Updated June 17, 2026
Try the Print Size Calculator
Enter your image pixel dimensions and target DPI to see the largest sharp print you can make, instantly.
For printing photos, 300 DPI is the universally accepted standard for sharp results. For scanning existing photo prints, 600 DPI preserves fine detail and is suitable for reprinting. For web and screen display, 72-96 PPI is standard and higher values waste file size without improving quality on screen.
DPI by use case
| Use case | Recommended DPI/PPI |
|---|---|
| Standard photo prints (4x6 to 11x14) | 300 DPI |
| Large format (poster, banner) | 150 DPI (viewed from distance) |
| Fine art / gallery print | 300-600 DPI |
| Scanning old prints (archive) | 600 DPI |
| Scanning for large reprints | 1200 DPI |
| Web and screen display | 72-96 PPI |
Should I scan photos at 300 or 600 DPI?
For basic reprinting to the same size, 300 DPI is sufficient. For archiving or future reprinting at larger sizes, scan at 600 DPI. If you plan to significantly enlarge a small original, scanning at 1200 DPI gives more data to work with.
Is 400 DPI considered high resolution?
Yes. 400 DPI exceeds the standard print quality threshold and produces very sharp results. For most photo subjects, 300 and 400 DPI are visually indistinguishable at normal viewing distances. 400 DPI may show a slight benefit for very detailed subjects like fine fabric or wildlife feathers.
Which is clearer, 600 DPI or 1200 DPI?
1200 DPI is technically finer, but in practice the difference is only visible for line art, text, and images viewed under magnification. For photos at normal viewing distances, 300-600 DPI is the practical ceiling. Use the DPI Calculator to find the effective DPI of your photo at any print size, and see image size for large prints for specific large-format guidance.
Try the Print Size Calculator
Enter your image pixel dimensions and target DPI to see the largest sharp print you can make, instantly.