Is DPI the same as PPI?

Not strictly. DPI (dots per inch) is a printer hardware spec describing ink dots, while PPI (pixels per inch) describes the pixel density of a digital image. In everyday use, "300 DPI image" actually means 300 PPI, so the two terms get used interchangeably and convert 1:1.

What DPI/PPI do I need for printing?

Most professional printing (photos, brochures, business cards) targets 300 PPI at final size. Large-format prints like banners and posters, viewed from a distance, can look sharp at 100-150 PPI.

What PPI is used for screens?

Standard web images are often exported at 72 or 96 PPI, though this number has no real effect on-screen since displays render pixels directly. What matters on screen is the pixel dimensions, not the PPI tag.

How do I calculate print size from pixels?

Divide the pixel width and height by the target DPI/PPI. A 3000x2000 pixel image at 300 DPI prints at 10x6.67 inches.

Does changing DPI in image software resize my photo?

Only if resampling is enabled. Changing the DPI/PPI tag alone just changes the printed size metadata; the pixel dimensions and file size stay the same unless you also resample.

DPI to PPI Converter

Convert a DPI value to PPI (they are numerically the same) and calculate the print size of an image from its pixel dimensions and resolution.

DPI / PPI Passthrough

DPI and PPI share the same numeric scale, so this box just mirrors your value between the two labels.

DPI (dots per inch)

PPI (pixels per inch)

What is the difference?

DPI counts physical ink dots a printer places per inch.
PPI counts pixels packed into an inch of a digital image.
Most software and print vendors use the terms interchangeably.

Print Size Calculator

Enter pixel dimensions and a resolution to get the physical print size.

Width (pixels)

Height (pixels)

Resolution (DPI/PPI)

Summary

DPI (dots per inch) and PPI (pixels per inch) measure different things: DPI counts the physical ink dots a printer lays down, while PPI counts the pixels packed into an inch of a digital image or screen. In practice the two numbers are used interchangeably because a "300 DPI" image simply means 300 pixels per inch were used, so the passthrough converter below treats them as a 1:1 numeric match. The print-size calculator answers the more useful question: given an image's pixel width and height and a target resolution, how large can it be printed before it looks soft.

How it works

Enter a value in the DPI/PPI passthrough box; it mirrors instantly since the two units share the same numeric scale.
Switch to the print-size calculator and enter your image width and height in pixels.
Enter the resolution you want to print or display at (commonly 300 for print, 72 or 96 for screen).
The calculator divides pixel dimensions by that resolution to give the print size in inches and centimeters.

Use cases

Check whether a photo has enough pixels for a sharp print at a given size.
Convert a scanner DPI setting to the PPI value a design tool expects.
Figure out the maximum poster or banner size for a given image resolution.
Confirm a screenshot or exported image meets a print house's 300 DPI requirement.
Plan pixel dimensions for a new design before exporting from image software.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-09-09 · Reviewed by Nham Vu