# Print size and DPI calculator

Check before you order a print: is this image sharp enough at that size, and how large can it go?

https://storecalc.com/en/dpi/

Sources checked: 2026-10-22

PNG, JPG and WebP are read locally in your browser. Images and file names are never uploaded to a server. The URL stores only numeric inputs and options.

This checks resolution only, not artwork content, transparent margins, color, thin lines or white ink. Dimensions refer to the entire canvas; artwork inside margins will print smaller.

## Read the result

StoreCalc groups supplier advice into these bands. They are not an industry standard or a quality guarantee. 200 PPI is an intermediate comparison only.

| Effective PPI | What to do |
| --- | --- |
| ≥ 300 | Meets a common 300 PPI target. Blur in the original, thin lines and small text still need review. |
| 150 ≤ PPI < 300 | Usable for some apparel. For detail, close viewing or a supplier requiring 300, print smaller or use a better original. |
| < 150 | Below the cited suppliers’ recommended minimum. Jagged edges or blur are possible; find the original or print smaller. |

## Common placement widths

These are common practices from public guides, not universal specifications. Adjust for kids’ and larger garment sizes, and check the supplier template, available height and seams. The hat range comes from a logo guide that includes embroidery; pixel counts do not replace embroidery digitizing. The tote range is for flat cotton bags.

| Placement | Width cm / in | Width pixels at 150 PPI | Width pixels at 300 PPI | Source / use width |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Left chest | 6.35–12.7 cm / 2.5–5 in | 375–750 | 750–1500 | [Printify](https://printify.com/blog/t-shirt-design-placement-guide/) |
| Full front | 25.4–30.48 cm / 10–12 in | 1500–1800 | 3000–3600 | [Printify](https://printify.com/blog/t-shirt-design-placement-guide/) |
| Full back | 25.4–35.56 cm / 10–14 in | 1500–2100 | 3000–4200 | [Printify](https://printify.com/blog/t-shirt-design-placement-guide/) |
| Short sleeve | 2.54–10.16 cm / 1–4 in | 150–600 | 300–1200 | [Printify](https://printify.com/blog/t-shirt-design-placement-guide/) |
| Below back collar | 2.54–7.62 cm / 1–3 in | 150–450 | 300–900 | [Printify](https://printify.com/blog/t-shirt-design-placement-guide/) |
| Hat front (structured cap) | 10.16–12.7 cm / 4–5 in | 600–750 | 1200–1500 | [Printful](https://www.printful.com/blog/hat-logo-size-and-placement-guide) |
| Flat cotton tote | 25.4–30.48 cm / 10–12 in | 1500–1800 | 3000–3600 | [Kapa99](https://kapa99.com/blog/tote-bag-and-canvas-bag-print-dimensions/) |

## Width reference table

Calculated width pixels, rounded up. Use the same formula for height. Inch values shown are approximate; calculations use unrounded values.

| Width cm | Width in | Pixels at 150 PPI | Pixels at 300 PPI |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 5 | 1.97 | 296 | 591 |
| 10 | 3.94 | 591 | 1182 |
| 15 | 5.91 | 886 | 1772 |
| 20 | 7.87 | 1182 | 2363 |
| 25 | 9.84 | 1477 | 2953 |
| 30 | 11.81 | 1772 | 3544 |
| 35 | 13.78 | 2067 | 4134 |

## Worked examples

Example inputs, not supplier specifications: 4500 × 5400 px at 30 cm wide gives 36 cm high and effective PPI = 4500 ÷ (30 ÷ 2.54) = 381. Maximum size at 300 PPI: 38.1 × 45.72 cm; at 200: 57.15 × 68.58 cm; at 150: 76.2 × 91.44 cm. Conversely, a 30 × 36 cm print needs 1772 × 2126 / 2363 × 2835 / 3544 × 4252 px at 150 / 200 / 300 PPI.

## How it works

1. 1 in = 2.54 cm exactly; inches = centimeters ÷ 2.54.
2. Pixels = inches × PPI; round each required pixel dimension up. Effective PPI = pixel width ÷ print width in inches.
3. Maximum width in inches = pixel width ÷ target PPI; the same applies to height. This is a pixel limit, not a product or machine size limit.
4. Image mode locks the aspect ratio, so PPI is equal on both axes. Print-size mode accepts independent width and height.
5. PPI counts image pixels per inch; DPI counts a printer’s ink dots per inch. Suppliers often call artwork resolution DPI; this tool calculates PPI. A file’s DPI metadata only suggests a default size. This tool does not read it or use it to determine printable size.

## Ask AI with your numbers

Check my print dimensions using StoreCalc https://storecalc.com/en/dpi/. Mode: I have an image; image: 4500 × 5400 px; target: 30 × 36 cm. Effective PPI 381; at 300 PPI it prints up to 38.1 × 45.72 cm. Explain effective PPI and check proportions, supplier print area and detail risks. Separate supplier requirements from common practice and cite sources. Do not treat a DPI tag change or AI upscaling as restoring real detail. State what information is missing.

## Frequently asked questions

### Will enlarging an image or setting 300 DPI make it sharp?

Not automatically. Changing the DPI tag adds no pixels. Resampling adds pixels but cannot restore missing original detail. AI may redraw text, lines or textures: compare with the original and order a sample.

### Do vector files need a PPI check?

True vector paths scale without a fixed pixel limit; embedded photos do not. If the supplier needs PNG, export at the final size and target PPI. Renaming a file SVG does not vectorize it. This tool reads raster dimensions only.

### Do DTF, DTG and sublimation need the same resolution?

No universal value applies. Printful recommends at least 150 for DTG and 300 for DTFlex; for sublimation, 150 for simple shapes and 300 for detail or text. Transfer Express accepts 150 for digital transfers and recommends 300 or more. Follow the product template; thin lines and white ink need separate checks.

### How large can a phone photo print?

Use the original pixel dimensions, not the phone screen size. For example, 4032 × 3024 px gives about 34.14 × 25.60 cm at 300 PPI, or 68.28 × 51.21 cm at 150 PPI. Blur, compression and cropping still matter; use the original file.

### What about transparent margins, cropping or embroidery?

Confirm the final canvas and artwork boundaries first. This tool does not trim transparent margins; after cropping, recalculate with the remaining pixels. Embroidery needs digitizing and stitch constraints, which PPI cannot assess.

### Are images uploaded?

No. The browser reads the file on your device to get pixel dimensions; manual entry is available if reading fails. Shared URLs contain numbers and options only, not images, file names or file contents.

## Version history

2026-10-22: First release with pixel/size conversion, local image reading, placement widths and reference tables.

Sources checked: 2026-10-22

- [Printify: T-shirt design placement guide](https://printify.com/blog/t-shirt-design-placement-guide/)
- [Printful: Hat logo size and placement guide](https://www.printful.com/blog/hat-logo-size-and-placement-guide)
- [Kapa99: Tote bag print areas](https://kapa99.com/blog/tote-bag-and-canvas-bag-print-dimensions/)
- [Printful: 150 vs 300 DPI](https://help.printful.com/hc/en-us/articles/50264138559377-Is-there-a-difference-in-quality-between-150-and-300-DPI)
- [Transfer Express: Art guidelines](https://blog.transferexpress.com/art-guidelines/)
- [NIST: Handbook 133 (2026), Appendix E](https://www.nist.gov/document/2026-hb-133-appendix-e)