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Check whether an image has enough pixels for a print size, and how many you need at 300 ppi
DPI calculatorFreeFor designers
5 min
saved on a typical run. Our estimate, against converting print size to pixels and back by hand.
Before: what you give it
The example input, as typed in. You type in numbers or values.
width: 210 height: 297 unit: mm distance_unit: cm pixels_w: 1600 pixels_h: 2263
After: what comes back
The first lines of a real run on that input. Nothing here is edited by hand.
Print size: 8.27 x 11.69 in (210 x 297 mm) No viewing distance given: using 300 ppi, the usual figure for print held in the hand. Pixels at 300 ppi: 2480 x 3508 (8.7 MP) Your image: 1600 x 2263 px gives 193.5 x 193.5 ppi, lowest 193.5. Against 300 ppi that is low: expect visible softness or pixels. Largest print at 300 ppi: 5.3 x 7.5 in. Limits: the 1 arcminute rule assumes 20/20 vision and high-contrast detail; the 300 ppi and 67% verdict thresholds are conventions. Upscaling adds no real detail. Vendor minimums override this.
What you get
Pixels needed at 300 ppi and at viewing distance, plus effective ppi and a verdict for your image
What it cannot do
Assumes 20/20 vision for the viewing-distance figure; it reads dimensions you give, not an image file.
Who it is for
- Designers
Free and Pro
| Free | 25 runs a day per IP address, up to 100,000 characters a run. |
|---|---|
| Pro | No daily limit, 300 requests a minute, up to 200,000 characters a run. |
Use it from your assistant
The tool is called calc_print_resolution. Connect the server once, then ask for it by name or just describe the job. Install steps for each app.
claude mcp add --transport http designers https://designers.allthepossibles.com/mcpcurl -X POST https://designers.allthepossibles.com/api/dpi-calculator -H 'content-type: application/json' -d '{"width":210,"height":297,"unit":"mm","viewing_distance":"","distance_unit":"cm","pixels_w":1600,"pixels_h":2263}'Try it here
The form starts with the same example input, so you can run it first and then swap in your own.
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