Updated July 9, 2026
Large-format pixel requirements
| Print size | At 300 DPI | At 150 DPI |
|---|---|---|
| 11 x 14 in | 3,300 x 4,200 px | 1,650 x 2,100 px |
| 16 x 20 in | 4,800 x 6,000 px | 2,400 x 3,000 px |
| 20 x 24 in | 6,000 x 7,200 px | 3,000 x 3,600 px |
| 24 x 36 in | 7,200 x 10,800 px | 3,600 x 5,400 px |
Is 24x36 a large format print?
Yes. 24x36 inches is large format, also called poster size. At 300 DPI it demands a very high resolution source. At 150 DPI, standard for prints viewed from 3 or more feet away, the requirement drops to about 3,600 x 5,400 pixels, roughly 19 megapixels, which many current cameras can produce in a single shot.
Details
Use the highest resolution the camera or source file provides for a large print; do not upscale in software to hit a DPI target. Adding pixels through interpolation adds file size, not detail. Up close, the print still looks soft, and the only thing gained is a bigger file to store.
Check a large-format size directly
The Print Size Calculator shows the maximum sharp print size for your exact image, at any DPI.
What resolution is needed for 16x20?
At 300 DPI: 4,800 x 6,000 pixels, about 28.8 MP. At 240 DPI, a common printer sweet spot: 3,840 x 4,800 px, about 18.4 MP. Most modern DSLRs and high-end phone cameras clear the 240 DPI mark without difficulty.
JPEG vs PNG for large prints
PNG uses lossless compression, retaining every pixel without degradation. JPEG uses lossy compression that can introduce artifacts, and at large print sizes those artifacts show up on screen before the print is even made. TIFF is the archival choice for large print files; high-quality JPEG with low compression is the practical middle ground most print labs accept.
FAQs
What is the best image size for large prints?
Use the largest pixel dimensions your source provides. A 16x20 at 300 DPI needs 4,800 x 6,000 pixels; at 150 DPI for a distance-viewed poster, 2,400 x 3,000 is enough. Do not artificially upscale to hit a DPI target.
Is 24x36 a large format print?
Yes, 24x36 inches is large format or poster size. At 300 DPI it needs about 77 megapixels; at 150 DPI for distance viewing, about 19 megapixels.
Is JPEG or PNG better for large prints?
PNG is lossless; high-quality JPEG with minimal compression is widely accepted and produces smaller files. TIFF is the archival choice when file size does not matter.
What resolution is needed for 16x20?
At 300 DPI: 4,800 x 6,000 pixels (28.8 MP). At 240 DPI: 3,840 x 4,800 (18.4 MP). At 150 DPI for a distance-viewed poster: 2,400 x 3,000 (7.2 MP).
See also: the full pixel-by-size chart and which DPI fits which use case.