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Why do pictures that have the same number of pixels have different file sizes?

Dr. Aris Thorne
Dr. Aris Thorne
Senior Science Editor · Feb 23, 2026 · Updated Apr 13, 2026

It depends on the type of file. But most file types that contain pictures are compressed. Some pictures can be compressed more than others – if there are large parts of the picture that are the same colour, for example, then it's not necessary to store the colour of each individual pixel, and spa…

68
Words

1 min
Read Time

#241
of 500 in Technology

-9%
vs Category Avg

The Short Answer

It depends on the type of file. But most file types that contain pictures are compressed. Some pictures can be compressed more than others – if there are large parts of the picture that are the same colour, for example, then it's not necessary to store the colour of each individual pixel, and space can be saved by storing only the changes from one pixel to the next.

Analysis

Key Concepts: File, pictures, compressed

This explanation focuses on file, pictures, compressed and spans 68 words across 3 sentences. The depth is typical for Technology questions (category average: 75 words), striking a balance between accessibility and completeness.

What This Answer Covers

The explanation opens with: “It depends on the type of file.” It then elaborates by presenting a contrasting perspective, ultimately building toward a complete picture across 3 connected points.

How This Compares in Technology

Ranked #241 of 500 Technology questions by answer depth (top 49%). This falls in the detailed tier — above average depth. The explanation goes beyond surface-level but keeps things accessible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a simple explanation for why pictures that have the same number of pixels have different file sizes?

It depends on the type of file. But most file types that contain pictures are compressed. Some pictures can be compressed more than others – if there are large parts of the picture that are the same colour, for example, then it's not necessary to…

How detailed is this explanation compared to similar Technology questions?

This is an above-average answer at 68 words, ranked #241 of 500 Technology questions by depth. The key concepts covered are file, pictures, compressed.

What approach does this answer take to explain pictures that have the same number of pixels have different ?

The explanation uses concrete examples and contrasting perspectives across 68 words. It is categorized under Technology and addresses the question through 2 analytical lenses.