From Megapixels to Inches, and Back

Camera specs are sold in megapixels, but print orders are placed in inches or centimeters. This tool bridges the two: enter your image’s pixel dimensions and it tells you the largest size you can print at a given quality level, or flip it around and enter the print size you need to find out how many pixels — and how many megapixels — that requires.

Choosing the Right PPI

PPI (pixels per inch) controls how sharp a print looks at its intended viewing distance, not in absolute terms. Fine art and gallery prints meant to be viewed up close typically call for 300 PPI. Standard photo prints hold up well around 240 PPI. Posters viewed from a few feet away can drop to 180 PPI without looking soft, and banners or signage viewed from across a room or street can go as low as 120 PPI. Pick the preset that matches how close your audience will actually stand.

Working Backward from Print Size

Switch to “Print size → pixels” mode when you’re planning a shoot around a known output size — a gallery show, a billboard, a specific frame. Enter the target dimensions and PPI, and the tool tells you the minimum resolution your camera needs to deliver, so you can check it against your gear before you shoot.

This tool is especially useful for:

• Photographers checking whether a file has enough resolution for a specific print order.
• Print and gallery preparation where output size and viewing distance are already known.
• Anyone choosing a camera or crop who needs to confirm megapixel count against a target print size.