Printing, Scanning, and Output

What print sizes can this file support?

Enter your image's pixel dimensions and a crop, then compare a stated print size or solve the largest arithmetic print at a target PPI.

Answer

Ready

Source width (px)

Source height (px)

Crop width (%)

Crop height (%)

Mode

Print width (in)

Print height (in)

Next decision: Print Viewing-Distance Planner

Visualize

Calculate to see the crop/border fit.

Quantity	Value

Compare

Target PPI	Max size at this crop

Stress-test

Plan

Calculate a result to generate a copyable plan.

Two separate print questions

Print planning begins with two different questions. First, how many pixels will remain after the crop? Second, how do those pixels fit the physical paper shape? A file can have enough pixels for a large print at a chosen PPI while still needing a crop because its aspect ratio does not match the paper. It can also fit the paper with borders while preserving the entire image. Those are composition and presentation choices, not calculation errors.

Enter the image's pixel dimensions, then enter the crop you are willing to make. The planner calculates pixels per inch for the physical print size you choose. PPI is an arithmetic ratio between image pixels and print inches. It is not printer DPI, and it is not a quality guarantee. A photograph's apparent detail also depends on the subject, focus, movement, lens, processing, sharpening, paper, printer, and viewing distance.

For example, a 6000 by 4000 pixel image printed at 24 by 16 inches supplies 250 PPI when no crop is made. A 50% by 50% crop leaves 3000 by 2000 pixels, or 125 PPI at the same print size. The crop has not merely reduced one side of the image. It has reduced both dimensions, leaving one quarter of the pixel area. That may be acceptable for a particular output and viewing distance, but it is a reason to make a proof rather than assume.

The rectangle view shows whether the chosen paper shape requires trimming or borders. Choose crop when the picture can lose an edge without changing its intent. Choose borders when the whole frame matters. Then use the viewing-distance tool to make your viewing assumption explicit and the color-management resource to prepare the delivery file. A proof print remains the strongest check because the final surface and intended display context are part of the decision.

FAQ

Is PPI the same as printer DPI?: No. PPI describes image pixels per print inch. Printer DPI describes a device's dot placement and is not interchangeable with image resolution.
Is 300 PPI always required?: No. The useful PPI depends on the output process, viewing distance, image content, and required detail. This page shows arithmetic, not a universal rule.
Should I crop or add borders?: Crop when preserving the paper shape matters more than every image edge. Use borders when preserving the full frame matters more.