Best image sizes for selling prints online
The pixel dimensions and DPI you actually need for each print size, in metric and imperial. Plus what to do when the file is smaller than the print you want to sell.
Print size depends on viewing distance more than absolute DPI. A billboard works at 30 DPI because nobody puts their nose against it. A coffee-table print needs 300 DPI because someone will. Set the file dimensions to the use, not to a one-size-fits-all rule.
The rule of thumb
- Up to A4: 300 DPI is overkill but safe. 240 DPI is fine.
- A3 to A2: 240 DPI looks excellent. 200 DPI is acceptable.
- A1 to A0: 180 DPI is the floor for arm's-length viewing.
- Wall-distance large format: 100 to 150 DPI is fine.
- Billboards and similar at 5+ metres viewing distance: 50 to 80 DPI is plenty.
Common sizes in pixels
- A6 (105 x 148 mm) at 300 DPI: 1,240 x 1,748 px.
- A5 (148 x 210 mm) at 300 DPI: 1,748 x 2,480 px.
- A4 (210 x 297 mm) at 300 DPI: 2,480 x 3,508 px.
- A3 (297 x 420 mm) at 300 DPI: 3,508 x 4,961 px.
- A2 (420 x 594 mm) at 240 DPI: 3,968 x 5,614 px.
- A1 (594 x 841 mm) at 200 DPI: 4,677 x 6,622 px.
- A0 (841 x 1189 mm) at 180 DPI: 5,956 x 8,425 px.
US sizes for cross-border buyers
- 8x10 inch at 300 DPI: 2,400 x 3,000 px.
- 11x14 inch at 300 DPI: 3,300 x 4,200 px.
- 16x20 inch at 240 DPI: 3,840 x 4,800 px.
- 20x30 inch at 200 DPI: 4,000 x 6,000 px.
- 24x36 inch at 180 DPI: 4,320 x 6,480 px.
What to do when the source is smaller
AI upscalers (Topaz Gigapixel, ON1 Resize, Lightroom Super Resolution) can take a small file to 4x or even 8x with surprisingly clean results, as long as the original is sharp and not over-edited. Do not use generative AI upscalers that invent new subjects; that crosses the AI image policy line.
If the file is too small to print at the customer's requested size, cap the listed size at the largest size you can do well. Do not upscale beyond what you would hang on your own wall.
File format for delivery to a printer
- TIFF or PSD with embedded ICC profile (Adobe RGB or sRGB depending on the printer's spec).
- JPEG quality 11 to 12 is fine for most labs. Use TIFF for fine art papers and acrylic mounts.
- Flatten layers. Embed colour profile. Set DPI in the file metadata to match the print size.
Border and bleed
Most labs need a 3 mm bleed for prints that go to the edge. If your composition has important content near the edge, add a white border in the file rather than relying on the lab not to crop too aggressively.
Try the calculator
Use the print size calculator in the tools section to convert a file size into the maximum print it supports at your chosen DPI.