🖼️ Print Size Calculator
Calculate the maximum print size for your photos based on image resolution and desired print quality (DPI). Get instant recommendations for standard print sizes and understand how DPI affects print quality for everything from wallet photos to large canvas prints.
What DPI do I need for high-quality prints?
300 DPI (dots per inch) is the professional standard for high-quality prints. 240-250 DPI is acceptable for most prints. 150-200 DPI works for larger prints viewed from distance (posters, canvas). 72-96 DPI is only suitable for web/screen display, not prints.
How do I calculate maximum print size from image resolution?
Maximum Print Size = Image Pixels ÷ DPI. For example, a 6000×4000 pixel image at 300 DPI = 20"×13.3" print. At 150 DPI, the same image prints at 40"×26.7". Lower DPI means larger prints but reduced quality.
What is the difference between DPI and PPI?
PPI (pixels per inch) refers to digital image resolution - pixels on screen or in file. DPI (dots per inch) refers to printer resolution - ink dots on paper. For practical purposes, when discussing print quality from digital files, they're used interchangeably at 1:1 ratio.
What are standard photo print sizes?
Common print sizes: 4×6" (postcard), 5×7", 8×10" (standard frame), 11×14", 16×20", 20×30" (poster), 24×36". Aspect ratios vary: 3:2 (DSLR), 4:3 (point-and-shoot), 16:9 (HD), 1:1 (square/Instagram). Cropping may be needed to fit standard sizes.
Can I print a phone photo at large sizes?
Modern smartphones (12-48MP) can print surprisingly large. iPhone 14 Pro (48MP, 8064×6048px) prints 26.8"×20.1" at 300 DPI, or 53.7"×40.3" at 150 DPI. Older phones (8-12MP) are limited to 11×14" at high quality, but 16×20" acceptable at lower DPI.
What happens if I print at too low DPI?
Low DPI results in pixelation - visible squares/blurriness instead of smooth detail. Below 200 DPI, quality degrades noticeably for close viewing. However, large prints (posters, canvas) viewed from 3-6 feet away can use 150-180 DPI without obvious quality loss.
How does aspect ratio affect print sizes?
Aspect ratio is width:height ratio. DSLR cameras shoot 3:2 (or 2:3 portrait), but standard frames are often 4:5 or 5:7. This mismatch requires cropping or borders. Calculate: if 6000×4000 image (3:2) prints to 8×10 (4:5), you'll lose ~0.7" from width or height.
What image resolution do I need for a 16×20 poster?
For high-quality 16×20" print at 300 DPI: 4800×6000 pixels (28.8MP). At acceptable 240 DPI: 3840×4800 pixels (18.4MP). For poster quality 150 DPI: 2400×3000 pixels (7.2MP). Most modern cameras (20MP+) easily handle 16×20 prints.
Can I upscale a low-resolution image for printing?
Upscaling (increasing pixels) doesn't add real detail - it interpolates/guesses missing pixels. Results are softer, less sharp. AI upscaling tools (Topaz, Photoshop Super Resolution) help but can't fully recover lost detail. Always shoot at highest resolution for flexibility.
What is the best print size for social media images?
Social media images (Instagram 1080×1080, Facebook ~2048px) are low-resolution. Instagram square: max 3.6"×3.6" at 300 DPI, or 7.2"×7.2" at 150 DPI. For prints, always upload original high-res files, not downloaded social media versions which are heavily compressed.
Do I need different DPI for matte vs glossy prints?
DPI requirements are the same, but perception differs. Glossy paper shows more detail and sharpness, making low DPI more obvious. Matte/canvas papers have texture that can hide slight pixelation, so 200-240 DPI is more acceptable than on glossy where 300 DPI is preferred.
How do I maintain aspect ratio when printing?
To avoid distortion, preserve original aspect ratio. Either: 1) Crop image to match frame ratio before printing, 2) Use custom print sizes matching your ratio, or 3) Accept borders/matting. Online calculators help find closest standard size with minimal cropping needed.