What is effective DPI?
Effective DPI is the image resolution after pixels are divided by the physical print size in inches.
Free tool
What resolution do I need for a banner or print?
DPI only makes sense after you choose a physical print size. A file that is sharp at 8 x 10 inches can become soft when stretched to a poster, even though the pixel dimensions never changed.
Enter image pixels, the intended print size, and the typical viewing distance. Close-viewed products commonly need more detail than banners, backdrops, and signs viewed from farther away. The calculator states the native DPI and a practical distance-based target; your receiving printer can override that default.
DPI calculator
300 DPI
Meets the 300 DPI viewing-distance target. Native resolution is 300 DPI at this size; the viewing-distance target is 300 DPI.
FAQ
Questions about effective DPI
Is 300 DPI always required?
No. Close-viewed pieces often target 300 DPI, while large signs and banners can be acceptable at lower DPI because they are viewed farther away.