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Printing & PPI Flow Chart

Use the flow chart below to determine if you have enough pixels to print a photograph at a certain size.

Before you sue the chart, you need to know the pixel dimensions of your photograph.

Pixel Dimensions

In Photoshop Elements, the pixel dimensions are located below the photograph to the left.

In the example below, the pixel dimensions are 3008 x 2000.

If inches are given instead of pixels, do the following.

1) Go to Edit > Preferences > Units & Rulers.

2) Change inches to pixels in the Rulers box.

Do You Have Enough Pixels?

Do the following.

1) Look for the pixel dimensions of your photograph in the second column below.

2) Look for the desired print size in the Print Size column.

3) Look for the resolution needed, for that print size, in the PPI Needed column.

If your print size is different than those below, estimate the ppi needed from the figures shown in the chart.

Example

The figures for the example are highlighted with blue in the chart below.

Let's say your camera has 6 megapixels.

The pixel dimensions for your photograph are 3008 x 2000.

You want to make a 16" x 24" print.

Scan across the 6 megapixels row.

A 16" x 24" print needs a resolution of 80 ppi.

The actual resolution of your file is 125 ppi, so you can make a quality print.

Printing & PPI Flow Chart

Megapixels	Pixel Dimensions	JPEG Quality	Print Size	PPI Needed	Actual PPI	Print Quality
2	1600 x 1200	Highest	4" x 6"	313	267	Fair
			8" x 12"	156	133	Fair
			16" x 24"	80	67	Fair
3	2048 x 1536	Highest	4" x 6"	313	341	Excellent
			8" x 12"	156	171	Excellent
			16" x 24"	80	85	Good
4	2272 x 1704	Highest	4" x 6"	313	379	Excellent
			8" x 12"	156	189	Excellent
			16" x 24"	80	95	Good
5	2592 x 1944	Highest	4" x 6"	313	432	Excellent
			8" x 12"	156	216	Excellent
			16" x 24"	80	108	Excellent
6	3008 x 2000	Highest	4" x 6"	313	501	Excellent
			8" x 12"	156	251	Excellent
			16" x 24"	80	125	Excellent
7	3072 x 2304	Highest	4" x 6"	313	512	Excellent
			8" x 12"	156	256	Excellent
			16" x 24"	80	128	Excellent
8	3264 x 2448	Highest	4" x 6"	313	544	Excellent
			8" x 12"	156	272	Excellent
			16" x 24"	80	136	Excellent
10	3888 x 2592	Highest	4" x 6"	313	648	Excellent
			8" x 12"	156	324	Excellent
			16" x 24"	80	162	Excellent

Print Viewing Distance

The above resolutions (ppi) are based on the following print viewing distances, in a normally lighted interior.

Viewing Distance Chart

Print Size	Diagonal	Viewing Distance (1.5 x Diagonal)	PPI Needed
4 x 6"	7.21"	11"	313
8 x 10"	12.81"	19"	181
8 x 12"	14.42"	22"	156
11 x 14"	17.80"	27"	156
16 x 20"	25.61"	38" (3.17')	89
16 x 24"	28.84"	43"	80
20 x 30"	36.06"	54" (4.5')	64
40 x 60"	72.11"	108" (9')	32

If the print will viewed at a closer distance, or will be displayed under optimum conditions, use a higher resolution.

For more about resolution, go to Which Resolution? and Pixels, PPI, & Print Size Calculators