72x72

72x72 refers to a square whose sides are 72 units long. The meaning of the units depends on the context: in digital images it typically means 72 pixels, while in typography it can mean 72 points. A 72x72 pixel image contains 5,184 individual pixels, making it a relatively small graphic suitable for icons or thumbnails in user interfaces.

Mathematically, the shape has a 1:1 aspect ratio, and its area is 72 × 72 = 5,184 square units. If the units are points, 72 points equal one inch, so a 72x72 point square is exactly 1 inch by 1 inch in print design. This relationship is often cited to explain how point-based measurements translate to physical size in printed materials.

Common uses and practices include its role as an intermediate or draft size in icon design and UI mockups. Designers may create assets at 72x72 and then scale them down to smaller target sizes such as 64x64, 48x48, or 32x32 for various platforms. In raster workflows, 72x72 is convenient for quick previews and thumbnails, though scaling up can lead to noticeable pixelation. Vector graphics, by contrast, can represent a 72x72 square exactly at any resolution.

Other considerations include the distinction between units. In web and screen design, pixel dimensions are not tied to physical inch measurements, and display densities vary by device. In print, point-based sizing (where 1 point equals 1/72 inch) provides a consistent reference for determining how a 72x72 square will appear when reproduced on paper.