DPI Pixels to CM Calculator
Calculate physical print size from pixels and DPI for photo printing, poster sizing and document layout. 300 DPI is standard for high-quality print.
Last updated: May 2026
Enter DPI and pixels to calculate printed size.
DPI, pixels and print size
The formula is: physical size (inches) = pixels — DPI, then multiply by 2.54 for centimetres. DPI (dots per inch) and PPI (pixels per inch) are the same concept in this context — the number of pixels packed into one linear inch of print.
300 DPI is the standard for quality photo printing at 20–30 cm viewing distance. Large-format prints (posters, banners) viewed from further away can use 100–150 DPI without visible pixelation. Below 200 DPI at close viewing distance, individual pixels become visible. The calculator shows you the physical output size before you send a file to a print shop.
DPI quality reference
| DPI | Quality | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 72 | Screen only | Web images, digital display |
| 96 | Screen only | Standard Windows screen resolution |
| 150 | Low print | Large banners viewed from distance |
| 200 | Good print | General office printing |
| 300 | High-quality print | Photo prints, business cards |
| 600 | Very high | Professional and fine-art printing |
Frequently Asked Questions
What DPI should I use for photo printing?
300 DPI is the standard for prints viewed at 25–30 cm (standard photo viewing distance). Large format posters viewed from 1–2 metres can use 100–150 DPI without loss of perceived quality. Inkjet home printers typically print at 600–1200 DPI but resample the input image — 300 DPI source resolution is sufficient.
My 2400 — 3600 pixel photo at 300 DPI prints at what size?
Width: 2400 — 300 = 8 inches = 20.3 cm. Height: 3600 — 300 = 12 inches = 30.5 cm. This is a standard 8–12 inch print. At 150 DPI the same file would print at 40.6 — 60.9 cm — suitable for a poster viewed at arm's length.
What happens if I print at the wrong DPI?
Below ~200 DPI at close viewing distance, individual pixels are visible and the image looks blocky. 72 DPI (screen resolution) produces a visibly poor result at postcard size or larger. At 600+ DPI the image is sharp but the file contains more data than the printer can use — no visual benefit.