Print resolution: pixels, size, and PPI
Calculate print dimensions, understand resizing limits and prepare a test print.
Calculate print size
Print width in inches equals pixel width divided by target PPI. A 3000-pixel image at 300 PPI is 10 inches wide, approximately 25.4 cm. Choose PPI based on viewing distance, material, and your print provider’s requirements.
Check before printing
Basic scaling cannot automatically remove blur or compression artifacts. Prefer vector originals for text and logos when available. Inspect the result at 100% zoom, make a small test print, and keep your original to avoid repeated resizing.
Common size conversions
Measured on the long edge, 2560 pixels prints at about 8.5 inches (21.7 cm) at 300 PPI, or about 17 inches (43.4 cm) at 150 PPI. 3840 pixels prints at about 12.8 inches (32.5 cm) at 300 PPI, or about 25.6 inches (65 cm) at 150 PPI. Photos and books viewed up close usually need a higher PPI; posters viewed from a distance can use less.
Screen versus print color
Screens display RGB color, while printing usually uses CMYK, so colors can look darker or less saturated after conversion. For important work, confirm color requirements with your print provider and judge by a test print rather than your screen.