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PPI Calculator and PPI to PPCM Converter

Calculate pixels per inch, convert PPI to PPCM or PPCM to PPI, compare display sharpness, and estimate print size from image pixels.

PPI to PPCM quick answer

PPCM = PPI ÷ 2.54. For example, 300 PPI equals 118.11 PPCM. To convert PPCM back to PPI, multiply by 2.54.

300 PPI = 118.11 PPCM
PPIPPCMCommon use
7228.35Legacy screen reference
9637.80Common desktop CSS reference
15059.06Draft print work
300118.11High-quality print target
600236.22Detailed print and scanning

Display or image to compare

Result Value 1 Value 2

What is PPI?

PPI stands for Pixels Per Inch, a measure of pixel density used to describe the resolution of a display or printer. It indicates how many pixels fit into one linear inch of the display. Higher PPI values generally mean sharper and more detailed images.

Formula for PPI

The formula to calculate PPI is:

\[ \text{PPI} = \frac{\sqrt{\text{width}^2 + \text{height}^2}}{\text{diagonal}} \]

Where:

  • \(\text{width}\) is the width of the display in pixels.
  • \(\text{height}\) is the height of the display in pixels.
  • \(\text{diagonal}\) is the diagonal size of the display in inches.

What is PPCM?

PPCM stands for Pixels Per Centimeter, another measure of pixel density similar to PPI but based on centimeters instead of inches. PPCM is commonly used in regions that primarily use the metric system.

Formula for PPCM

The formula to calculate PPCM is:

\[ \text{PPCM} = \frac{\sqrt{\text{width}^2 + \text{height}^2}}{\text{diagonal\_cm}} \]

Where:

  • \(\text{width}\) is the width of the display in pixels.
  • \(\text{height}\) is the height of the display in pixels.
  • \(\text{diagonal\_cm}\) is the diagonal size of the display in centimeters.

Why are PPI and PPCM important?

PPI and PPCM are crucial for determining the sharpness and clarity of a display. Higher values generally mean sharper images and finer details. This is particularly important for professionals in fields like photography, graphic design, and video production who require high-resolution displays for their work.

Examples

Example 1: Calculating PPI

Consider a display with a width of 1920 pixels, a height of 1080 pixels, and a diagonal size of 24 inches.

Using the PPI formula:

\[ \text{PPI} = \frac{\sqrt{1920^2 + 1080^2}}{24} \approx 91.79 \]

This display has a PPI of approximately 91.79 pixels per inch.

Example 2: Calculating PPCM

For a display with a width of 1920 pixels, a height of 1080 pixels, and a diagonal size of 61 cm:

Using the PPCM formula:

\[ \text{PPCM} = \frac{\sqrt{1920^2 + 1080^2}}{61} \approx 36.11 \]

This display has a PPCM of approximately 36.11 pixels per centimeter.

Example 3: Comparing Two Displays

Compare a 2560×1440 display with a diagonal of 15.6 inches (PPI) and a 2560×1440 display with a diagonal of 39.6 cm (PPCM).

Using the PPI formula:

\[ \text{PPI} = \frac{\sqrt{2560^2 + 1440^2}}{15.6} \approx 188.28 \]

Using the PPCM formula:

\[ \text{PPCM} = \frac{\sqrt{2560^2 + 1440^2}}{39.6} \approx 74.17 \]

The first display has a PPI of approximately 188.28 pixels per inch, and the second display has a PPCM of approximately 74.17 pixels per centimeter.

PPI vs. PPCM

Both PPI and PPCM serve the same purpose but use different units of measurement. PPI is more common in countries that use the imperial system, such as the United States, while PPCM is more prevalent in countries that use the metric system.

To convert PPI to PPCM, you can use the following relationship:

\[ \text{PPCM} = \text{PPI} \times 0.393701 \]

To convert PPCM to PPI, use:

\[ \text{PPI} = \text{PPCM} \times 2.54 \]

Understanding PPI²

PPI² represents the square of the PPI value. While not commonly used, it can be useful in certain calculations involving area density. The formula for PPI² is:

\[ \text{PPI}^2 = \left(\frac{\sqrt{\text{width}^2 + \text{height}^2}}{\text{diagonal}}\right)^2 \]

This value can give insights into the overall pixel density squared, which might be relevant in specific technical applications.

Dot Pitch

Dot pitch is the distance between corresponding points (such as dots or pixels) on a display. It is typically measured in millimeters (mm). The formula to calculate dot pitch is:

\[ \text{Dot Pitch (mm)} = \frac{25.4}{\text{PPI}} \]

A smaller dot pitch indicates higher resolution and sharper images.

Aspect Ratio

The aspect ratio of a display is the proportional relationship between its width and height. Common aspect ratios include 4:3, 16:9, and 16:10.

The aspect ratio can be calculated as:

\[ \text{Aspect Ratio} = \frac{\text{width}}{\text{height}} \]

The calculator provides both the common aspect ratio and the actual aspect ratio for comparison.

Final notes

Understanding PPI and PPCM is essential for evaluating the quality and suitability of displays for various applications. By using the PPI Calculator, you can easily determine the pixel density of your displays and make informed decisions based on the results.

Popular PPI and PPCM conversions

Use this page for the searches that matter most: PPI calculator, PPI to PPCM, PPCM to PPI, and pixel density comparison.

  • PPCM = PPI / 2.54.
  • 300 PPI = 118.11 PPCM.
  • 96 PPI = 37.80 PPCM.

How to calculate PPI

PPI is based on the diagonal pixel count divided by the diagonal size in inches. It is useful for phones, monitors, tablets, screenshots, and print planning.

  • Diagonal pixels = sqrt(width pixels squared + height pixels squared).
  • PPI = diagonal pixels / diagonal inches.
  • Print size in inches = image pixels / target PPI.

PPI vs PPCM vs DPI

PPI and PPCM describe pixel density in different length units. DPI is often used for printers, so it is related but not always the same measurement.

  • Use PPI for pixels per inch.
  • Use PPCM for pixels per centimeter.
  • Use DPI carefully when talking about physical printer dots.

PPI Calculator FAQ

How do I calculate PPI?

Square the pixel width and pixel height, add them together, take the square root, then divide by the screen diagonal in inches.

How do I convert PPI to PPCM?

Divide PPI by 2.54. For example, 300 PPI is about 118.11 PPCM.

How do I convert PPCM to PPI?

Multiply PPCM by 2.54. For example, 100 PPCM is 254 PPI.

Is PPI the same as DPI?

No. PPI describes pixels per inch in a digital image or display. DPI usually describes printer dots per inch.

Can I use this calculator for print size?

Yes. Divide image width and height in pixels by the target PPI to estimate print dimensions in inches.