MetraNestPixels and centimetres measure different things
Pixel dimensions describe the digital image. Centimetres describe the print. Resolution, expressed in pixels per inch, connects the two. For the same file, a larger print spreads the pixels over a wider area.
Choose a comparison resolution
The right resolution depends on the printing process, material and viewing distance. Use your printer’s recommendations as a reference. A value entered here is a size scenario, not a guarantee of sharpness: a blurred or heavily compressed photo keeps its limitations.
Check the proportions
A 3,000 × 2,000 pixel file has a 3:2 aspect ratio. A different print format requires a choice: fill the paper by cropping part of the image, or keep all the pixels with borders. The calculation estimates the cropped area; it does not decide where to position the subject within the crop.
Resolution on one axis = pixels × 2.54 ÷ printed dimension in cm. To fill the paper, use the lower of the two resolutions; to keep the whole image, use the higher. Size at a reference resolution = pixels used ÷ resolution × 2.54.
A 3,000 × 2,000 pixel file
A 30 × 20 cm print keeps its proportions and gives 254 pixels per inch. At a chosen reference of 300 pixels per inch, the same pixels correspond to approximately 25.4 × 16.93 cm. Enlarging the print does not create extra detail.
Details to check
- Use the final file dimensions after cropping.
- Ask your print provider for the required size and resolution.
- Use the picture mount calculator to plan the framing.
Frequently asked questions
Does changing the resolution add detail?
No. The calculation changes the size associated with the existing pixels. It does not create image information.
Do DPI and pixels per inch mean the same thing?
Pixels per inch describe the image. Dots per inch describe the dots produced by a device. The terms are often confused, but this tool works with image pixels.
Method and references · Editorial review: 25 October 2026
The geometric formulas are explained here. For a product, its packaging dimensions and coverage rate remain the reference inputs.