The Facebook profile picture size has changed a lot over the years. Here's the latest information about the size, dimensions and content of the ideal profile picture on the social network.

By mid-2014, the size of Facebook profile pictures displayed on a user profile page on the network's desktop version was 400 pixels by 400 pixels, a perfect square.

The uploaded image should be at least 180 pixels by 180 pixels, according to Facebook, but it's much better to upload a bigger version -- one that is at least 400 pixels wide and tall.

  The site will add a thin white border around each profile picture when it's displayed, so don't crop it too tightly. You can  upload a rectangular image if you need to, and you'll be able to crop it into the necessary square online using Facebook's software.

Why Do Profile Pics Matter?

Your profile picture is important because it is public and represents you all across the social network. Facebook uses thumbnail versions of it in a lot of different places. Your profile picture, for example, appears in a smaller form next to any comments you make, and next to your status updates when they appear in your friends' news feeds..

One very impact use of your picture is at the top of your profile page (also known as your Timeline or "wall" area.)  There the profile image sits on the left side of the page, partially embedded or superimposed over  the bottom of your custom header image, also known as a  cover image. The profile picture appears about 22 pixels from the left outer side of the header images, and more than 200 pixels down from  the header's top edge.

Your profile picture doesn't have to be a mug or head shot, of course. Lots of people get creative in using different images to represent themselves.

How to Change Your Profile Picture

To change your profile picture, go to your profile page (aka Timeline) and hover your mouse over your current photo, then click "update profile picture" and choose one of the options, which include "from photos" to select one you previously uploaded; "upload photos" to upload a new one: and "take photo" to activate your camera and snap a new one.

How frequently you change it is entirely up to you. Many people never change theirs, while others change it all the time to make personal, political and humorous statements about themselves and their beliefs.

Just remember: your profile picture is public by default, viewable by anyone, and you can't make it private. So be sure whenever you upload a new profile picture that you don't mind it being publicly viewable. (Facebook's help files offers more advice on changing profile pictures.)

Types of Profile Pictures

There are many different flavors and styles of profile pictures. A few tips on things to avoid:

It's generally a good idea to avoid selfies, especially pictures you take yourself by stretching out your arm and holding your own camera at arm's length.

• Duckfaces - Also to be avoided is the classic duckface, which involves pursing your lips and makes you look ridiculously self consciously posed.
• Sexually suggestive - And it should go without saying that it's not a great idea to overly sexualize your profile picture by wearing too skimpy clothes or posing in a highly suggestive way.
• Wild Partying -- As for party pictures, where you're holding a drink or acting wild in an ovious way, well, it should go without saying to think hard about the impression you might be leaving.

Things to consider:

• Who Else Is In it? - Should it be a picture of you alone or with a loved one, such as your significant other, child or someone else--or even a pet?
• Background Scenery? -- What will the background include? Lots of people make statements by posing in front of landmarks or beautiful scenery. Travel shots are especially popular.
• Artsy Look? -- Will you stylize the image in some way to make it look artistic? Lots of apps will doctor your photo for you and make it look interesting.
• Photo Editing -- For a simple online photo editor--in case you just want to brighten the exposure or intensify the colors -- upload your image to the free PicMonkey.com photo editing website.