Print & screen
DPI Converter
Turn a pixel dimension into a physical size at a given resolution (dots per inch).
How to convert pixels to inches with DPI
DPI (dots per inch) tells you how many pixels fit into one inch of physical space. To convert a pixel dimension into a real-world size, divide the number of pixels by the DPI:
- Inches = pixels ÷ DPI
- Centimeters = inches × 2.54
- Millimeters = inches × 25.4
For example, an image 1920 px wide at 96 DPI is 1920 ÷ 96 = 20 inches (50.8 cm) on screen. Send that same file to a 300 DPI photo printer and it becomes just 6.4 inches wide — same pixels, a higher resolution, a smaller print. Type any pixel count and DPI above and all three sizes update instantly.
Common DPI values
The right DPI depends on whether your work is shown on a screen or printed on paper. These are the resolutions you will meet most often:
| DPI | Typical use | 1000 px equals |
|---|---|---|
| 72 | Legacy web / older Mac displays | 13.889" |
| 96 | Standard screen resolution | 10.417" |
| 150 | Draft / office printing | 6.667" |
| 300 | Photo and magazine print | 3.333" |
DPI, PPI and print quality
On screens the figure is technically PPI (pixels per inch), while DPI describes the ink dots a printer lays down, but the two terms are used interchangeably for sizing. The key point is that a higher DPI packs the same pixels into a smaller area, producing sharper print. For crisp photo output aim for 300 DPI; for large banners viewed from a distance, 150 DPI or even less is plenty.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert pixels to inches?
Divide the pixel dimension by the DPI: inches = pixels ÷ DPI. For example 600 px at 300 DPI is 2 inches. Enter the values above and the converter also shows centimeters and millimeters.
What is the difference between DPI and PPI?
PPI (pixels per inch) describes pixels on a screen, while DPI (dots per inch) describes ink dots from a printer. For converting an image size they are treated as the same number.
What DPI should I use for printing?
Use 300 DPI for photos and detailed print, and 150 DPI for drafts or large items viewed from a distance. Screens generally assume 96 DPI.
Does a higher DPI make my image bigger?
No — for a fixed pixel count, a higher DPI makes the physical size smaller because the same pixels are packed more tightly, which increases sharpness.
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