Knowing the right resolution for each print size helps your images turn out sharp, not blurry or pixelated. See the breakdown below for our recommended pixel dimensions by DPI tier.
| Print size | Good (150 DPI) | Better (200 DPI) | Best (300 DPI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4" x 6" | 600 x 900 px | 800 x 1200 px | 1200 x 1800 px |
| 5" x 7" | 750 x 1050 px | 1000 x 1400 px | 1500 x 2100 px |
| 8" x 10" | 1200 x 1500 px | 1600 x 2000 px | 2400 x 3000 px |
| 8.5" x 11" | 1275 x 1650 px | 1700 x 2200 px | 2550 x 3300 px |
| 11" x 14" | 1650 x 2100 px | 2200 x 2800 px | 3300 x 4200 px |
| 12" x 18" | 1800 x 2700 px | 2400 x 3600 px | 3600 x 5400 px |
| 16" x 20" | 2400 x 3000 px | 3200 x 4000 px | 4800 x 6000 px |
| 16" x 24" | 2400 x 3600 px | 3200 x 4800 px | 4800 x 7200 px |
| 20" x 30" | 3000 x 4500 px | 4000 x 6000 px | 6000 x 9000 px |
| 24" x 36" | 3600 x 5400 px | 4800 x 7200 px | 7200 x 10800 px |
Good — 150 DPI
Acceptable for prints viewed from a normal distance, such as larger wall art viewed across a room. Not ideal for close up items like business cards or brochures.
Better — 200 DPI
A solid result for most prints. Slight softness may be visible only on very close inspection.
Best — 300 DPI
Our standard print resolution. Files at this size will produce the sharpest, most detailed prints, especially up close.
We accept any file size — if your photo doesn't match a tier exactly, we'll print it as best we can. Larger prints from smaller files may appear softer.
Cropping affects resolution — cropping a photo reduces its pixel dimensions, so a heavily cropped image may fall into a lower tier than the original file.
Not sure of your photo's size? — on most phones and computers, you can check an image's pixel dimensions in its file info or properties.
Screen size isn't print size — a photo that looks great on screen may have fewer pixels than needed for a large print.
If you're unsure about your photo's resolution or want a second opinion before placing your order, our team is happy to help!
Give us a call at (502) 339-1999 or e-mail us at Louisvilleeast@theprintrefineryky.com