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DPI Calculator (Pixels → DPI)

Convert pixels and print size into effective DPI for print sharpness estimation.

Explore how pixel dimensions, target DPI, and print size interact. Switch modes to translate between pixels, maximum print size, and required resolution.

Inputs

Configure your scenario

Switch modes to translate between pixel dimensions, target DPI, and print size. Inputs stay local to your browser.

Mode

Pixel details

Print setup

Presets fill print dimensions and units. Edit after applying to test small adjustments.

Target DPI & display

Results

Calculated outputs

Outputs refresh as you update inputs. Conversions stay client-side for deterministic, unit-aware calculations.

DPI (width)

300

Pixels ÷ print width in inches

DPI (height)

300

Pixels ÷ print height in inches

Effective DPI

300

Minimum of width and height DPI

Quality band

Very high quality band based on effective DPI.

Summary

Effective DPI is 300, with width at 300 and height at 300. Calculations are based on your entered pixels and print dimensions in inches. Target DPI reference: 300.

Estimates are illustrative and for educational purposes only. This tool does not provide financial or investment advice.

Results explainer

You’ll see width DPI, height DPI, effective DPI, and a quality band that reflects the lower side of the DPI pair. Switching modes shows either the largest printable size at your target DPI or the pixels needed to reach that target for a given print size.

Disclaimer

Estimates are illustrative and for educational purposes only. This tool does not provide financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Results depend on your inputs and assumptions and do not alter the underlying pixel data or print surface.

How it works

The calculator divides pixel dimensions by print dimensions in inches to derive DPI. Target-DPI modes invert the same relationship to either cap print size or estimate required pixels. Unit conversions keep calculations in inches internally.

Inputs used

  • Pixel width and height, or megapixel + aspect ratio quick fill
  • Print width and height with unit conversions (in, cm, mm)
  • Orientation swap and optional aspect lock for print dimensions
  • Target DPI preset or custom value
  • Precision for display values and optional in/cm display

Core formulas

  • DPI (width) = pixel width ÷ print width (inches)
  • DPI (height) = pixel height ÷ print height (inches)
  • Effective DPI = min(width DPI, height DPI)
  • Max print size = pixels ÷ target DPI
  • Required pixels = print size × target DPI

Calculation steps

  1. Convert any cm or mm inputs to inches for a consistent base.
  2. Apply the appropriate DPI relationship for the selected mode.
  3. Pick the lower DPI as the effective figure for quality labeling.
  4. Map effective DPI to a quality band using numeric thresholds.
  5. Display dimensions in your chosen unit, with optional in/cm side by side.

Example scenario

Example: 6000 × 4000 pixels, 20 × 13 inch print. Width DPI is 300, height DPI is 308, so effective DPI is 300 and maps to the “Very high” band. Switching to the max-print mode with a 240 DPI target shows a maximum of 25 × 16.7 inches (63.5 × 42.4 cm).

Interpretation notes

  • Effective DPI follows the smaller of the two directions.
  • Changing target DPI shifts maximum print size inversely.
  • Unit switches do not alter pixels; they only convert display sizing.
  • Megapixel quick fill derives a consistent width and height for the chosen ratio.

Limitations & assumptions

The calculator assumes static pixel data and planar print sizes. It does not model printer dots, screening methods, or resampling. Presets simply fill common sizes; edit them to match your own dimensions. Outputs are directional estimates for comparing scenarios.

FAQs

Quick answers

What does this calculator measure?

It converts pixel dimensions and intended print size into DPI, showing width DPI, height DPI, and the effective DPI band.

How is DPI calculated from pixels and print size?

Width DPI equals pixel width divided by print width in inches; height DPI equals pixel height divided by print height in inches. Effective DPI is the lower of the two.

Does this account for resizing or resampling?

No. Calculations assume the pixels and print dimensions you enter without any additional resizing, scaling, or resampling.

Is this financial advice?

No. Outputs are illustrative to explain how DPI, pixels, and print dimensions relate; they are not financial or investment advice.

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Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational purposes only and does not provide financial advice.