Many printers let you choose between 300 DPI and 600 DPI. But is there a real-world difference? Let’s compare.
Quick takeaway
- 300 DPI: Standard, looks sharp for most photo prints.
- 600 DPI: Only noticeable on small, close-viewed prints with very fine detail.
- Posters: No visible gain beyond 300 DPI due to viewing distance.
File size impact
Doubling DPI doesn’t just double the pixels—it quadruples them. That means larger files, more storage, and longer processing.
| Print size | 300 DPI (pixels) | 600 DPI (pixels) |
|---|---|---|
| 4×6 in | 1200×1800 | 2400×3600 |
| 8×10 in | 2400×3000 | 4800×6000 |
| A4 | 2480×3508 | 4960×7016 |
Practical advice
- For most photo prints: stick with 300 DPI.
- For fine art books or archival work: consider 600 DPI.
- For posters: use the calculator to size at 150–300 DPI instead.
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