Image Resolution & DPI Calculator for Printing

Interactive print tool

Check effective resolution at print size.

Resolution depends on both pixel dimensions and physical size. The same image can be sharp when printed small and soft when enlarged.

Image and print size

Enter pixels manually or inspect a local image.

Choose an imageDimensions are read in your browser. The file is not uploaded.

Image width

Image height

Intended print size

Print width Print height Unit

Effective resolution300 DPIExcellent for detailed print

Horizontal300 DPI

Vertical300 DPI

Maximum print size from these pixels

300 DPI210 × 297 mmDetailed print

200 DPI315 × 446 mmGood general print

150 DPI420 × 594 mmViewed farther away

Pixels become meaningful at a physical size.

Pixel dimensions

The total pixel width and height describe how much image information the file contains.

Effective DPI

Pixels divided by printed inches gives the effective resolution at the chosen physical size.

300 DPI

A common target for detailed print viewed at close range, including brochures, cards and catalogues.

150–240 DPI

Often usable for larger pieces or images viewed from farther away, depending on content and expectations.

Aspect ratio

If image and print proportions differ, the image must be cropped or leave unused space; stretching causes distortion.

Artificial enlargement

Adding pixels in software does not recreate detail that was missing from the original capture.

Image Resolution and DPI Calculator FAQs

What DPI is recommended for printing?

Around 300 DPI is a common target for detailed print viewed closely. Larger-format work may be acceptable at lower effective resolution because it is viewed from farther away.

Is DPI the same as pixel dimensions?

No. Pixel dimensions describe the file. DPI describes how densely those pixels are used at a chosen physical print size.

Can I make a low-resolution image 300 DPI?

Changing only the DPI metadata does not add real detail. Resampling creates new pixels but cannot fully recover information absent from the source.

Why are horizontal and vertical DPI different?

The image and intended print size have different proportions. Cropping, unused space or a changed print size may be needed to avoid distortion.

Does selecting an image upload it?

No. This calculator reads the pixel dimensions locally in your browser and does not submit the image to the website.

Are screenshots suitable for printing?

Sometimes at small sizes, but screenshots often have limited pixels and compressed text or graphics. Original images, PDFs or vector artwork are preferable.