DPI converter and print size calculator
Mark an image for a target print resolution (for example 300 DPI) or calculate what physical size your pixels support. No fake "detail upgrade" claims.
This writes density metadata into a copy of the file (JPEG JFIF / PNG pHYs). It marks intended print density — it cannot add image detail.
Last reviewed . Runs locally — your images never leave your device.
How it works
- Drop your image and read its pixel dimensions.
- Option A — Print size: enter a DPI and see the physical print size in inches/cm.
- Option B — Set DPI: write a density value into the file the way print workflows expect.
- For required print sizes, the calculator tells you how many pixels you actually need.
Supported formats
JPEG (JFIF density embedding) and PNG (pHYs chunk embedding); all formats for the calculator.
Metadata marking does not alter pixels — see the explanation below.
Privacy
Everything happens in your browser: the image is decoded, transformed and encoded locally. Nothing is uploaded, and no filename, pixel data or metadata is sent anywhere. Read more on the privacy page.
Technical methodology
- JPEG output: a JFIF APP0 density field (units = dots per inch) is applied to a re-encoded copy. PNG output: a pHYs chunk (pixels per meter) is written with a matching value.
- The pixels themselves are not resampled — DPI metadata tells print software how large to reproduce the image; it cannot add detail.
- The calculator uses the standard formula: print size (inches) = pixels ÷ DPI.
Known limitations
- If the file must stay byte-identical apart from metadata, note that PNG/JPEG embedding re-encodes pixels (quality is kept high).
- Some apps ignore density metadata entirely and use raw pixels — that is app behavior, not a tool failure.
- Bitmap formats outside JPEG/PNG do not get a density field from this tool.
Frequently asked questions
Will changing DPI make my image print sharper?
No — and any tool that claims otherwise is misleading you. DPI is a print instruction. Sharpness comes from pixels: a 600x600 image prints sharp at 2x2 inches at 300 DPI, and nothing can add detail beyond the pixels you have.
My print shop asked for a 300 DPI file. What do I do?
Two steps: (1) check the required print size in inches, (2) use the calculator to see the pixel count needed (inches × 300). If your image has fewer pixels, it will be interpolated by the printer — use this tool to mark 300 DPI and note the real resolution honestly.
What is the difference between DPI and PPI?
Technically, images have PPI (pixels per inch) and printers have DPI (dots per inch). In everyday usage they are interchangeable — "300 DPI photo" means 300 PPI. This tool marks the standard density field understood by print workflows.