PPI Calculator - Display Pixel Density

Calculate PPI (pixels per inch) for any display. Compare pixel density across different screen sizes and resolutions to find the perfect monitor for your needs.

PPI Calculator

Width (pixels)

Height (pixels)

Screen Size (inches)

Understanding Pixel Density (PPI)

PPI (Pixels Per Inch) measures how many pixels are packed into each inch of your display. Higher PPI means sharper text, crisper images, and more detail. It's calculated using the resolution and physical screen size.

PPI Categories:

Low (72-100 PPI): Large displays, noticeable pixels
Standard (100-150 PPI): Typical desktop monitors
High (150-200 PPI): Sharp displays, good for professionals
Retina (200+ PPI): Apple's standard, very sharp
Ultra-High (300+ PPI): Mobile devices, extremely sharp

Why PPI Matters:

• Determines text clarity and readability
• Affects image sharpness and detail
• Important for professional design work
• Influences viewing distance comfort
• Impacts productivity and eye strain

PPI Ranges and Use Cases

Low PPI (72-100) - Large Displays

Common in: Large TVs used as monitors, budget large monitors

Visible pixels when sitting close
Suitable for media consumption from distance
Gaming can be acceptable with proper distance
Not recommended for text work or productivity

Standard PPI (100-150) - Desktop Monitors

Common in: Most desktop monitors, budget 4K displays

Acceptable for general computing tasks
Good for gaming and entertainment
Text is readable but not razor-sharp
Standard for office and home use

High PPI (150-200) - Professional Displays

Common in: Professional monitors, high-end desktop displays

Sharp text and crisp images
Excellent for design and creative work
Comfortable for extended use
Good balance of sharpness and performance

Retina PPI (200-300) - Premium Displays

Common in: Apple displays, premium laptops, high-end monitors

Extremely sharp text and images
Pixels invisible at normal viewing distance
Ideal for professional photo/video work
Requires scaling on smaller screens

Ultra-High PPI (300+) - Mobile Grade

Common in: Smartphones, tablets, VR headsets

Exceptional sharpness and clarity
Perfect for close viewing distances
Overkill for typical desktop use
Requires significant GPU power

Popular Monitor PPI Comparisons

Monitor Size	Resolution	PPI	Category	Best For
24" 1080p	1920×1080	92 PPI	Standard	Budget gaming, general use
27" 1080p	1920×1080	81 PPI	Low	Gaming (sit back), media
27" 1440p	2560×1440	109 PPI	Standard	Gaming, productivity
27" 4K	3840×2160	163 PPI	High	Professional work, design
32" 1440p	2560×1440	92 PPI	Standard	Gaming, large workspace
32" 4K	3840×2160	137 PPI	Standard	Content creation, productivity
34" Ultrawide	3440×1440	109 PPI	Standard	Immersive gaming, productivity
49" Super Ultrawide	5120×1440	108 PPI	Standard	Multi-monitor replacement
27" 5K (Apple)	5120×2880	218 PPI	Retina	Professional creative work

PPI and Optimal Viewing Distance

The ideal viewing distance depends on PPI. Higher pixel density allows you to sit closer while maintaining sharp image quality.

Recommended Viewing Distances:

80-100 PPI: 24-30 inches (arm's length+)
100-130 PPI: 20-26 inches (standard desk)
130-160 PPI: 18-24 inches (close desk work)
160+ PPI: 16-22 inches (close detail work)

Signs You Need Higher PPI:

• Text appears jagged or pixelated
• Icons look blurry or unclear
• Need to sit far back to avoid pixels
• Eye strain from trying to read small text
• Photos lack sharpness and detail

PPI Performance Considerations

Higher PPI Challenges:

• Requires more GPU power to drive
• Text/UI may be too small without scaling
• Some software doesn't scale properly
• Higher cost for same screen size
• Diminishing returns beyond optimal viewing

Sweet Spot Recommendations:

• Gaming: 100-140 PPI for performance balance
• Office Work: 110-150 PPI for readability
• Design/Photo: 150-220 PPI for accuracy
• Programming: 120-160 PPI for code clarity
• General Use: 90-130 PPI for value

PPI Selection Pro Tips

• Size First: Choose screen size based on desk space, then optimize resolution
• Use Case: Higher PPI benefits text work more than gaming or media
• Viewing Distance: Measure your typical sitting distance before deciding
• Scaling: Windows/macOS scaling may be needed above 150 PPI
• GPU Power: Higher resolution requires more graphics performance