Print Size Calculator

Enter your photo's resolution in pixels — get the print size at excellent (300 DPI), good (240) and acceptable (150) quality, in inches and centimetres.

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Your image

Viewing distance
Sharp print size
0in
0size in cm (300)
0megapixels
0Good (240 DPI)
0Acceptable (150 DPI)

Quick examples

How print size is calculated

Print size is the pixel resolution divided by the dots per inch (DPI):

Size (inches)=pixelsDPI

Higher DPI means a smaller but sharper print. We show the size at 300 DPI (excellent, up close), 240 DPI (good) and 150 DPI (acceptable for posters). Multiply inches by 2.54 to get centimetres.

The viewing distance box starts from normal visual acuity: the eye resolves 1 minute of arc, so the DPI needed is ≈ 3438 ÷ distance in inches (close-up = 12 in, about 30 cm). A 24 MP photo viewed at 1 m needs ≈ 87 DPI and reaches 69 × 46 in (175 × 116 cm).

Example: print size of a 24 MP photo

A 6000 × 4000 px photo (24 MP):

  • At 300 DPI = 20 × 13.3″ (≈ 50.8 × 33.9 cm) — excellent quality.
  • At 240 DPI = 25 × 16.7″; at 150 DPI = 40 × 26.7″ for a poster.

A Full HD (1920×1080) image only reaches 6.4 × 3.6″ at 300 DPI: small for quality printing.

Print size FAQ

What size can I print my photo at?
Divide the pixel resolution by the desired DPI. At 300 DPI (magazine-sharp), a 6000×4000 photo prints at 20×13.3 inches. The calculator gives the size at excellent, good and acceptable quality at once.
How many megapixels do I need to print big?
It depends on size and viewing distance. For sharp 300 DPI prints: 24 MP reach 50.8 × 33.9 cm; for a poster viewed from afar, 150 DPI doubles each side with the same MP.
What DPI is good print quality?
300 DPI is the standard for sharp prints viewed up close; 240 DPI gives very good results; 150 DPI works for posters and signs viewed at a distance.
Does viewing distance matter?
A lot. Normal vision resolves 1 minute of arc, so the DPI needed is ≈ 3438 ÷ distance in inches: about 287 DPI up close (12 in), 87 at 1 m, 44 at 2 m and 17 at 5 m. The farther you look, the lower the DPI needed to look sharp.
Can I upscale to print larger?
Up to a point. Interpolation adds pixels but not real detail; it works best when you already have resolution to spare. The calculator tells you the realistic maximum size at each quality.