Guide

Print DPI calculator

Choose an image or enter its pixels; see the DPI at print size, whether it suits the viewing distance and the pixels needed. A 120 × 80 cm window vinyl is preset.

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Quick start

Choose the image

Image size (pixels)

Shown under “image size” in your editor; enter the pixel count, not the DPI tag.

The file is not uploaded; only its pixel size is read in your browser. PNG, JPG, WebP, GIF, AVIF. For PDF, TIFF and PSD, enter the pixel size in the pixel fields.

Enter the print size and distance

Print size cm

Width × height in cm; for example 300 × 100 or 3 m × 1 m.

Viewing distance m

The closest distance from viewer to print, in metres; for example 3 (0.1–500 m).

Advanced settingsPrint type: Banner

Print type

VinylBannerMesh bannerCitylight

Facade, poster; typically 100 DPI

The print type sets the typical DPI expected from the file. If unsure, leave Banner.

Enter your values; the result appears here.

Result

Print and pixel preview

What does the eye see from here?

Printed pixels
Ideal edge

Print area

Formula: effective DPI = pixels ÷ print size (in); sharpness limit = 3438 ÷ distance (in), pixels invisible = 6878 ÷ distance (in). Sources: Northlight Images, print-size.utils.com. Thresholds are a proposal.

What does this page calculate?

DPI (dots per inch) shows how densely an image carries pixels on the print. The same file looks sharp printed small and pixelated printed large, and how large it can go depends on how close people look. The tool gives the effective DPI, the required DPI for that distance, a rating, the largest print size and the pixels needed for the target size. The file opens in your browser and is not sent to a server.

Step by step

Image pixels: choose the file or type width and height in pixels. The pixel count matters, not the DPI tag in the file.
Effective DPI: pixels ÷ (cm ÷ 2.54), calculated for width and height; the image covers the print and the smaller value counts.
Required DPI: the smaller of the sharpness limit 3438 ÷ distance (in) and the typical value of the print type (vinyl and citylight 150, banner 100, mesh 72).
Rating: effective ÷ required of 1 or more is good, 0.5–1 acceptable, below that poor.
Largest print: pixels ÷ required DPI × 2.54 cm. Pixels needed: size (in) × required DPI.

Example: 120 × 80 cm window vinyl

A 2400 × 1600 pixel image gives 50.8 DPI at 120 × 80 cm. Seen from 2 m, 43.7 DPI is required; with a ratio of 1.16 the result is good. This size needs at least 2063 × 1376 pixels. The same image is poor on a print viewed from right at the glass, 0.5 m: there 150 DPI is required and the file prints at most 40 × 27 cm. A half-resolution 1200 × 800 pixel file is acceptable at 2 m.

How to use the result

The rating thresholds are a proposal based on visual acuity; ask your print shop what it accepts. Use vector files for text and logos. Add the calculation to the basket and request a quote for the print media; our branch will reply with prices and stock.

Source: effective DPI and pixels-needed formulas from print-size.utils.com; sharpness limit and pixels-invisible values from Northlight Images and Planar (1 arc minute = 0.000291 rad); typical values per print type from large-format print supplier guides. Values are approximate.

Last updated: 20 October 2026 · Full tool page

How does it work?

Check whether your file is ready to print in four steps.

Choose the imageSelect or drag the file; its pixel size is read in your browser and nothing is uploaded.
Enter the print sizeType width and height in cm or m and choose the print type.
Set the distanceThe closest viewing distance: in hand, shop window, facade or building.
See the resultEffective DPI, rating, largest print size and pixels needed; add to the basket and request a quote.

Frequently asked questions

How is DPI calculated?

Divide the image pixels by the print size in inches. A 2400-pixel-wide image printed 120 cm (47.2 in) wide gives 2400 ÷ 47.2 = 50.8 DPI. The tool calculates width and height separately and uses the smaller value.

What DPI does window vinyl need?

If the window is seen from 2 m, the eye’s limit is 44 DPI and a 50 DPI file is enough. If customers look from right at the glass, 0.5 m, aim for 150 DPI; the same file falls short there.

How large can I print this image?

Divide the pixels by the required DPI and multiply by 2.54. A 2400 × 1600 pixel image viewed from 2 m prints at good quality up to 139 × 93 cm and at acceptable quality up to 279 × 186 cm.

Does AI upscaling help?

For photos it often does; 2–4× upscaling hides pixels and smooths edges, but it cannot create detail that is not there. For text and logos, ask for a vector file instead of upscaling.

Can I check a PDF or TIFF file?

The tool reads PNG, JPG, WebP, GIF and AVIF files the browser can open. For PDF, TIFF and PSD, enter the pixel size from your image editor; the calculation is the same.