Find the scan DPI and source resolution needed for a large print from film.
To print at a target DPI, the scan must deliver that many pixels per inch of print, which scales back to a scan DPI on the negative. Scanning at the right DPI captures the film's real detail for a chosen print without scanning too large or too small.
Film Scan Resolution
Scan DPI = print inches x print DPI / film width in inches
Scan DPI = print inches x print DPI / film width in inches To print at a target DPI, the scan must deliver that many pixels per inch of print, which scales back to a scan DPI on the negative.
Scanning at the right DPI captures the film's real detail for a chosen print without scanning too large or too small.
This calculator takes 4 inputs: Film width, Film height, Print width, Target print DPI. The pre-filled defaults are a realistic starting point — replace them with figures from your own environment for a result you can act on.