Free tool
Print Resolution & DPI Checker
Enter your image pixels and a print size to see the effective DPI, whether it is sharp enough to print, and the largest size you can print at 300 and 150 DPI.
How it works
Enter your image pixels
Type the pixel width and height from your image file's properties.
Enter the print size
Pick a standard size or type your own width and height.
Read the result
See the effective DPI, a quality rating, and your largest sharp print size.
Max print size by image resolution
The largest print each common image resolution supports at gallery (300 DPI) and poster (150 DPI) quality.
| Image (pixels) | Megapixels | Max @ 300 DPI | Max @ 150 DPI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1600×1200 | 2 MP | 5.3×4" | 10.7×8" |
| 3000×2000 | 6 MP | 10×6.7" | 20×13.3" |
| 4000×3000 | 12 MP | 13.3×10" | 26.7×20" |
| 6000×4000 | 24 MP | 20×13.3" | 40×26.7" |
| 8192×5464 | 45 MP | 27.3×18.2" | 54.6×36.4" |
Frequently asked questions
What DPI should I use for printing?▾
300 DPI is the standard for sharp framed prints and art viewed up close. For large posters seen from a distance, 150 DPI is acceptable, and very large banners can go lower. Below about 100 DPI, prints start to look soft or pixelated.
What resolution do I need to print a 24×36 poster?▾
At 300 DPI, a 24×36 poster needs a 7200×10800 pixel image. At 150 DPI — fine for a poster viewed from a step back — you need 3600×5400 pixels. Enter your pixels and 24×36 in the checker to see exactly where your file lands.
How many megapixels do I need to print large?▾
Megapixels are width × height in pixels divided by one million. A 24 MP image (6000×4000) prints up to about 20×13 in at 300 DPI or 40×27 in at 150 DPI. The checker and the chart below show the max sharp size for common resolutions.
Is 72 DPI enough for printing?▾
No. 72 DPI is a screen resolution. Printing at 72 DPI looks soft and blocky. For print, aim for 150–300 DPI at the final size. Note that DPI on its own means nothing without the pixel dimensions — what matters is pixels relative to the print size.
What is the difference between DPI and PPI?▾
PPI (pixels per inch) describes the digital image; DPI (dots per inch) describes the printer. In everyday use the terms are used interchangeably for print resolution, and this tool reports the effective pixels-per-inch your image gives at the chosen print size.
Can I increase my image resolution to print bigger?▾
Upscaling software can add pixels, but it cannot invent real detail, so quality gains are limited. It is always better to start from the highest-resolution original you have. Use the checker to find the largest size your current file supports before upscaling.
How big can I print a photo from my phone?▾
A typical 12 MP phone photo (4000×3000) prints cleanly up to about 13×10 in at 300 DPI, or 27×20 in at 150 DPI for wall art seen from a distance. Newer 48 MP phones can go considerably larger.
Related tools
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