Print Size Calculator — Pixels to Inches & DPI
This print size calculator converts pixel dimensions to print inches at any DPI, or finds required pixels for a target print size. A 3000×2000 pixel image at 300 DPI prints at 10×6.67 inches. An 8×10 print at 300 DPI requires 2400×3000 pixels (7.2 MP).
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate print size from pixels?
Divide the pixel dimensions by the DPI: Print Size (inches) = Pixels / DPI. For example, a 3000×2000 pixel image at 300 DPI will print at 10×6.67 inches. At 150 DPI the same image prints at 20×13.33 inches.
What DPI do I need for a high-quality photo print?
For standard photo prints (4×6, 5×7, 8×10 inches), 300 DPI is considered professional quality. 240 DPI is acceptable for most prints. Below 200 DPI, you may notice pixelation. Large format prints viewed from a distance can use 100–150 DPI.
How many pixels do I need for an 8×10 print at 300 DPI?
An 8×10 inch print at 300 DPI requires 8×300 = 2400 pixels wide and 10×300 = 3000 pixels tall, for a total of 2400×3000 = 7.2 megapixels. Most modern smartphones (12MP+) can produce an excellent 8×10 print.
What is the difference between DPI and PPI?
PPI (pixels per inch) refers to screen resolution — how many pixels fit in an inch on a monitor. DPI (dots per inch) refers to print resolution — how many ink dots a printer places per inch. In practice, photographers use these terms interchangeably when discussing image resolution for printing.
Can I print a 1080p image at a large size?
A 1920×1080 pixel image at 300 DPI would only be 6.4×3.6 inches. For a larger print at 300 DPI you need more pixels. However, at 100 DPI the same image prints at 19.2×10.8 inches — acceptable for a poster viewed from 5+ feet away.
What resolution do I need for a 16×20 print?
At 300 DPI: 4800×6000 pixels (28.8 MP). At 200 DPI: 3200×4000 pixels (12.8 MP). At 150 DPI: 2400×3000 pixels (7.2 MP). A 12 MP camera is borderline at 300 DPI for 16×20; a 24–36 MP camera is better suited.
What is 72 DPI and when should I use it?
72 DPI is the traditional screen resolution standard (from early Mac displays). It means each inch of screen shows 72 pixels. For web images viewed on screen, DPI doesn't matter for display quality — pixel dimensions do. Use 72 or 96 DPI for web exports to keep file sizes small.
How do I change DPI in Photoshop without losing quality?
In Photoshop, go to Image → Image Size. Uncheck 'Resample Image' before changing DPI — this changes only the DPI metadata, not the actual pixels. The print size will change accordingly. If you check Resample, Photoshop will add or remove pixels (which degrades quality when upsampling).
DPI and Print Size Formula
DPI (dots per inch) describes how many pixels are packed into each inch of a printed image. Higher DPI = more detail = sharper print. The relationship is:
Print Size (in) = Pixels / DPI
Required Pixels = Print Size (in) × DPI
Example: 3000px / 300 DPI = 10 inch print
DPI Guide for Common Uses
| Use Case | Recommended DPI |
|---|---|
| Web / screen display | 72–96 |
| Large format printing (banners, posters viewed from afar) | 100–150 |
| Standard photo prints (4×6, 5×7, 8×10) | 240–300 |
| Professional quality photo prints | 300+ |
| Artwork / fine art giclée printing | 360–600 |
| Commercial offset printing | 300 |
Required Pixels for Common Print Sizes at 300 DPI
| Print Size | Required Pixels | Megapixels |
|---|---|---|
| 4 × 6 in | 1200 × 1800 | 2.2 MP |
| 5 × 7 in | 1500 × 2100 | 3.2 MP |
| 8 × 10 in | 2400 × 3000 | 7.2 MP |
| 11 × 14 in | 3300 × 4200 | 13.9 MP |
| 16 × 20 in | 4800 × 6000 | 28.8 MP |
| 24 × 36 in (poster) | 7200 × 10800 | 77.8 MP |
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