Print Resolution
Print Size Calculator
Calculate the maximum high-quality print size for your camera's megapixels, or find the exact resolution needed for standard print dimensions.
Understanding Pixels, Megapixels, and DPI
When converting digital images into physical prints, the critical factor linking the two is DPI (Dots Per Inch) or PPI (Pixels Per Inch). It dictates how many digital pixels are squeezed into one inch of physical paper.
300 DPI has long been the industry gold standard for photographic prints. At 300 DPI, your eyes cannot distinguish individual pixels when holding the photo at reading distance (about 12 inches away).
Viewing Distance Matters
You do not always need 300 DPI. As the physical print gets larger, the viewer naturally stands further away to look at the whole picture.
- Magazine / 8x10 Print: Needs 300 DPI (Viewed close).
- 24x36 Poster: 150 - 200 DPI is perfectly acceptable.
- Highway Billboard: Often printed at fewer than 50 DPI because they are viewed from 100 feet away!
- Magazine / 8x10 Print: Needs 300 DPI (Viewed close).
- 24x36 Poster: 150 - 200 DPI is perfectly acceptable.
- Highway Billboard: Often printed at fewer than 50 DPI because they are viewed from 100 feet away!
Important Math & Conversions
Converting Pixels to Print Size
Determine how large an image file can print.
Converting Print Size to Pixels
Determine the file size needed to print a specific canvas size.
Standard Print Sizes (at 300 DPI)
| Print Size (Inches) | Pixels Required | Megapixels |
|---|---|---|
| 4 × 6 (Postcard) | 1200 × 1800 | 2.2 MP |
| 5 × 7 | 1500 × 2100 | 3.2 MP |
| 8 × 10 | 2400 × 3000 | 7.2 MP |
| 11 × 14 | 3300 × 4200 | 13.9 MP |
| 16 × 20 (Poster) | 4800 × 6000 | 28.8 MP |
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