About the Image DPI Checker
"Is this image 300 DPI?" is the question every self-publisher asks about covers and interior photos, and it is usually the wrong one. The DPI number stored in a file is a label. What decides print quality is how many pixels you have and how large you print them.
This checker reads both. It shows the pixel dimensions, the DPI recorded in the file's JFIF, EXIF or PNG metadata (or tells you none is embedded), the aspect ratio, the format and the file size. It then calculates the largest size the image can print at 300 DPI, and the size it would appear at in layout software that uses the embedded DPI.
Enter an optional print width or height to see the effective DPI at that size, with a pass, check or fail result. For a strict check against a cover or page size, use the Image Resolution Checker.
How It Works
The file is read locally. Pixel dimensions come from your browser's image decoder; DPI comes from the file's metadata, if present.
Max print size at 300 DPI is pixels ÷ 300 for each side. Effective DPI at your print size is pixels ÷ inches, using the lower of width and height when both are entered.
Effective DPI of 300 or more passes. Within 80% of that is marked Check, and below that fails.
Formula
- Max print size
- Inches = Pixels ÷ 300
- Effective DPI
- DPI = Pixels ÷ Print size in inches
Example
A 3000 × 4500px photo tagged at 72 DPI
- At 300 DPI it prints sharply up to 10" × 15".
- At its embedded 72 DPI, layout software may place it at 41.67" × 62.5".
- It has 13.5 megapixels and a 2:3 aspect ratio.
The 72 DPI tag is irrelevant: this image has enough pixels for a sharp 10" × 15" print, more than enough for a 6" × 9" cover front.
Important Notes
- Many images have no DPI tag at all. That is normal and does not affect quality.
- Changing the DPI tag in an editor without resampling does not add detail.
- Upscaling a small image adds pixels but not real detail; it may pass the numbers and still look soft.
- Supported formats depend on your browser. JPEG, PNG, GIF, WebP and BMP work in all modern browsers.
Frequently Asked Questions
My image says 72 DPI. Is it too low for print?
Not necessarily. Divide the pixel width by 300 to see how wide it can print sharply. A 3000px wide image prints at 10" wide at 300 DPI, whatever its tag says.
Why does my image show no DPI?
The file simply has no resolution metadata. Screenshots and images exported for the web often omit it. Print quality depends on the pixels, so this is not a problem.
What is effective DPI?
The number of image pixels that land on each inch of paper at your chosen print size. It is the figure printers and KDP actually care about.
Should I set my cover to 300 DPI in my design app?
Set the document to the cover's size in inches at 300 DPI so it has enough pixels. The [KDP Cover Size Calculator](/tools/kdp-cover-size-calculator) gives you that pixel size.
Is my image uploaded?
No. The file is read inside your browser and never leaves your device.
Related KDP Tools
- Image Resolution CheckerCheck an image against required pixel dimensions or a print size at a target DPI.
- A+ Content Size CheckerCheck an image against A+ Content module dimensions, ratio and file limits.
- KDP Cover Size CalculatorGet full-wrap cover dimensions with a live back, spine and front diagram.
- KDP Bleed CalculatorCalculate interior page size with bleed for full-page images and backgrounds.
- KDP Spine Width CalculatorCalculate paperback spine width from page count and paper type.
- KDP Trim Size CalculatorCompare KDP trim sizes, convert units and see regular vs large trim pricing.
Related Guides
- How to Calculate KDP Cover DimensionsLearn the KDP paperback cover formula with bleed and spine, follow a worked 6x9 example in inches, mm and pixels, and avoid the most common cover size mistakes.
- KDP Bleed ExplainedWhat bleed is, KDP's 0.125" (3.2 mm) bleed requirement, how to size interior pages and covers with bleed, safe margins, and when your book needs bleed at all.