Photo Print Size Calculator

Calculate the optimal print size for your photos based on resolution and DPI requirements. This calculator helps you determine the maximum print dimensions, required resolution for specific print sizes, and whether your image has enough pixels for high-quality prints. Perfect for photographers, print labs, and anyone preparing images for professional printing.

Image Width (pixels)*

The width of your image in pixels

Image Height (pixels)*

The height of your image in pixels

Target DPI*

300 DPI for high quality, 150-240 for standard prints

Desired Print Width (inches)

Leave blank to calculate maximum print size

Desired Print Height (inches)

Leave blank to calculate maximum print size

Photo Print Size Formulas: Maximum Print Width (inches) = Image Width (pixels) ÷ DPI Maximum Print Height (inches) = Image Height (pixels) ÷ DPI Megapixels = (Width × Height) ÷ 1,000,000 Actual DPI = Image Pixels ÷ Print Size (inches) Required Pixels = Print Size (inches) × Target DPI File Size (MB) = (Width × Height × 3) ÷ (1024 × 1024) Where: - 3 represents RGB color channels (24-bit color) - Standard quality: 300 DPI - Acceptable quality: 200-240 DPI - Poster quality: 150 DPI

Example Calculation: Image: 4000 × 3000 pixels Target DPI: 300 Desired Print: 10 × 8 inches Megapixels = (4000 × 3000) ÷ 1,000,000 = 12 MP Maximum Print Size: Width = 4000 ÷ 300 = 13.33 inches Height = 3000 ÷ 300 = 10 inches Actual DPI at 10×8: DPI = 4000 ÷ 10 = 400 DPI (Excellent quality!) Required for 10×8 at 300 DPI: Width = 10 × 300 = 3000 pixels Height = 8 × 300 = 2400 pixels Required MP = 7.2 MP ✓ (You have 12 MP) File Size = (4000 × 3000 × 3) ÷ 1,048,576 = 34.33 MB uncompressed

What DPI do I need for high-quality photo prints?

For high-quality photo prints, 300 DPI is the industry standard. This ensures sharp, professional-looking prints. However, 240 DPI is acceptable for most purposes, while 150 DPI is suitable for posters viewed from a distance. For large format prints like billboards, even 72-100 DPI can work due to the viewing distance.

How many megapixels do I need for a specific print size?

The megapixels needed depend on print size and desired DPI. For a 4×6 inch print at 300 DPI, you need 2.2 megapixels. An 8×10 inch print requires 7.2 megapixels, while a 16×20 inch print needs 28.8 megapixels at 300 DPI. Most modern cameras (12+ megapixels) can produce excellent prints up to 11×14 inches.

What is the relationship between pixels, DPI, and print size?

Print size (inches) = Image resolution (pixels) ÷ DPI. For example, an image that's 3000×2000 pixels printed at 300 DPI will be 10×6.67 inches. DPI (dots per inch) determines print quality—higher DPI means more detail but requires more pixels for the same physical size.

Can I print larger than my image resolution allows?

Yes, but quality will decrease. If you print larger than optimal, the DPI drops, making the image appear softer or pixelated. For example, a 2000×1500 pixel image is optimal for 6.67×5 inches at 300 DPI, but can be printed at 10×7.5 inches at 200 DPI with acceptable quality for casual viewing.

What's the minimum resolution for common print sizes?

For 300 DPI prints: 4×6" needs 1200×1800 pixels (2.2MP), 5×7" needs 1500×2100 pixels (3.2MP), 8×10" needs 2400×3000 pixels (7.2MP), 11×14" needs 3300×4200 pixels (13.9MP), and 16×20" needs 4800×6000 pixels (28.8MP). These ensure professional-quality prints.

💰

Photography Pricing Calculator

📷

Depth of Field Calculator