar.
Build a monthly photo plan
Choose a main image for each month before you start. Family photographs, pets, travel scenes and children's artwork can all work. A consistent theme makes the calendar feel considered, while seasonal images can give each month its own character.
Use wide photographs for wide image areas. For portraits or square pictures, review the crop and leave breathing room around the subject. A design with several images needs each picture to remain clear at its smaller size.
Prepare the files
JPG and PNG are reliable choices for uploading from your device. Use original files where possible. If you are photographing a drawing, place it flat in even light, keep the camera square to it and avoid shadows across the artwork.
Keep faces and small text away from the trim edges, binding and hanging area. Check the editor preview rather than assuming the whole source photograph will remain visible.
Current calendar prices
Each row links to the listed paper option. Check the product page for the current selection before personalising.
| Product | Paper / option | Price |
|---|---|---|
| A5 Single-Page Photo Calendar | 200gsm silk paper | £4.19 |
| A5 Single-Page Photo Calendar | 300gsm silk paper | £4.89 |
| A5 Double-Page Photo Calendar | 200gsm silk paper | £4.89 |
| A4 Single-Page Photo Calendar | 200gsm silk paper | £4.89 |
| A4 Single-Page Photo Calendar | 300gsm silk paper | £5.94 |
| A4 Double-Page Photo Calendar | 200gsm silk paper | £5.59 |
| A3 Single-Page Photo Calendar | 200gsm silk paper | £5.59 |
| A3 Single-Page Photo Calendar | 300gsm silk paper | £6.99 |
Prices are shown before your eligible Picsme Forever discount. Delivery is charged separately unless your order qualifies for free delivery.
Your pre-order checklist
- Measure the space and confirm size and open layout.
- Choose single-page or double-page format and the available paper.
- Confirm start month and year.
- Review every photograph, crop, caption and personal date.
- Check the delivery address, service and final total.
Delivery and repeat orders
Mainland UK delivery for photo books, calendars, posters and framed prints is £3.50 Standard in 3 to 5 working days or £4.00 Express in 2 to 4 working days, including production. Mainland UK delivery is free on orders of £30 or more. Check our delivery information for other destinations and contact us before ordering for a specific deadline.
Picsme Forever: create an account and spend £50 once to unlock a total 50% discount on eligible future purchases for life. Extra photo book spreads and shipping charges are excluded.
Common calendar questions
Can the calendar start after January?
Yes. Select the start month and year when creating it.
Can I personalise the front cover?
Yes. Both layouts include a front cover. Upload your own photograph and add text, such as “Smogur Family 2027”, in the editor. Check the cover and every month before ordering.
Can I add my own birthdays and anniversaries?
Yes. Add personal dates in the editor and check them before ordering.
Does a double-page calendar need more wall space?
Yes. It displays the photo and calendar grid on two pages, so allow space for the open calendar.
Are the calendars supplied for wall hanging?
Single-page calendars are wire bound and thumb cut, with a hanger already inserted. Double-page calendars are wire bound and drilled for your own hanging equipment; no hanger is supplied.