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DPI vs PPI: What Is the Difference?

DPI and PPI are often used interchangeably, but they describe different things. Understanding the distinction removes a lot of confusion when preparing files for print.

Chris Terry
By Chris Terry, Founder & Editor
Updated June 17, 2026

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DPI (dots per inch) describes how many ink dots a printer places per inch of output. PPI (pixels per inch) describes the pixel density of a digital image or display. For practical print workflows, 300 PPI in your image file translates directly to 300 DPI at the printer, which is why the terms are used interchangeably in most contexts.

The technical distinction

An image file has pixels, which are the smallest discrete units of digital data. PPI describes how those pixels are packed into an inch when displayed or sent to a printer. The printer then renders each pixel using multiple ink dots, which is where DPI comes in. A printer may use 4-6 ink dots to render a single pixel accurately.

Is 300 PPI the same as 300 DPI?

In standard print workflow language, yes. When you set an image to 300 PPI in Photoshop and send it to a 300 DPI printer, the result is one pixel mapped to one printer-dot position. The printer may internally use more dots to render each pixel, but from a workflow standpoint the numbers correspond directly.

Is 72 DPI the same as 72 PPI?

In casual usage, yes. 72 PPI is the traditional screen resolution for web and on-screen display. It is not suitable for printing because it produces only 72 pixels per inch, which looks pixelated and blurry when printed at any normal viewing size.

Which number matters for print quality?

Set your image file to 300 PPI at the intended print size, and the printer will output at its rated DPI (usually 300-1200). The image PPI is the number you control; the printer DPI is the hardware specification. The DPI Calculator shows you the effective DPI of any image at any print size, and what DPI means explains it further.

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FAQs

Is 300 PPI the same as 300 DPI?

In practice, yes. For a standard print workflow, setting your image to 300 PPI and sending it to a 300 DPI printer produces one pixel per printer dot position. The printer may use more physical ink dots internally, but 300 PPI is the correct setting for sharp photo prints.

Is 72 DPI the same as 72 PPI?

In practical usage, yes. 72 PPI is the standard for web and screen display. It is far too low for printing; 72 PPI images look pixelated and blurry when printed at normal photo sizes.

Is 100 PPI the same as 100 DPI?

For print workflow purposes, they refer to the same density setting. 100 PPI / 100 DPI is below the 300 DPI standard for photos and will produce noticeably less sharp results at typical print sizes viewed up close.

Is 150 PPI the same as 150 DPI?

Yes, in print workflow terms. 150 PPI / 150 DPI produces acceptable quality for large prints meant to be viewed from several feet away, such as posters or banners. For close-up photo prints, 300 DPI is the standard.