Print Size Calculator

Pixels, DPI, and print size

Print size = pixels ÷ DPI. A 6000×4000 (24 MP) photo prints at 20×13.3 inches at 300 DPI, or 40×26.7 inches at 150 DPI. Higher DPI packs more detail per inch; 300 DPI is the standard for prints viewed at arm's length, while large wall prints viewed from farther away look sharp at 150–200 DPI.

Frequently asked questions

Is DPI the same as PPI?

Colloquially yes. Strictly, PPI (pixels per inch) describes the image data sent to the printer, while DPI (dots per inch) describes the ink droplets a printer lays down. Photo labs use the terms interchangeably.

Does changing DPI in an editor change my photo?

Changing only the DPI metadata doesn't alter pixels — it just changes the intended print size. Resampling (changing the pixel dimensions) is what adds or discards detail.

Can I print bigger than the “maximum”?

Yes. The limits here are quality guidelines, not hard rules. Viewing distance matters most: billboards are printed at well under 50 DPI and still look fine from the street.