DPI / PPI & Print Size Calculator
How many pixels you need for a print, how big an image will print, and whether its resolution is good enough.
300 for photos and brochures.
| Resolution | Largest print | Big enough for | Good for |
|---|
Viewing Distance
The further away people stand, the lower the resolution you need.
| Typical distance | Resolution needed |
|---|
Print Resolution Guide
What DPI means and how much you really need.
The Formula
pixels = inches × DPIOne inch is 25.4 mm. An A4 page (210 mm wide) at 300 DPI needs 210 ÷ 25.4 × 300 ≈ 2480 pixels across.
DPI vs PPI
dots vs pixelsPPI is pixels per inch in your image; DPI is ink dots per inch from the printer. People use them interchangeably for image resolution.
300 DPI
photos · magazines · brochuresThe standard for anything held in the hand. Fine detail and small text stay crisp.
150–200 DPI
posters · large printsFine for prints viewed from an arm's length or more. Most people can't tell the difference from 300 at a distance.
Below 150 DPI
banners · signageLooks soft up close but works for big signs viewed from metres away. Check with the viewing-distance calculator.
Upscaling Won't Help
more pixels ≠ more detailChanging an image to 300 DPI without adding pixels only changes its print size. Use a larger original instead.
The 72 DPI Myth
screens ignore DPIScreens show pixels one-to-one. The DPI number stored in a file only matters when it's printed.
Add Bleed
+3 mm each sideAnything that runs to the edge needs bleed. Add it to the print size before working out pixels.
Why PrintRes?
PrintRes is a fast, lightweight calculator for graphic designers, photographers and anyone sending images to print — so you know before you hit "order" whether the image will look sharp.
All processing happens entirely in your browser. Images are only read for their size and never uploaded.