How to Use the Print Resolution Converter
Resolution describes how sharp an image or printed piece appears, and it's expressed in a few different unit systems. DPI (dots per inch) is the print industry's standard unit, measuring how many dots fit within one inch. DPCM (dots per centimeter) expresses the same concept using centimeters instead. DPPX (dots per pixel) is a web/CSS resolution unit representing how many physical pixels correspond to one CSS pixel.
These three units convert to each other at exact ratios. Since 1 inch equals 2.54cm, dividing DPI by 2.54 gives DPCM, and dividing DPI by the web standard of 96 gives DPPX. For example, the commonly used print resolution of 300 DPI equals about 118.1 DPCM and about 3.125dppx.
Enter a value, choose a unit, and DPI, DPCM, and DPPX are all calculated at once. This is useful when matching a print shop's required resolution or setting the CSS resolution for images intended for Retina or other high-density displays.
Frequently Asked Questions
300 DPI is the standard recommendation for most print materials. Large-format prints viewed from a distance, like banners, can look sharp at 100-150 DPI, but close-up items like business cards or brochures need 300 DPI or more.
DPPX (dots per pixel) is a CSS resolution unit representing how many physical pixels correspond to one CSS pixel. 1dppx equals 96 DPI, and high-resolution displays like Retina screens are typically 2dppx (about 192 DPI) or higher.