Print Resolution (PPI)
Pixels per inch when a photo is printed at a given width.
Formula
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Example
6000 px printed 20 in wide: PPI = 300
How it works
PPI tells you how many image pixels are spread across each inch of a printed photo. The formula works because print size is measured in inches while image detail is measured in pixels, so dividing pixel width by print width gives the density of pixels in the print. A higher PPI generally means a sharper-looking print, because more pixels are packed into each inch.
When to use it
Use this when preparing a digital image for printing and you want to check whether the print will look sharp at a chosen size. It is also useful when comparing how clear the same photo will look at different print widths.
Worked example, step by step
An image is 4800 px wide and will be printed 16 in wide. PPI = W_px / W_in PPI = 4800 / 16 PPI = 300 So the print resolution is 300 PPI.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using the image height instead of the image width for this formula
- Confusing PPI with DPI, which are not always the same thing
- Forgetting to keep the print width in inches rather than pixels
Did You Know?
300 PPI is the gold standard for photo prints; below ~150 PPI pixelation becomes visible up close.
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