Photo print-size calculator

Work out the pixel dimensions an image needs to print cleanly at a specific photo size — the reverse of working out the maximum print size from an existing image.

Print width (in)Print height (in)Print quality (DPI)

Result

Required image width

Required image height

How to use this calculator

Enter your target print width and height.
Choose your target quality — 300 DPI for standard photo quality.
Read the pixel dimensions your image needs to be.

Assumptions

300 DPI is a common photo-quality standard — check your specific print lab's recommended minimum resolution if it differs.

Technical details: what the fields mean

Print width printWidthIn: The width you want to print at, e.g. 6 inches for a standard 6x4 photo.
Print height printHeightIn: The height you want to print at, e.g. 4 inches for a standard 6x4 photo.
Print quality dpi: Target print quality — 300 DPI is standard for photo-quality prints.

Methodology

Required width (px) = print width (in) × DPI. Required height (px) = print height (in) × DPI.

Worked example

6×4 inch print at 300 DPI

Inputs: printWidthIn=6, printHeightIn=4, dpi=300

Result: 1800×1200px required

Practical guidance

If your image is smaller than the required pixel dimensions, either accept a lower print quality or choose a smaller print size.

Common mistakes

Not checking an image meets the required pixel dimensions before ordering a specific print size, resulting in a soft or pixelated result.

FAQs

What resolution do I need for a 6x4 photo print?

At 300 DPI, 1800×1200 pixels.