Free image utility
DPI Calculator
Calculate image DPI from pixel dimensions and physical print size.
DPI
300
- Horizontal DPI
- 300
- Vertical DPI
- 300
- Horizontal & vertical
- Match
3,000 px
width
10 in
300
DPI
What is DPI?
DPI (dots per inch) tells you how many image pixels are packed into each inch of a print. The same image printed smaller has a higher DPI and looks sharper; printed larger, the pixels spread out and the DPI drops.
A digital file has no fixed DPI on its own — DPI only means something once you choose a physical print size.
How DPI is calculated
DPI = pixels ÷ inches. An image 3000 pixels wide printed 10 inches wide is 3000 ÷ 10 = 300 DPI. Working in centimeters? Convert first: inches = cm ÷ 2.54.
The calculator works out width and height separately. If they differ, your print size has a different shape from your image, which means stretching or cropping. To keep the shape, check proportions with the Aspect Ratio Calculator, or start from your pixels and use the Print Size Calculator.
DPI vs PPI
PPI measures pixel density — pixels per inch on a screen or in an image. DPI strictly measures ink dots a printer lays down. Most people, and most print shops, use “DPI” to mean image pixels per printed inch, which is what this tool calculates. For displays, use the PPI Calculator.
Common print-resolution ranges
| DPI | Typical guidance |
|---|---|
| 300+ | High-quality print, viewed up close |
| 200–299 | Good print quality |
| 150–199 | Acceptable for some uses, larger prints |
| Below 150 | Low resolution for close-viewed print |
These are general guidelines, not guarantees. To turn pixels into a physical size at a specific DPI, try Pixels to Inches.
Frequently asked questions
What DPI is good for printing?
300 DPI is a common reference for high-quality prints viewed up close, such as photos and brochures. 200–299 DPI usually still looks good, and 150 DPI can be fine for larger prints viewed from further away. Posters and banners are often printed lower.
How do I calculate DPI?
Divide the pixel width by the print width in inches. For example, 3000 px ÷ 10 in = 300 DPI. If you know the print size in centimeters, divide by 2.54 first to get inches.
Is 300 DPI always necessary?
No. 300 DPI is a useful benchmark, not a requirement. Viewing distance matters: a billboard can look sharp at 20 DPI because nobody sees it from 30 cm away. Always check your printer's own specifications.
What is the difference between DPI and PPI?
PPI (pixels per inch) describes how many image pixels fit into an inch. DPI (dots per inch) originally describes printer ink dots. In everyday use, including in this calculator, “DPI” usually means the image's pixels per printed inch.
How many pixels do I need for an 8×10 print?
At 300 DPI, an 8×10 inch print needs 2400 × 3000 pixels. At 200 DPI it needs 1600 × 2000 pixels.