Print Quality Checker
Upload an image (or enter its pixel dimensions), choose a target print size and viewing distance, and get a practical answer to: will this image likely print well at this size?
Enter valid positive numbers for the image and target print size.
Frequently asked questions
What does effective PPI mean?
When an image is printed at a certain physical size, its pixels are spread across that size. Effective PPI is the limiting value — the lower of the pixels-per-inch across the width and down the height. If either axis falls below the quality threshold, the whole print is affected, which is why this checker reports the lower value.
Why does viewing distance matter?
A print viewed from several feet away can get away with far fewer pixels per inch than one studied up close, because the human eye cannot resolve the same fine detail at distance. The checker uses a conservative model: as viewing distance doubles, the resolution needed for a given quality level halves.
My image will be cropped — is that a problem?
Not necessarily. If the image and print size have different aspect ratios, some part of the image may need to be cropped to fit without stretching. The checker tells you when that applies so you can plan your framing in advance.
What the verdict means
Excellent
Close-view photo print quality.
Very Good
Sharp at normal viewing distances.
Good
Fine for most prints and posters.
Fair
Best viewed from a distance.
Low
Visible softness; print smaller or farther away.
More tolerant
Thresholds relax as distance grows.