Calculate Required Pixels
0 cm
0 cm
Resulting Resolution
0 x 0 in
0 x 0 cm
300 DPI
Size Context
About the size of a
Smartphone
Optimal Viewing Distance
Distance where pixels become invisible to the naked eye (20/20 vision) at this DPI.
Printing Guide for this size
| Quality Tier | Req. DPI | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Excellent | 300 | Books, Photos, Flyers |
| Good | 150 | Posters, Canvas, Apparel |
| Fair | 72 | Billboards, Screens |
Understanding Pixels
How many pixels do I need for a good print?
For high-quality printing (like photos or brochures), the standard is 300 pixels per inch (PPI). For example, an 8×10 inch print requires 2400×3000 pixels. Lower resolutions (like 150 PPI) are often acceptable for larger formats like posters because they are viewed from further away.
What happens if I don’t have enough pixels?
If you print a low-resolution image at a large size, the printer has to “invent” data to fill the space. This results in pixelation (blocky squares) or blurriness. It’s always better to start with a higher resolution than you need.
Is a higher Megapixel (MP) count always better?
Generally, yes, more megapixels allow you to print larger sizes without losing quality. However, image quality also depends on the camera’s sensor, lens, and lighting. A sharp 12MP image often prints better than a blurry 24MP one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this pixel calculator free?
Yes, the Printing TLDR Pixel Calculator is completely free to use for personal and commercial projects.
Do you save the images I drop here?
No. When you drag an image to auto-fill the dimensions, we read the file properties directly in your browser. The image is never uploaded to our servers, ensuring your privacy.
Why do you show metric and imperial units?
Print standards vary globally. While the US uses inches, most of the world uses standard paper sizes (A4, A3) measured in millimeters. We show both to ensure you don’t make conversion errors.
What is the “Optimal Viewing Distance”?
This is the distance at which the individual pixels of an image become indistinguishable to the human eye. It helps you determine if a lower resolution is acceptable for large-format prints like billboards.
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