What is DPI, and Why Does It Matter?

DPI stands for "dots per inch," and it refers to the number of printed dots within one inch of an image. A standard of 300 DPI is widely considered optimal for high-quality prints. At 300 DPI, the human eye is unlikely to perceive individual dots, resulting in smooth, detailed images. 

Is 300 DPI Always Necessary?

Not always. If the print will be viewed from a distance, such as posters or large wall art, lower DPI (e.g., 150 DPI) can still provide excellent results. For close-up views, however, 300 DPI ensures sharper, more detailed prints. 

Can upscaling technologies help?

Yes and no. Upscaling technologies are only getting better but they will never be as good as an original high resolution image. On lower resolution images, they can do wonders though. I always recommend double checking the entire image after upscaling before printing, it isn't entirely uncommon for upscaling software to make mistakes.

How to Use This Tool

1. Upload an image to extract its resolution (width and height in pixels).
2. Select a print size from the dropdown menu, or enter custom dimensions.
3. View the calculated DPI to understand the print quality you can expect.

The Calculator calculated 100DPI at the size I want to print, is that bad?

It really depends on the size of your print. At 40x60, 100DPI is probably not bad. Most 40x60 posters are viewed from quite far away. You'd need an absurd amount of resolution to print a 40x60 posters at 300dpi. If you are printing at 12x16, then 100DPI would be considered quite low and I'd consider using a different image. 

We do not save any files uploaded through our tool. Our tool simply reads the metadata resolution to calculate DPI.