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The resource for this post has an exceptional explanation on pixels, resolution, dpi, ppi and printing. I like to think I know a lot about the digital imaging field, but a seasoned pro like me found this page to be most enlightening. I'll share with you what I learned about printing here, but when you can I'd highly recommend reading the entire tutorial on fotofinish.com.

First, obtain your printers line per inch (lpi) resolution. Then, "multiply the LPI by about 1.5 to obtain the ideal pixels/dots per inch (ppi/dpi) figure for your image." (The term pixels per inch (ppi) and dots per inch (dpi) are interchangeable; Use whichever term you prefer.)

Now an average printer will print at 150 lpi (I'd suggest purchasing a better printer but we are just using this number for this argument). Multiply 150 dpi x 1.5 and equal 225 dpi. With this example, you would print your picture at/around 225 dots per inch.

You may have to resize in your image editing software to get your desired results, depending on your image and it's native resolution, but with this formula - you can receive optimum results for your own printer.

Labels: photography