PNG vs JPG: File Size and Quality Comparison

Updated June 2026 · 4 min read

PNG and JPG serve completely different purposes. Using the wrong one can mean files 10x larger than necessary — or visibly degraded quality. Here's exactly when to use each.

Real-World File Size Comparison

Image TypePNG SizeJPG Size (85%)Savings
Photo (1920×1080)4.2 MB312 KB93%
Screenshot with text847 KB289 KB (blurry)Use PNG
Logo with transparency24 KBN/A (no alpha)Use PNG
Web graphic156 KB98 KB (banding)Use PNG

The Rule

Photos → JPG or WebP. The file size savings are massive (80-95%), and the quality difference is invisible to the human eye at 85%+ quality.
Graphics, logos, screenshots, text → PNG. JPG compression creates visible artifacts around sharp edges and text.

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