The finish you want is generally determined by image content.
There is no 'average size'.
Be aware that some different sizes have different rectangular shapes (aspect ratio). Most DSLR cameras make images that have a 3:2 aspect ratio - 4x6, 6x9, 8x12, 10x15, etc. The long side is 3 units long and the short side is 2 of the same units long.
If you have a 3:2, 8x12 image and want a 8x10, 2 inches worth of the long side of the 8x12 will have to be cropped away to make an 8x10 print.