DPI / PPI Calculator
Calculate pixel density for screens and displays.
Understanding Pixel Density
Pixel density, measured in PPI (Pixels Per Inch), determines how sharp a display looks. The higher the PPI, the harder it is for the human eye to distinguish individual pixels, resulting in smoother text and images.
PPI vs. DPI
- PPI (Pixels Per Inch): Used for digital displays (monitors, phones, tablets). It counts the number of pixels in a linear inch.
- DPI (Dots Per Inch): Used for printing. It counts the number of ink dots a printer can place in a linear inch.
While technically different, the terms are often used interchangeably in casual conversation about screen sharpness.
How to Use This Tool
- Enter Resolution: Input the width and height of the screen in pixels (e.g., 1920 x 1080).
- Enter Size: Input the diagonal screen size in inches (e.g., 15.6).
- Calculate: Click the button to instantly see the PPI value.
Common PPI Values
- Standard Monitor (24" 1080p): ~92 PPI
- Laptop (13" 1080p): ~166 PPI
- Retina Display (MacBook Pro): ~220-254 PPI
- Modern Smartphone: 400+ PPI
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is PPI?
PPI stands for Pixels Per Inch. It measures the pixel density of an electronic image device, like a computer monitor or smartphone screen.
What is DPI?
DPI stands for Dots Per Inch. It is used in printing to describe the number of ink dots placed in a line within the span of 1 inch.
How is PPI calculated?
PPI is calculated using the Pythagorean theorem to find the diagonal resolution in pixels, then dividing by the diagonal screen size in inches.
Why does PPI matter?
Higher PPI means sharper images and text. 'Retina' displays, for example, have high PPI values so individual pixels are not visible to the naked eye.
Is this tool free?
Yes, the DPI Calculator is completely free to use.