What Image Size Do You Need for Large Prints?
Pixel dimensions, DPI, and print sizes — a quick reference for sharp prints.
The relationship between pixels and print size
Print size is determined by a simple formula: pixels ÷ DPI = inches. DPI (dots per inch) controls how densely those pixels are packed onto paper. A 3000×2000 pixel image printed at 300 DPI produces a 10×6.67 inch (25.4×16.9 cm) print. At 150 DPI, the same image prints at 20×13.3 inches (50.8×33.8 cm) — twice the size, but with half the pixel density. For photos you hold in your hands, 300 DPI is the gold standard. For posters on a wall, 150 DPI is more than enough because you view them from farther away.
Quick reference table
| Print size (cm) | Print size (inches) | Pixels needed (300 DPI) | Pixels needed (150 DPI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10×15 | 3.9×5.9 | 1181×1772 | 591×886 |
| 20×30 | 7.9×11.8 | 2362×3543 | 1181×1772 |
| A4 (21×29.7) | 8.3×11.7 | 2480×3508 | 1240×1754 |
| 30×40 | 11.8×15.7 | 3543×4724 | 1772×2362 |
| 50×70 | 19.7×27.6 | 5906×8268 | 2953×4134 |
| A1 (59.4×84.1) | 23.4×33.1 | 7016×9933 | 3508×4967 |
| 100×70 | 39.4×27.6 | 11811×8268 | 5906×4134 |
Common image sources and their sizes
| Source | Typical resolution | Max print at 300 DPI | Max print at 150 DPI |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 15 | 4032×3024 | 34×26 cm / 13.4×10.1 in | 68×51 cm / 26.9×20.2 in |
| DSLR (24 MP) | 6000×4000 | 51×34 cm / 20×13.3 in | 102×68 cm / 40×26.7 in |
| Procreate iPad | Varies (up to 16384×4096) | Depends on canvas | Depends on canvas |
| Midjourney | 2048×2048 | 17×17 cm / 6.8×6.8 in | 35×35 cm / 13.7×13.7 in |
| Screenshot (1080p) | 1920×1080 | 16×9 cm / 6.4×3.6 in | 33×18 cm / 12.8×7.2 in |
What if your image is too small?
Sometimes you have a great image but it simply does not have enough pixels for the size you want. You have a few options, but not all of them are equal. The worst thing you can do is stretch the image in Photoshop or any editor — that just makes existing pixels bigger and adds blur. Instead, consider these approaches:
- Print smaller to maintain quality
- Accept 150 DPI for posters — it still looks good from normal viewing distance
- Use AI upscaling (Topaz, Waifu2x) to genuinely add detail
- Avoid simply stretching the image in an editor