If you’re preparing a photo for print, one of the first questions is:
“How many pixels do I need to make this look sharp?”
The answer depends on two things:
- The size of the print
- How far away it will be viewed
Let’s break it down.
The Gold Standard: 300 DPI at Print Size
Most professional printers use 300 DPI as the standard for photo-quality prints. That means your image needs enough pixels to fill the desired print size at 300 dots per inch.
| Print Size | Pixel Dimensions (at 300 DPI) |
|---|---|
| 4 × 6 inches | 1200 × 1800 |
| 5 × 7 inches | 1500 × 2100 |
| 8 × 10 inches | 2400 × 3000 |
| 11 × 14 inches | 3300 × 4200 |
| 16 × 20 inches | 4800 × 6000 |
| 20 × 30 inches | 6000 × 9000 |
Remember: This doesn’t mean your camera has to shoot at exactly these numbers. It’s just the resolution needed for optimal sharpness when printing at that size.
Can You Print at Lower Resolution?
Yes — especially for:
- Large prints viewed from a distance (posters, signage)
- Casual or decorative uses (wall collages, photo albums)
Lower DPI still looks sharp if the viewing distance is long. For example:
- 150 DPI works fine for prints larger than 11×14
- 100 DPI may be acceptable for billboards or banners
- 72 DPI is too low for most photo prints
How to Check Your Resolution
Before printing, check:
- Pixel dimensions of the image (e.g., 3000×2400)
- Target print size (e.g., 10×8 inches)
- Divide pixels by inches to get PPI:
3000 ÷ 10 = 300 PPI
If the result is close to or above 300, you're good to go.
Export Tips for Printing
- Export at 300 PPI (not DPI) if the option exists
- Avoid upsizing (enlarging small images) unless using a high-quality tool
- Use formats that preserve quality — JPG at 90–100%, or TIFF for maximum fidelity
Summary
To get sharp, high-quality prints:
- Aim for 300 DPI at your final print size
- Check your pixel dimensions before printing
- Lower DPI is okay for large, decorative prints — especially from a distance
Planning ahead will help you get great results, avoid blurry prints, and make the most of your images — whether you're printing a family album or a gallery wall.