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Print Resolution Calculator — Maximum Print Size
Calculate the maximum print size from your image resolution at various DPI settings.
How We Calculate This
How Print Size Calculation Works
Print size (cm) = (Pixels / DPI) × 2.54
The calculator divides your pixel dimensions by various DPI values and converts to centimetres (1 inch = 2.54 cm). 300 DPI gives the maximum quality size, 150 DPI the maximum acceptable size for large prints, and 72 DPI the screen-equivalent size.
A note on terms: when sizing a print from an image, "DPI" here means PPI (pixels per inch) — the pixel density of your file. True DPI is the printer's dot density. The print and photo industry use the two interchangeably for this calculation, and the maths is identical either way.
Frequently Asked Questions
The maximum quality print size depends on your pixel count and acceptable DPI. At 300 DPI, divide pixels by 118.11 for cm. At 150 DPI (acceptable for large prints), divide by 59.06 for cm.
A5 and smaller: 300 DPI. A4 to A3: 300 DPI ideal, 200 DPI acceptable. A2 to A1: 150-200 DPI is fine. A0 and larger: 100-150 DPI works because viewing distance increases.
Epson printers have a native resolution of 360 DPI (a multiple of their print head). Supplying images at exactly 360 DPI avoids internal resampling and can produce slightly sharper results on Epson giclée printers.
Yes — for posters and large prints viewed from a distance, lower DPI is acceptable. A 150 DPI print at arm's length looks sharp. Even 100 DPI works for prints viewed from 1 metre or more.
An A3 print (42 x 29.7 cm) at 300 DPI needs about 4,960 x 3,508 pixels — roughly 17.4 megapixels. Most modern cameras and digital art canvases easily exceed this.
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Last updated: February 2026
All calculations are estimates. Always verify quantities before purchasing materials.