Updated July 9, 2026
The short answer
300 DPI is the standard for quality photo printing. Multiply the print dimensions in inches by 300 to get the required pixel count on each side. An 8x10 at 300 DPI needs 2,400 x 3,000 pixels.
Required resolution by print size at 300 DPI
| Print size | Pixels needed at 300 DPI | Megapixels |
|---|---|---|
| 4 x 6 in | 1,200 x 1,800 | 2.2 MP |
| 5 x 7 in | 1,500 x 2,100 | 3.2 MP |
| 8 x 10 in | 2,400 x 3,000 | 7.2 MP |
| 11 x 14 in | 3,300 x 4,200 | 13.9 MP |
| 16 x 20 in | 4,800 x 6,000 | 28.8 MP |
| 24 x 36 in | 7,200 x 10,800 | 77.8 MP |
Is 72 or 300 DPI better for print?
300 DPI, by a wide margin. 72 DPI is a screen and web standard: at that setting a 4x6 would carry only 288 x 432 pixels, which prints as a blurry rectangle. Prepare any image meant for close viewing at 300 DPI.
Skip the multiplication
The Required Resolution Calculator does this math for any print size and DPI combination in one step.
Is 600 or 1200 DPI better for print quality?
For photos viewed at normal distance, 300 DPI is the practical ceiling for visible quality. 600 DPI mostly adds file size, and 1200 DPI helps line art, text, and prints examined with a loupe far more than it helps a photograph.
Things to know before you size a print
The pixel counts above assume a straight rectangular crop with no additional resizing. Cropping to a different aspect ratio after the fact removes pixels along the way, so recheck the required resolution against the cropped dimensions, not the camera's original output.
FAQs
What is the best resolution for printing?
300 DPI is the universal standard for sharp photo prints. Large format viewed at a distance can drop to 150 DPI without a visible loss.
Is 600 or 1200 DPI better for print quality?
1200 DPI is technically finer, but the difference from 300 or 600 DPI is barely visible on a photo at normal viewing distance.
What is the resolution of an 8.5 x 11 print?
At 300 DPI, 2,550 x 3,300 pixels, about 8.4 megapixels. Most current phone cameras clear that easily.
Is 72 or 300 DPI better for print?
300 DPI, by a wide margin. 72 DPI is a screen standard; at that setting a 4x6 print would only have 288 x 432 pixels.
Next: how DPI is defined, the difference between DPI and PPI, and what changes at poster size.