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DPI / Resolution Calculator

Calculate the scanning resolution needed for your target print size, or find the maximum print size from your scan resolution.

Calculate resolution

Choose your calculation mode

300 PPI = excellent quality, 240 = very good, 180 = good for large prints

Required scan resolution

2540 DPI

For a 12×8" print at 300 PPI

Output dimensions

3600 × 2400 px

8.6 megapixels

Estimated file size

24.7 MB

8-bit TIFF (49.4 MB at 16-bit)

Understanding DPI vs PPI

DPI (dots per inch) refers to scanner input resolution — how many samples the scanner takes per inch of film.

PPI (pixels per inch) refers to print output resolution — how many pixels per inch appear in the final print.

The formula to calculate required scan DPI is:

DPI = (Print size × Target PPI) ÷ Film size × 25.4

For example, to make an 8×12" print at 300 PPI from 35mm film (36mm wide):

DPI = (12" × 300) ÷ 36mm × 25.4 = 2540 DPI

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