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Print Size / DPI Calculator

Determine maximum print size at a given DPI from image resolution, or find the required pixel resolution for a target print size.

Maximum Print Size from Resolution

Print Size = Pixels ÷ DPI

Enter your image resolution and desired DPI to find the maximum print size

px
px
DPI
Common presets:

Required Resolution for Print Size

Pixels = Print Size × DPI

Enter your desired print size and DPI to find the required image resolution

in
in
DPI
Common print sizes:

DPI Reference

DPI Quality Best For
300 Excellent Photo prints, magazines, professional work
240 Good High-quality inkjet printing
150 Fair Large posters, viewing from a distance
72 Screen Only Web/screen display, not suitable for print

How It Works

What is DPI?

DPI (dots per inch) measures how many ink dots a printer places within one inch. Higher DPI means finer detail and sharper prints. In digital imaging, PPI (pixels per inch) is the more precise term, but DPI is commonly used interchangeably.

The Core Formulas
  • Print Size: Print Size (inches) = Pixel Count ÷ DPI
  • Required Pixels: Pixels = Print Size (inches) × DPI
  • Effective DPI: DPI = Pixel Count ÷ Print Size (inches)
  • Megapixels: MP = (Width × Height) ÷ 1,000,000
Recommended DPI by Use Case
  • 300 DPI: Standard for photo prints, magazines, and professional publications. Maximum detail at normal viewing distance.
  • 240 DPI: High-quality inkjet prints. Visually indistinguishable from 300 DPI for most viewers.
  • 150 DPI: Acceptable for large prints viewed from 2+ feet away (posters, trade show graphics).
  • 72–100 DPI: Billboards and banners viewed from far away. Not suitable for close-up viewing.
Viewing Distance Rule of Thumb

The further the viewer is from the print, the lower the DPI can be while still appearing sharp. A 300 DPI print viewed at arm's length looks identical to a 150 DPI print viewed from 4 feet away. Large-format prints (posters, banners) can use lower DPI because they are viewed from further away.

Common Sensor Resolutions
  • 12 MP (4032 × 3024) — Smartphones, older DSLRs
  • 24 MP (6000 × 4000) — Mid-range DSLRs and mirrorless
  • 45 MP (8256 × 5504) — High-resolution full-frame
  • 61 MP (9504 × 6336) — Professional high-resolution
  • 100+ MP (11648 × 8736) — Medium format digital

Related Utils

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