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DPI Calculator

Calculate image DPI/PPI, assess print quality, convert pixels and physical dimensions

Calculation Mode

Upload Image (Optional)

Input Parameters

Calculation Result

DPI / PPI
240
Pixel Size
1920 × 1080
DPI
240
Physical Size
8 × 4.5 in
Aspect Ratio
1.78:1

Quality Assessment

Good Print

Suitable for general printing needs, such as documents and photos

Low Quality
< 72 DPI
Screen Display
72 - 150 DPI
Good Print
150 - 300 DPI
Professional Print
300 - 600 DPI
Professional Grade
600 DPI

💡 Recommendations

  • • Suitable for general printing needs
  • • For professional printing, recommend increasing to 300 DPI

📚 About DPI

What is DPI?

DPI (Dots Per Inch) represents the number of dots per inch, used to measure the print quality of an image. The higher the DPI, the sharper and more detailed the printed image. PPI (Pixels Per Inch) has the same meaning as DPI in digital images.

Common DPI Standards

  • 72 DPI: Web and screen display
  • 150 DPI: General print quality
  • 300 DPI: Professional print standard
  • 600+ DPI: Commercial printing

How to Choose the Right DPI?

Choose based on purpose: 72-96 DPI for web use; 150-200 DPI for home photo printing; 300 DPI for professional photography and design; Large posters can use 150 DPI (due to longer viewing distance).

Calculation Formulas

• DPI = Pixels ÷ Physical Size (inches)
• Pixels = DPI × Physical Size (inches)
• Physical Size = Pixels ÷ DPI

📖 How to Use

1

Choose Calculation Mode

Select based on known information: Calculate DPI, Calculate Pixels, or Calculate Physical Size

2

Enter Parameters

Enter known dimension data. DPI calculation mode supports image upload for automatic pixel dimensions

3

View Results

Check calculation results and quality assessment, get targeted printing or display recommendations

🔧 Calculation Modes

📐 Calculate DPI

Use Case: You have an image file and need to confirm print quality

Required Input: Image pixel dimensions (can auto-detect from upload) + desired print physical size

Result: Image DPI value and print quality assessment

🖼️ Calculate Pixels

Use Case: Need to create an image with specific physical size and quality

Required Input: Target DPI (e.g., 300) + desired physical dimensions

Result: Required pixel dimensions for the image

📏 Calculate Physical Size

Use Case: You have an image and need to determine maximum print size

Required Input: Image pixel dimensions + desired print quality (DPI)

Result: Maximum print size at specified DPI

📸

Photographers

  • • Determine photo print sizes
  • • Assess camera resolution needs
  • • Optimize export settings for different uses
  • • Calculate poster and exhibition print dimensions
🎨

Designers

  • • Prepare print-ready files
  • • Create specification-compliant designs
  • • Optimize web image resolution
  • • Ensure print quality
🖨️

Print Services

  • • Check client file quality
  • • Calculate optimal print sizes
  • • Provide professional technical advice
  • • Prevent print quality issues

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between DPI and PPI?

DPI (Dots Per Inch) typically refers to printer physical output resolution, while PPI (Pixels Per Inch) describes digital image resolution. In digital image processing, they are often used interchangeably and have essentially the same meaning.

Why is 300 DPI the print standard?

300 DPI is standard because the human eye cannot distinguish higher dot densities at normal viewing distance (about 10-12 inches). 300 DPI produces smooth edges and fine details, meeting most professional printing requirements.

How much DPI do web images need?

Web and screen display typically only need 72-96 DPI. Screen resolution is determined by pixels, not DPI. Higher DPI only increases file size without improving display quality. Modern high-resolution screens (Retina, etc.) recommend using 2x pixel dimensions.

How can I increase image DPI?

DPI itself is just a description of pixel density and cannot be "magically" increased. To improve print quality, you need to: 1) Rescan or reshoot from a higher resolution source; 2) Reduce print size; 3) Use professional upsampling software (but with limited results). Simply "changing" the DPI value in software won't improve actual quality.

Do large posters need 300 DPI?

No. Large posters are typically viewed from a distance and can use lower DPI (e.g., 100-150 DPI). For example, a poster viewed from 10 feet away at 100 DPI provides the same clarity as a 300 DPI photo viewed up close. The greater the viewing distance, the lower the required DPI.