DPI/PPI Converter
Calculate DPI/PPI, physical dimensions, or pixel dimensions for displays and images
DPI/PPI Converter
Calculate DPI/PPI, physical dimensions, or pixel dimensions for displays and images
Enter pixel dimensions and physical size to calculate DPI/PPI:
Common DPI/PPI Values:
Web/Screen
72 DPI
Standard Print
300 DPI
High Quality Print
600 DPI
Retina Display
218 DPI
iPhone (Standard)
326 DPI
Android (xxhdpi)
480 DPI
Understanding DPI and PPI
DPI (Dots Per Inch) and PPI (Pixels Per Inch) are measurements of resolution that describe the density of dots or pixels in a given linear inch. While often used interchangeably, they have distinct applications: DPI typically refers to printed output, while PPI refers to digital displays.
Understanding these measurements is crucial for anyone working with digital images, whether for web design, print production, or display manufacturing. The relationship between pixel dimensions, physical size, and resolution determines how sharp and clear an image will appear in its intended medium.
For digital displays, common PPI values range from 72 PPI for older monitors to over 500 PPI for modern smartphones. Standard computer monitors typically have 96-120 PPI, while Retina displays start at around 220 PPI. The human eye generally cannot distinguish individual pixels at normal viewing distances when PPI exceeds 300.
In print media, 300 DPI is considered the standard for high-quality output, suitable for magazines, brochures, and photographs. Newspapers often use 150-200 DPI, while large format prints viewed from a distance may use as little as 72 DPI. Professional printing may require 600 DPI or higher for the sharpest results.
When preparing images for different media, it's essential to understand how resolution affects file size and quality. A 4x6 inch photo at 300 DPI requires 1200x1800 pixels (2.16 megapixels), while the same photo at 72 DPI only needs 288x432 pixels (0.12 megapixels). Higher resolution means larger file sizes but better quality when enlarged.
The concept of pixel density has become increasingly important with the proliferation of high-resolution displays. Designers must now create graphics that look sharp on everything from low-resolution projectors to ultra-high-definition smartphones, often requiring multiple versions of images at different resolutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
DPI (Dots Per Inch) traditionally refers to the number of ink dots a printer can place in one inch, while PPI (Pixels Per Inch) refers to the pixel density of digital displays. In practice, they're often used interchangeably when discussing digital images.
For high-quality photo prints, use 300 DPI. This provides excellent detail for normal viewing distances. Large format prints viewed from far away can use 150-200 DPI. Professional photography may require 600 DPI or higher.
Divide your image's pixel dimensions by the desired DPI. For example, a 3000x2000 pixel image at 300 DPI will print at 10x6.67 inches (3000÷300 = 10, 2000÷300 = 6.67).
Images often look blurry when printed at too low a resolution. Web images (72-96 PPI) will appear pixelated when printed. Ensure your image has enough pixels for your intended print size at 300 DPI.
For web use, 72-96 PPI is sufficient for standard displays. However, for Retina displays and high-DPI screens, provide images at 2x (144-192 PPI) or even 3x resolution to ensure sharpness on all devices.