Tip: 96 for web, 300 for print, 72 for older screen workflows.
How to convert inches to pixels
Converting inches to pixels is simple once you know the image resolution. Pixels are not a fixed physical size on their own, so the same inch measurement can produce different pixel values depending on DPI (dots per inch) or PPI (pixels per inch).
Use this formula:
Pixels = Inches × DPI
For example, if your design width is 5 inches and your resolution is 300 DPI: 5 × 300 = 1500 pixels.
When should you use different DPI values?
Web and screen design
For websites, app interfaces, and digital mockups, 96 PPI is a common reference point. In many modern workflows, responsive layout and CSS units matter more than a hard DPI value, but 96 is still useful for conversion math.
Print design
For brochures, posters, and photo prints, 300 DPI is the most common quality target. This gives enough detail for crisp printed output in most professional settings.
Draft and large format work
150 DPI is often acceptable for internal drafts or very large prints viewed from a distance, such as banners.
Quick conversion table
| Inches | 72 DPI | 96 DPI | 150 DPI | 300 DPI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 in | 72 px | 96 px | 150 px | 300 px |
| 2 in | 144 px | 192 px | 300 px | 600 px |
| 5 in | 360 px | 480 px | 750 px | 1500 px |
| 8.5 in | 612 px | 816 px | 1275 px | 2550 px |
| 11 in | 792 px | 1056 px | 1650 px | 3300 px |
Practical examples
- Letter size print (8.5 × 11 in) at 300 DPI: 2550 × 3300 px
- Business card width (3.5 in) at 300 DPI: 1050 px
- Social graphic (10 in wide) at 96 DPI: 960 px
- Photo print (4 × 6 in) at 300 DPI: 1200 × 1800 px
Tips for accurate image sizing
- Always confirm required resolution before exporting files.
- For print, include bleed and safe margins in your pixel dimensions.
- Use higher source resolution when possible to avoid blurry scaling.
- If quality matters, do not stretch small images to large pixel sizes.
FAQ
Is DPI the same as PPI?
They are often used interchangeably in digital workflows. Technically, PPI describes screen/image pixels, while DPI refers to printed dots.
How many pixels are in 1 inch?
It depends on resolution. At 96 DPI, 1 inch equals 96 pixels. At 300 DPI, 1 inch equals 300 pixels.
What DPI should I use for printing?
300 DPI is the standard choice for most high-quality print jobs.