How This Checker Works
This tool runs entirely in your browser — no photo is uploaded to any server. When you select an image, your browser reads its pixel data and file metadata locally and compares them against the requirements below.
Checks performed: pixel dimensions, calculated print size, DPI (read from file metadata when available), file size, background solidity, and approximate face centering.
ERAS Photo Requirements & Sources
| Requirement | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| File type | JPG / JPEG or PNG | AAMC official photo page — "Upload a photo in JPG or JPEG or PNG format" |
| Maximum file size | 150 KB | AAMC official photo page — "The maximum photo size is 150 KB" |
| Face centered | Face must be centered in the frame | AAMC official photo page — "The photograph should be a recent photograph ... face should be centered" |
| Print dimensions (legacy) | 2.5 × 3.5 inches (portrait) | Legacy AAMC requirement, no longer published on the current AAMC photo page. Values retained by some photography services as legacy targets — no longer an official AAMC requirement. |
| Pixel dimensions (legacy) | 375 × 525 px (at 150 DPI) | Derived from 2.5 × 3.5 in × 150 DPI. Legacy figure retained by some photography services as a legacy target. AAMC currently does not publish pixel dimensions. |
| DPI / resolution (legacy) | 150 DPI | Legacy figure. AAMC currently does not publish a DPI requirement. 150 DPI is the minimum widely accepted for print-quality photos and is cited by multiple photography services. |
Important: The AAMC official page (students-residents.aamc.org) currently specifies only file type, max 150 KB, and that the face should be centered. It does not publish dimensions, DPI, or physical print size. The 2.5 × 3.5 in / 150 DPI / 375 × 525 px figures are widely used legacy values from older AAMC materials. This checker tests against both the current official limits and these legacy dimensions, and labels each accordingly.
How Each Check Is Performed
- Pixel dimensions — Read directly from the image file via the browser Image API. Compared against the legacy 375 × 525 px target.
- Print size (inches) — Calculated as pixel dimensions ÷ DPI. When DPI metadata is absent, 150 DPI is assumed and the result is labeled as an estimate.
- DPI — Read from embedded JPEG JFIF density or PNG pHYs chunk when present. If no density metadata exists in the file, it cannot be determined and is reported as "not embedded" — this is a file property, not something any tool can infer reliably.
- File size — Read from the File object size property in bytes, converted to KB.
- Background solidity — Estimated by sampling corner and edge pixels on a canvas, then checking color variance. Labeled as an estimate because complex backgrounds (gradients, studio shadows) may affect the result.
- Face centering — Estimated by computing the brightness centroid of the image as a face-detection proxy and measuring its offset from center. Labeled as an estimate because true face detection requires ML models; this is a lightweight heuristic.
FAQ
What is an ERAS headshot?
An ERAS headshot is the photograph that residency applicants upload to the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) as part of their application. Programs use it to identify candidates during interviews and reviews.
Does the AAMC specify exact photo dimensions?
As of the current AAMC photo guidelines, no. The official page specifies only file format (JPG/JPEG/PNG), maximum file size (150 KB), and that the face should be centered. The widely cited 2.5 × 3.5 inch / 375 × 525 px / 150 DPI values come from older AAMC materials and are still used by most photography services, but are not currently published as requirements by AAMC.
What DPI should my ERAS photo be?
The AAMC does not currently publish a DPI requirement. The legacy standard is 150 DPI, which remains the minimum widely recommended for print-quality photos. If your file has no DPI metadata embedded, this checker will report "not embedded" — this does not necessarily mean the photo will be rejected by ERAS.
Is my photo uploaded anywhere?
No. This checker is a static page with no backend. All processing happens in your browser using JavaScript and the HTML5 File API. Your photo never leaves your device.
What about residency headshot or medical residency headshot?
These are all the same intent — the photo required for residency applications via ERAS. Whether you searched "eras headshot," "residency headshot," "eras photo requirements," or "medical residency headshot," the requirements are identical and are all covered on this page.