Convert inches to pixels at 72, 96, 150, or 300 DPI.
Reference table (at 96 DPI)
| Inches | Pixels (96 DPI) | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| 1" | 96 px | Base web inch |
| 2" | 192 px | Small photo |
| 4" | 384 px | Thumbnail / icon set |
| 8.5" | 816 px | US Letter width |
| 11" | 1056 px | US Letter height |
| 17" | 1632 px | Typical desktop screen |
| 24" | 2304 px | Large monitor width |
How DPI works
Why 96 DPI is the web default
On the web, 1 CSS inch is defined as exactly 96 pixels. This is a fixed, unit-less convention in the CSS specification — it has nothing to do with the physical pixel density of a monitor. Browsers translate `1in` in CSS to 96 px regardless of screen size.
Example: an 8.5" wide US Letter document maps to 816 px in a CSS layout (8.5 × 96 = 816 px).
Why print uses 300 DPI (and 72 DPI is legacy)
Print DPI measures dots of ink per inch on paper. 300 DPI is the industry benchmark for magazine-quality print — images look sharp at arm's length. Below 150 DPI, pixels become visible on paper.
72 DPI comes from early Macintosh screens in the 1980s, when 1 physical pixel matched 1 typographic point. It survives in legacy graphics software (old Photoshop defaults) but no longer reflects modern hardware. For web export use 96 DPI; for print deliverables use 300 DPI.
Frequently asked questions
How many pixels is 1 inch?
At the web standard of 96 DPI, 1 inch equals 96 pixels. At 72 DPI (legacy screen) it's 72 px. At 300 DPI (print quality) it's 300 px. The formula is always pixels = inches × DPI.
What DPI should I use for web images?
Use 96 DPI for CSS-based layouts and HTML mockups. For exporting images (PNG, JPG, WebP), the DPI metadata is mostly cosmetic — what matters is the pixel dimensions. A 1200×800 px image displays the same regardless of its embedded DPI value.
What DPI should I use for print?
300 DPI is the standard for high-quality print (brochures, magazines, photo books). 150 DPI works for draft prints or large banners viewed from a distance. 600 DPI is used for fine art reproduction and detailed technical diagrams.
How do I convert pixels back to inches?
Divide pixels by DPI: inches = pixels ÷ DPI. Example: 1920 px ÷ 96 DPI = 20 inches of CSS width; 1920 px ÷ 300 DPI = 6.4 inches when printed at 300 DPI. Use the "px → inches" tab above for instant calculation.
What is the difference between DPI and PPI?
PPI (pixels per inch) describes digital screens and image files — how many pixels fit in one inch of display. DPI (dots per inch) describes printers — how many ink dots they place per inch. In everyday software (Photoshop, Figma, export dialogs) the two terms are used interchangeably, and the math for conversion is identical.
Does DPI affect CSS pixel units?
No. CSS pixels are a logical unit fixed at 96 px per CSS inch, independent of the screen's physical DPI. A device pixel ratio (DPR) of 2 on a Retina display means 1 CSS pixel equals 2 physical pixels, but the CSS inch still equals 96 CSS pixels — the browser handles the scaling automatically.
Convert inches to pixels using the exact formula pixels = inches x DPI. The default DPI is 96, the CSS web standard, where 1 inch equals 96 px. Pick 72 DPI for legacy screen work, 150 DPI for draft prints, 300 DPI for magazine-quality print, or type any custom value. Examples: 1 inch at 96 DPI = 96 px, 8.5 inches (US Letter width) at 96 DPI = 816 px, 4 inches at 300 DPI = 1200 px for a print-ready image. The tool also shows the equivalent in centimeters and millimeters, offers a reverse px to inch mode, and lets you copy the result with one tap. Use it for CSS layouts, Figma frames, print export checks, and photo sizing.