Estimate print resolution from pixels and size
Enter the image pixel dimensions and intended print size. The effective PPI is the lower of the horizontal and vertical PPI values.
Formula
pixel width / print width in inches; pixel height / print height in inches; min(horizontal PPI, vertical PPI).
For centimetres the print size is divided by 2.54. For millimetres it is divided by 25.4.
How this differs from nearby tools
Aspect Ratio Calculator helps preview ratio, contain, cover, and crop. Image Resizer creates resized or converted files. This page only checks whether the current pixels are enough for a print size.
Reading the PPI estimate
DPI and PPI are often mixed in print conversations, but this calculator is measuring pixels per inch from image dimensions. Final print sharpness also depends on paper, printer, sharpening, viewing distance, and the image itself.
FAQ
What is effective PPI?
Effective PPI is the lower of the horizontal and vertical pixels per inch for the requested print size. It is the limiting resolution direction.
Is DPI the same as PPI?
Not exactly. Image files have pixels, so this page estimates PPI. Printers often use DPI for ink or dot placement, which is related but not identical.
What PPI is enough for printing?
Around 300 PPI is a solid target for close viewing, 240 PPI is often still good, and 150 PPI may be acceptable for drafts, posters, or longer viewing distances.
Does this page resize my image file?
No. It only calculates print-size estimates. Use the image resizer if you need to create or convert an actual image file.