Convert Pixels to Inches (Output to Monitors/Printers)
Formula: Pixels ÷ DPI = Inches
Image Width: Pixels
Image Height: Pixels
Select the resolution
of the output device
Image Width: inches
Image Height: inches
If you know the pixel width and height of an image, this section will calculate the physical size (in inches) of the image when it is printed or displayed on various devices.

To use the calculator, enter the width and height, then select the output resolution which will be used.

* Most monitors display images at approximately 75DPI.

** Many printers use a process known as Image Refinement when processing images. This may impact the relation between input and output resolution. Generally, 300DPI is adequate for photo-like prints.


Convert Inches to Pixels (Input from Scanners)
Formula: Inches X DPI = Pixels
Photo Width: inches
Photo Height: inches
Select the DPI setting
of the Scanner
Image Width: Pixels
Image Height: Pixels
Scanners typically allow the DPI resolution to be adjusted via software. For best results, scanning should be done at the resolution of the intended output device.

Example: You wish to scan an item of jewelry and print the item in your catalog with the caption "Shown Actual Size."

If the catalog will be printed on a 600 DPI printer, the item should be scanned with a resolution of 600 DPI, and care should be taken not to re-size or resample the intermediate image file before printing.

When the output destination is a computer screen, as in the case of auction photos, the scanned image may require further reduction using an image editor before the image is physically small enough to fit on the viewer's screen.

Example: a book cover measuring 8 in. by 10 in. will produce an image height of 750 Pixels even when scanned at only 75 DPI. Because many computer displays are set at 800 X 600 Pixels, the resulting photo will be taller that the display area and force scrolling.

Handy Tip! If you plan to create a new logo or graphic using an image editor (such as Photoshop), Start by deciding the DPI setting which will be used to print your design. You can then enter the desired size of the graphic above and calculate the Pixel dimensions needed for the best print quality. (Your original work can be resampled later for an appropriate sized web image)