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WordPress says the image exceeds the maximum upload size? Shrink it to 2 MB

WordPress itself takes its limit from the web host, so the cap differs from site to site. Many shared hosts still use 2 MB, which is why you see the message 'exceeds the maximum upload size for this site'. This is a typical figure, not a WordPress rule.

  • Nothing is uploaded. Your browser does the compression, so the file stays on your device.
  • Lands under the real limit. We aim a little below it, so the upload goes through first time.
  • Fast. A 30 second 1080p clip fits into 10 MB in about two seconds on a desktop.
Where are you sending it?

Custom size 2.00 MB. We aim for 1.94 MB, a small safety margin so the file never lands just over.

Sent to our servers: 0 bytes. It all happens in this tab.

When you need 2.00 MB

Shrinking before you upload also makes your pages load faster. A 2 MB target is generous for a web photo, and most pictures end up well under it with no visible loss.

What to expect

A full-width phone photo usually fits in 2 MB with its original dimensions.

How big a picture fits in 2 MB

Rough pixel sizes at good quality. The tool checks the real result, so treat these as a guide.

What it isAbout this many pixels
Detailed photo (landscape, crowd)2,540 x 1,690
Typical photo or headshot3,110 x 2,070
Scan, signature or screenshot of text5,390 x 3,590

How we hit the number

We try the highest quality that fits. If the picture still will not fit even at a lower quality, we reduce the pixel size a step at a time until it does. Photos are saved as JPEG by default, which every form accepts. You can switch to WebP or PNG with the format menu.

The target we aim for is 1.94 MB, which is 60 KB under 2.00 MB, so the file is not turned away over a few bytes.

Questions people ask

Can I raise the limit instead?

Sometimes, through your host's settings, but a smaller image helps visitors anyway.

What is the best format for the web?

JPEG for photos. WebP is smaller still if your site supports it, which you can pick in the format menu.

Related

Limits change. We link the official page wherever there is one, and the safety margin means a small change is unlikely to matter. Last updated 2026-11-09.