๐จ๏ธ Print Size Calculator
Enter an imageโs pixel dimensions and DPI (dots per inch) to calculate its physical print size (inches/cm). You can also work backward from a desired print size to find the pixel dimensions you need.
How to use
- Choose "pixels to print size" or "print size to pixels" mode.
- Enter the pixel dimensions (or the desired print size).
- Enter the DPI (resolution โ 300 is a common recommendation for print).
- The result is calculated automatically.
How the calculation works
Works out how large an image prints from its pixel count and resolution (DPI), or the other way round: how many pixels you need for a given print size. Formulas print size (in) = pixels รท DPI print size (cm) = inches ร 2.54 pixels needed = inches ร DPI (rounded) DPI is the number of dots placed along one inch (2.54 cm). The same image prints smaller and finer as the DPI goes up.
Worked example
A 3000 ร 2000 pixel image printed at 300 DPI โ 10 ร 6.67 in (25.4 ร 16.93 cm) Pixels needed for A4 (210 ร 297 mm) at 300 DPI โ set the unit to mm and enter 210 ร 297 (8.27 ร 11.69 in) โ about 2480 ร 3508 pixels
Things to be aware of
- Print sizes can be entered in mm, cm or inches. Switching units converts the values you entered, keeping the same physical size.
- Photos and flyers are usually printed at 300 DPI; posters viewed from a distance often look fine at around 150 DPI.
- Enlarging an image later adds pixels but not detail, so it is best to start with enough pixels for the print.
FAQ
What formula does this use?
Print size (inches) = pixel count รท DPI. One inch equals exactly 2.54 cm.
What DPI is good for printing?
300 DPI is a common standard for high-quality print output. Images for screen display are typically 72โ96 DPI.
Why does an image sometimes print smaller than expected?
An image made for screen display at a low DPI (like 72) will physically print smaller than the same pixel count would at a higher print DPI (like 300).