A PrintScale guide
300 DPI vs 600 DPI: which one do you need?
Doubling the density doubles each pixel edge and roughly quadruples the pixel count. The visible benefit depends on what you print.
By PrintScale · Updated
What actually changes
A 10 × 10 inch image is 3,000 × 3,000 pixels at 300 PPI and 6,000 × 6,000 at 600 PPI. That changes the total from 9 million to 36 million pixels. For the same channel count and bit depth, uncompressed raster data grows by the same factor; compressed download sizes also depend on the image.
The physical print does not become larger if its density changes with its pixel dimensions. Both files are still 10 × 10 inches. These figures refer to image PPI, even when a tool labels the setting DPI.
Let the image and printer decide
Fine raster linework can have different requirements from a photograph. For text or logos, retain vector artwork where your print workflow accepts it instead of turning it into pixels unnecessarily. For photos, judge the original focus and texture and ask the printer which density it can use effectively.
Upscaling to a larger pixel target may improve the appearance of an enlargement, but reconstructed detail needs inspection. Choosing 600 alone cannot fix motion blur, missing focus or JPEG artifacts.
300 and 600 PPI reference table
| Paper | Size, cm | 300 PPI, pixels | 600 PPI, pixels |
|---|---|---|---|
| A4 | 21.0 × 29.7 | 2,480 × 3,508 | 4,961 × 7,016 |
| A3 | 29.7 × 42.0 | 3,508 × 4,961 | 7,016 × 9,921 |
| A2 | 42.0 × 59.4 | 4,961 × 7,016 | 9,921 × 14,031 |
| A1 | 59.4 × 84.1 | 7,016 × 9,933 | 14,031 × 19,866 |
Each edge is calculated from centimetres and rounded independently, with no bleed. Rounding means doubling an already rounded edge can differ by one pixel. PrintScale currently accepts a print long edge up to 101 cm at 300 DPI or 50 cm at 600 DPI; A2 and A1 at 600 PPI are reference values outside that tool range.
Compare at the final scale
Request a proof or print a small crop at the final density on the intended paper. Compare fine edges and texture at the distance people will actually view the result. Retain the smaller file if the higher density brings no useful benefit.
Adobe's guidance on changing print dimensions and resolution explains the basic relationship. Calculate your own print dimensions before choosing an output setting.
If enlargement is needed, open PrintScale.