How to Choose the Right Image Resolution for Printing

Choosing print resolution is a trade-off between sharpness, file size and viewing distance.

Start with viewing distance

• Held in the hand (photos, books): aim for 300 DPI.
• Viewed from a few feet (posters, wall art): 150 DPI is often enough.
• Viewed from metres away (banners, billboards): 72–150 DPI is common.

Then check your image

Divide pixel width by print width in inches. If the result is at or above your target, the image has enough pixels. If it is below, either print smaller or accept some softness — upscaling the file will not create real detail.

Other factors

Printer capability, paper type, image content and lighting all affect the final result. A high-contrast graphic tolerates lower DPI better than a detailed photograph. When in doubt, print a small test section at full size before committing to a large print.

Try it: Print DPI Calculator · Banner Resolution Calculator · Photo Print Size Calculator