PJHTech ImagesImage pixels and resolution, explained
Pixel dimensions describe the width and height of a raster image. Print density describes how tightly those pixels are placed on paper. They answer different questions.
One image, different print sizes
| Pixel dimensions | Placement | Pixel density |
|---|---|---|
| 2400 × 1600 | 8 × 5.33 inches | 300 PPI |
| 2400 × 1600 | 12 × 8 inches | 200 PPI |
| 2400 × 1600 | 16 × 10.67 inches | 150 PPI |
The pixel count stays the same in all three examples. Only the print size changes. Heights in the table are rounded.
On a screen
Check both the source image and its displayed size. A large source can be shown small, and a small source can be stretched. The PPI field in the file is not a reliable shortcut for choosing a web image size.
Related guides
- PPI and DPI are not the same thing
- How to calculate an image's print size
- File size and image dimensions
Sources
- Adobe: Set image size and resolution
- MDN: Responsive images