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DPI Formula:
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DPI (Dots Per Inch) is a measurement of printing resolution that indicates how many individual dots of ink a printer can produce in a linear one-inch space. It's a crucial factor in determining print quality and image clarity.
The calculator uses the DPI formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates how many pixels are printed per inch, which directly affects the sharpness and detail of printed images.
Details: Proper DPI calculation ensures optimal print quality, prevents pixelation, and helps determine the maximum print size for digital images without quality loss.
Tips: Enter the total number of pixels in one dimension (width or height) and the desired print size in inches for that same dimension. Both values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What's the difference between DPI and PPI?
A: DPI refers to printer dots per inch (output), while PPI refers to pixels per inch on digital displays. They're often used interchangeably but technically different.
Q2: What is a good DPI for printing?
A: 300 DPI is standard for high-quality prints. 150-200 DPI is acceptable for larger format prints viewed from a distance. 72-96 DPI is typical for screen display.
Q3: How does DPI affect file size?
A: Higher DPI requires more pixels, which increases file size. A 300 DPI image has significantly more data than a 72 DPI image of the same physical size.
Q4: Can I increase DPI without losing quality?
A: Increasing DPI through software interpolation adds pixels but doesn't create new detail. It may cause softening or artifacts. True resolution increase requires higher original pixel count.
Q5: How do I find my image's pixel dimensions?
A: Right-click the image file, select properties (Windows) or get info (Mac), or open in an image editor and check the image size information.