PRINT SIZE GUIDE
How many pixels do you need for a print?
Multiply each print dimension by your target PPI. Use 300 PPI for a common close-viewed quality target, or a lower value for larger work viewed from farther away.
The quick formula
pixels needed = print inches × PPIAn 8 × 10 inch print at 300 PPI needs 2,400 × 3,000 pixels. Orientation does not matter: a landscape file would be 3,000 × 2,400 pixels.
Pixel dimensions chart for common print sizes
These values are exact mathematical targets. A print can still look good below them depending on image detail, sharpening, printing method, and viewing distance.
| Print size | 300 PPI | 240 PPI | 150 PPI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 × 6 in | 1200 × 1800 | 960 × 1440 | 600 × 900 |
| 5 × 7 in | 1500 × 2100 | 1200 × 1680 | 750 × 1050 |
| 8 × 10 in | 2400 × 3000 | 1920 × 2400 | 1200 × 1500 |
| 8.5 × 11 in | 2550 × 3300 | 2040 × 2640 | 1275 × 1650 |
| 11 × 14 in | 3300 × 4200 | 2640 × 3360 | 1650 × 2100 |
| 12 × 18 in | 3600 × 5400 | 2880 × 4320 | 1800 × 2700 |
| 16 × 20 in | 4800 × 6000 | 3840 × 4800 | 2400 × 3000 |
| 24 × 36 in | 7200 × 10800 | 5760 × 8640 | 3600 × 5400 |
Is 300 PPI always necessary?
No. It is a useful target, not a universal pass-or-fail line. A handheld photo book benefits from dense image detail, while a poster or wall display is normally viewed from farther away and can look convincing at a lower PPI.
- 300 PPI: close-viewed photos, books, portfolios, and detailed artwork.
- 240 PPI: very good quality for many photographic prints.
- 150 PPI: often suitable for posters and larger wall displays.
Aspect ratio can require cropping
Pixel count is only part of the preparation. Your image and paper must also have compatible proportions. A camera image with a 3:2 ratio fits a 4 × 6 or 12 × 18 print, but an 8 × 10 print has a 4:5 ratio and requires cropping or added borders.
Check the crop before ordering so important subjects are not trimmed unexpectedly.
What if your file has fewer pixels?
You can make a smaller print, accept a lower effective PPI, or resize the image. Enlarging estimates new pixels and may help meet workflow requirements, but it cannot restore genuine detail missing from the source.
Judge the image itself as well. Focus, motion blur, noise, compression artifacts, and editing quality can matter more than a small difference in PPI.
CALCULATE YOUR SIZE
Use your exact dimensions
Convert any pixel dimensions, print size, and PPI instantly—or analyze an actual image without uploading it.