About the Image Resolution Checker
Low-resolution images are one of the most common reasons KDP flags a cover or interior. The fix is easy if you catch it early: either find a larger original or print the image smaller. This checker tells you which, before you build a layout around the wrong file.
Choose how to define the requirement. Use Print size + DPI for covers and interior images: enter the printed width and height in inches and a target DPI (300 by default), and the tool works out the pixels you need. Use Minimum pixels when a platform gives you a pixel size directly.
Then select an image. The checker compares it with the requirement, shows how much of the needed width and height it covers, its effective DPI at your print size, and whether its shape matches. A small shortfall in print mode is marked Check, because it may still look acceptable; a hard pixel minimum fails on any shortfall.
How It Works
Required pixels = print size in inches × target DPI, rounded up so you never fall a pixel short.
The image passes when both its width and height meet the requirement. In print mode, an image that reaches at least 80% of the requirement is marked Check rather than Fail.
If the image's aspect ratio differs from the requirement by more than 2%, you get a warning that part of it will be cropped or will not cover the area.
Formula
- Required pixels
- Pixels = Inches × Target DPI (rounded up)
- Effective DPI
- DPI = Image pixels ÷ Print size in inches
- Coverage
- Coverage = Image pixels ÷ Required pixels × 100%
Example
A front cover image for a 6" × 9" book at 300 DPI
- Required: 6" × 300 = 1,800px wide and 9" × 300 = 2,700px tall.
- Your image is 1500 × 2250px: 83.3% of the needed width and height.
- Printed at 6" × 9" it would be about 250 DPI.
Result: Check. The image is a little small; find a larger original or accept slightly softer print quality.
Important Notes
- 300 DPI is KDP's standard for print images. Lower values may be flagged during review.
- The 80% warning band is this site's guideline, not an Amazon rule.
- For a full wrap cover, use the total pixel size from the KDP Cover Size Calculator in Minimum pixels mode.
- Your image is processed in the browser and never uploaded.
Frequently Asked Questions
What resolution does a KDP cover need?
300 DPI at the full cover size including spine and bleed. A 6" × 9" paperback with 300 white pages needs about 3,878 × 2,775 pixels.
Can I just upscale a small image?
You can, and it will pass the pixel count, but upscaling cannot add real detail. Use the original artwork or a professional upscaler, and check the result at 100% zoom.
Why does a large image get a warning?
Its shape differs from the required area, so it will be cropped or leave a gap. Crop it to the right aspect ratio yourself so you decide what is cut.
What is the difference between this and the Image DPI Checker?
The [Image DPI Checker](/tools/image-dpi-checker) describes an image: its pixels, metadata and maximum print size. This tool tests an image against a specific requirement and gives a pass, check or fail.
Does it work with photos from my phone?
Yes. Phone photos are usually large enough for print. The checker uses the image as your browser displays it, including rotation from the camera.
Related KDP Tools
- Image DPI CheckerRead pixel size, DPI metadata, print size and file details from an image.
- KDP Cover Size CalculatorGet full-wrap cover dimensions with a live back, spine and front diagram.
- A+ Content Size CheckerCheck an image against A+ Content module dimensions, ratio and file limits.
- 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.
- KDP Margin CalculatorFind minimum gutter and outside margins for your page count and bleed setting.