Print Size & Resolution Calculator
Convert pixels to inches at any DPI, find out whether a file will print sharp at 8×10, 16×20 or 40×60, solve an aspect ratio, and read the standard print size chart in pixels. Built for photographers by Nakada Design — the math a photo lab does, in your browser.
How Many Pixels Do You Need to Print?
The rule photographers actually use is simple: pixels ÷ DPI = inches, and its reverse, inches × DPI = pixels. Photo labs and fine-art printers target roughly 300 pixels per inch, which is where a print stops showing pixels to the eye at reading distance. So an 8×10 wants 2400×3000 pixels, and a 16×20 wants 4800×6000.
Below that, you are not stuck — you are trading sharpness for size, and how much it matters depends entirely on how close the viewer stands. A gallery print examined at arm's length wants every one of those 300 pixels. A four-foot canvas over a sofa looks flawless at 150. The chart is the map; the Print Quality tab gives you the verdict for your exact file.
Standard Print Sizes in Pixels (at 300 DPI)
| Print size | Aspect ratio | Pixels at 300 DPI | Min. megapixels |
|---|
| 4 × 6 in | 3:2 | 1200 × 1800 | 2.2 MP |
| 5 × 7 in | 7:5 | 1500 × 2100 | 3.2 MP |
| 8 × 10 in | 4:5 | 2400 × 3000 | 7.2 MP |
| 8.5 × 11 in | — | 2550 × 3300 | 8.4 MP |
| 11 × 14 in | — | 3300 × 4200 | 13.9 MP |
| 16 × 20 in | 4:5 | 4800 × 6000 | 28.8 MP |
| 20 × 30 in | 3:2 | 6000 × 9000 | 54 MP |
| 24 × 36 in | 3:2 | 7200 × 10800 | 77.8 MP |
| 40 × 60 in | 3:2 | 12000 × 18000 | 216 MP |
Large prints rarely reach these pixel counts natively — and rarely need to, because they are viewed from farther away. Use the Print Quality tab to see the true resolution for your file at any size.
Common Social & Web Image Sizes
Screens are measured in pixels, not inches, so the only number that matters is the pixel dimension and the aspect ratio. These are the current safe sizes for delivering photography online.
| Placement | Pixels | Aspect ratio |
|---|
| Instagram square | 1080 × 1080 | 1:1 |
| Instagram portrait | 1080 × 1350 | 4:5 |
| Instagram / TikTok story | 1080 × 1920 | 9:16 |
| Facebook / X landscape | 1200 × 630 | 1.91:1 |
| Pinterest pin | 1000 × 1500 | 2:3 |
| YouTube thumbnail | 1280 × 720 | 16:9 |
| Website hero | 1920 × 1080 | 16:9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert pixels to inches for printing?
Inches = pixels ÷ DPI. A 3000px-wide file at 300 DPI prints 10 inches wide. To reverse it, pixels = inches × DPI — a sharp 8×10 at 300 DPI needs 2400 × 3000 pixels.
What is 300 DPI in pixels?
It depends on the print size, because 300 DPI means 300 pixels per inch. 4×6 = 1200×1800, 5×7 = 1500×2100, 8×10 = 2400×3000, 11×14 = 3300×4200. Multiply each inch dimension by 300.
What size can I print from a 24-megapixel photo?
A 24 MP file (≈6000×4000) prints about 20×13 in at 300 DPI, 25×17 in at 240, and roughly 40×27 in at 150 DPI for wall art viewed from a distance.
What is the difference between DPI and PPI?
PPI describes the image (pixels per printed inch); DPI describes the printer (ink dots per inch). In photo printing they are used interchangeably — hit ~300 PPI at your print size and it looks sharp.
What DPI do I need for large prints and posters?
It follows viewing distance. In-hand prints want 240–300; framed wall art at three feet looks sharp at 150–180; banners and billboards can drop to 100 or lower.
