DPI calculator
Work out the DPI (dots per inch) an image will print at, from its pixel width and your intended print width — a quick check of print quality before you commit to printing.
Result
Resulting DPI
How to use this calculator
- Enter the image's pixel width.
- Enter the width you're planning to print it at.
- Read the resulting DPI.
Assumptions
- 300 DPI is generally considered photo quality for close viewing; 150 DPI is acceptable for larger prints viewed from further away, like posters.
Technical details: what the fields mean
- Image width
pixelWidth - The image's width in pixels — check its file properties.
- Intended print width
printWidthInches - How wide you're planning to print the image.
Methodology
DPI = image width in pixels ÷ intended print width in inches.
Worked example
3600px wide image printed at 12 inches
Inputs: pixelWidth=3600, printWidthInches=12
Result: 300 DPI
Practical guidance
- Below about 150 DPI, prints viewed up close start to look visibly pixelated — for a poster viewed from a distance, this matters much less.
Common mistakes
- Judging print quality purely from megapixel count without considering the actual intended print size — the same image file can be photo-quality at one size and too low-resolution at a larger one.
FAQs
What DPI do I need for printing?
300 DPI is standard for photo-quality prints viewed up close; 150 DPI or lower is often fine for posters viewed from a distance.