Guides / Grid Size Guide

Grid Size Guide: 3x3 vs 4x4 vs 5x5 - Which Fits Your List?

The grid size you pick changes how your chart reads. Here's how the common sizes compare, so you can match the layout to how many picks you actually have.

3x3 - top picks and minimalist boards

Nine cells is enough to show a clear "top 9" without crowding the image. It's the size most people reach for when they want a clean, Instagram-ready post rather than a full ranking - a favorites board rather than a complete list.

4x4 - the balanced default

Sixteen cells is the most common size for a general bias chart - enough room for a fuller ranking while each photo is still large enough to actually see. If you're not sure where to start, this is the safest default.

5x5 and up - full group or roster charts

Once you're trying to show an entire group, cast, or roster, 25+ cells keeps everyone in one image without leaving anyone out. The trade-off is that each individual photo gets smaller, so simple, high-contrast photos tend to hold up better than busy ones at this size.

Irregular grids and a featured cell

You're not locked into a perfect rectangle. A common trick is making your #1 pick's cell larger than the rest, so it draws the eye first before the viewer scans the remaining grid - useful for "ranked" charts where position matters as much as inclusion.

Quick picking guide

  • Under 10 picks: go with 3x3, or 3x4 if you're just over.
  • 10-16 picks: 4x4 is the standard choice.
  • 17-25+ picks: 5x5 or a custom column/row count.
  • Posting to a story or vertical feed: fewer columns, more rows.

Once you've picked a size, walk through the full step-by-step guide, or jump straight into the editor.