Free tool

DPI calculator

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 and the intended print size to estimate the limiting DPI. For close-viewed products like business cards and flyers, 300 DPI is usually the safer target. For posters and banners viewed from farther away, 150 DPI can often be acceptable.

DPI calculator

Image width (px)

Image height (px)

Print width (in)

Print height (in)

300 DPI

Sharp for close-viewed print

FAQ

Questions about effective DPI

What is effective DPI?

Effective DPI is the image resolution after pixels are divided by the physical print size in inches.

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.