DPI Explained: What Resolution Do You Need for Printing?
DPI determines print quality. Here's why 300 DPI is the gold standard and how to check if your photos will print clearly.
300 DPI
Gold Standard
Lab-quality prints. No visible dots at normal viewing distance.
150 DPI
Acceptable
Good for large prints viewed from a distance. Slight softness up close.
72 DPI
Screen Only
Web resolution. Will look pixelated and blurry when printed.
What is DPI?
DPI stands for Dots Per Inch. It measures how many ink dots a printer places per inch of paper. Higher DPI = more detail = sharper prints.
How to Calculate DPI
DPI = Image Width (pixels) ÷ Print Width (inches)
Example: A 1200 pixel wide image printed at 4 inches = 300 DPI (1200 ÷ 4 = 300).
DPI Requirements by Print Size
| Print Size | 300 DPI Pixels | 150 DPI Pixels |
|---|---|---|
| Passport (35×45mm) | 413 × 531 px | 207 × 266 px |
| 4×6 inch (4R) | 1200 × 1800 px | 600 × 900 px |
| 5×7 inch (5R) | 1500 × 2100 px | 750 × 1050 px |
| 8×10 inch (8R) | 2400 × 3000 px | 1200 × 1500 px |
| A4 Full Sheet | 2480 × 3508 px | 1240 × 1754 px |
Check Your Photo Quality
Use our free DPI calculator to check if your photo is high enough quality for printing. Open DPI Calculator →
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