This calculator tells you how large you can print a digital image of your artwork before it starts to look soft, and how many pixels you need for a print size you have in mind. Enter the image size in pixels and choose a print quality.
Print size and DPI
How it works
Print size is pixels divided by the print resolution. Resolution is measured in pixels per inch (PPI), often called DPI. So the largest print width in inches is image width in pixels ÷ PPI. For centimetres, multiply the inches by 2.54.
Working backwards, the pixels you need for a print are print width in inches × PPI, and the same for height.
Worked example
A scan of a painting measures 4000 × 3000 pixels. At 300 PPI, it prints sharply up to 13.3 × 10.0 inches (33.9 × 25.4 cm). At 150 PPI, which is usually fine for a large print hung on a wall, it can go to 26.7 × 20.0 inches.
Good to know
- 300 PPI is a common target for prints people look at up close. Larger prints are viewed from further away, so lower resolutions often look fine. Treat these levels as rules of thumb, not fixed limits.
- Enlarging a small image in software adds pixels but not detail. Start from the best scan or photo you can get.
- If the shape of your image differs from the print size, part of the image will be cropped or a border added. The calculator checks both orientations.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between DPI and PPI?
PPI is pixels per inch in a digital image. DPI is dots of ink per inch on a printer. People often use DPI for both, and for sizing a print the number that matters is PPI.
Is 300 PPI always needed?
No. It is a common target for prints seen up close. Large prints hung on a wall are seen from further away, so 150 to 200 PPI often looks fine.
Can I print bigger by increasing the PPI setting in software?
Changing the PPI number alone does not add detail. The pixels stay the same, so the largest sharp print size stays the same.