Photo Print Size & DPI Calculator
Enter your image pixel dimensions to see which print sizes are achievable at great, good, and acceptable quality. Or reverse it: enter a target print size to find the minimum megapixels needed. Nothing uploaded.
Image Details
Maximum Print Sizes
Learn more: DPI, resolution, and print quality
Understanding DPI and why 300 DPI is the standard for print
DPI (dots per inch) is pixel density in printed image. Screens display at 72-96 DPI, but print quality requires 300 DPI minimum for photos. Lower DPI produces visible pixelation and blurriness. For detailed photo prints (8x10, 11x14), 300 DPI is standard. For large posters seen from far away, 150 DPI is acceptable. The calculator shows what size you can print from your image at different DPI values.
How megapixels translate to print size
A 12-megapixel camera (4000 x 3000 pixels) can print 11x8.3 inches at 300 DPI, or 13.3x10 inches at 240 DPI. Megapixels divided by DPI, divided by print aspect ratio, gives maximum print size. The calculator handles this automatically - enter your image resolution and desired DPI, and it shows the maximum print dimensions.
When lower DPI is acceptable - displays, web, large prints
For web use, 72 DPI is standard. For large prints viewed from more than 2 meters away, 150 DPI is acceptable. For photographs, billboard-sized prints at 72 DPI look acceptable from street view distance. The calculator lets you experiment with different DPI values to balance quality against print size.
FAQ
What DPI do I need for a 4x6 photo print?
300 DPI for a sharp print. 200 DPI is acceptable but you may see slight pixelation on close inspection.
Can I print from a phone photo?
Depends on resolution. A modern 12MP phone camera has 4000x3000 pixels, enough for sharp 8x6 inch prints at 300 DPI. Older phones with 5-8MP are better for 4x5 or smaller prints.
What about large poster prints?
For posters viewed from a distance, 72-150 DPI is acceptable. Your image doesn't need to be as high-resolution because people view the poster from farther away.