Unlike a physical length, a pixel has no fixed size — its real-world dimension depends entirely on the display or print resolution.
How it works
Dividing pixels by the resolution (dots per inch) gives inches; multiplying inches by DPI gives pixels back. The default 96 DPI is the standard web reference-pixel density.
What this does not include
This does not include automatic detection of your specific screen’s actual DPI — that varies by device, so the DPI field is adjustable for known values like 300 for print.
How to use this calculator
- Enter pixels or inches, and set the resolution (DPI) if it’s not the 96 default.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the same pixel count give different inch measurements on different devices?
Because screens pack different numbers of physical pixels into an inch — a “retina” display has a much higher DPI than a standard monitor, so the same pixel count is physically smaller on it.
Why is 96 DPI the default?
It’s the CSS “reference pixel” standard most web browsers and operating systems use as their baseline, per the W3C CSS specification.
What DPI should I use for print?
Common print resolutions are 300 DPI for standard printing, sometimes higher for fine detail — check your printer or publication’s requirements.
