How large you can print a photo sharply depends on its pixel count and the resolution you want in dpi. Enter your file dimensions to see the maximum print size at 72, 180, 240 or 300 dpi.
Sensor size (APS-C, full frame) does not affect the print itself, only megapixels and aspect ratio matter. The cameras listed are examples.
Higher dpi gives a sharper print, but smaller maximum size.
| DPI | Use case | cm | inch |
|---|
Standard print sizes
Minimum resolution needed for common print sizes at 240 dpi (photo quality standard).
| Size | cm | MP (240 dpi) | MP (300 dpi) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10×15 cm | 10×15 | 1,3 MP | 2,1 MP |
| 13×18 cm | 13×18 | 2,1 MP | 3,3 MP |
| 20×30 cm | 20×30 | 5,4 MP | 8,4 MP |
| 30×40 cm | 30×40 | 10,7 MP | 16,7 MP |
| 40×60 cm | 40×60 | 21,4 MP | 33,5 MP |
| 50×70 cm | 50×70 | 31,2 MP | 48,8 MP |
| 60×90 cm | 60×90 | 48,2 MP | 75,3 MP |
| 70×100 cm | 70×100 | 62,5 MP | 97,7 MP |
Print Size Calculator: how it works
This calculator shows you the maximum print size for a given image resolution. Enter your pixel dimensions, pick 72, 180, 240 or 300 dpi, and you get the maximum print size in centimetres straight away. Use it whenever you need to check whether a shot is large enough for a specific print job.
What dpi actually means for your print
Dpi stands for dots per inch and controls how many pixels land per inch on paper. At 300 dpi you get a sharp result that holds up at close viewing distances, like a portrait print or a photo book. At 72 dpi you are in screen-resolution territory, but large-format prints viewed from a distance, think banners or exhibition panels, can work fine at lower values.
A 6000 x 4000 pixel file gives you roughly 50 x 34 cm at 300 dpi. The same file at 180 dpi stretches to about 84 x 56 cm. The gap comes down to viewing distance and the material you are printing on.
Choosing the right resolution for the job
Fine-art prints and wall photography are typically printed at 240 or 300 dpi. Most labs default to 300 dpi, though some run at 240 with no visible loss in quality at normal viewing distances.
For large formats on canvas or aluminium, 150 dpi or lower is often enough. Always check your printer's specifications before sending a file. If you want to verify the original pixel dimensions from your shoot, the EXIF Viewer on this site pulls that data straight from your file.
Frequently asked questions
How many megapixels do I need to print A2 at 300 dpi?
A2 measures 42 x 59.4 cm, which works out to 4961 x 7016 pixels at 300 dpi. That is just over 34 megapixels. A 24-megapixel camera falls short at 300 dpi for A2, but at 240 dpi it makes the cut.
Does the dpi value my camera writes into the file affect print quality?
No. The dpi figure stored in your camera's EXIF is just metadata and has no effect on actual image quality. What matters is the total pixel count in the file, which is exactly what this calculator converts into print dimensions.
At what print size does the difference between 240 and 300 dpi become visible?
At a normal viewing distance of around 50 cm or more, most people cannot tell 240 from 300 dpi. The difference shows up on small prints viewed up close, such as A4 or A5 sizes, where fine detail is examined at short range.