DPI Checker
Work out the effective DPI when printing pixel files at a chosen size.
About DPI Checker
Each axis divides its pixel count by the matching print dimension, and the diagonal value combines both to give one density figure. Aiming for about 300 DPI keeps prints sharp; the effective DPI makes it easy to judge any pixel-to-paper combination.
Formula
DPI Checker
DPI = pixels / print size (in), per axis and diagonally
- effective DPI
- Diagonal pixel density combining width and height
Worked example
With the default values below, DPI Checker returns Effective DPI of 300.0. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.
Inputs used
- Widthminimum 1 px
- 3,000 px
- Heightminimum 1 px
- 2,000 px
- Print widthminimum 0.1 in
- 10 in
- Print heightminimum 0.1 in
- 6.67 in
Results
- Horizontal DPI
- 300.0
- Vertical DPI
- 299.9
- Effective DPI
- 300.0
- Print Quality
- Passable but soft up close
Step by step
- 1Values used
- 2DPI Checker
- 3Effective DPI= 300.0
- 4Horizontal DPI= 300.0
- 5Vertical DPI= 299.9
- 6Print Quality= Passable but soft up close
Assumptions and limits
- The result is derived only from the 4 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
- In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax, fees or charges or compounding frequency into account.
- Figures are rounded for display to 1 decimal place, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.
How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is DPI Checker calculated?
DPI = pixels / print size (in), per axis and diagonally Each axis divides its pixel count by the matching print dimension, and the diagonal value combines both to give one density figure.
Why does DPI Checker matter?
Aiming for about 300 DPI keeps prints sharp; the effective DPI makes it easy to judge any pixel-to-paper combination.
What values do I need to enter?
This calculator takes 4 inputs: Width, Height, Print width, Print height. The pre-filled defaults are a realistic starting point — replace them with figures from your own environment for a result you can act on.