Inches to Pixels Converter - Calculate Screen Resolution Accurately

Need to convert physical inches to screen pixels? This tool makes it effortless.

Here’s the deal:

When working with print designs for web, calculating screen dimensions, or setting up responsive layouts, you need accurate inch-to-pixel conversions. The key factor is PPI (Pixels Per Inch).

How to Use This Inches to Pixels Converter

Using this tool is straightforward:

1. Select your PPI value - Standard web resolution is 96 PPI
2. Enter inches - The physical measurement you want to convert
3. Get pixels - See the exact pixel value instantly
4. Reverse convert - Enter pixels to get inches back

Understanding PPI - The Key to Accurate Conversion

You might be wondering:

What exactly is PPI and why does it matter?

This is crucial:

PPI (Pixels Per Inch) defines how many pixels fit in one inch of screen space. Different contexts use different PPI values:

The Conversion Formula

The math behind inches to pixels is simple:

pixels = inches × PPI

For example, with standard 96 PPI:

• 1 inch = 96 pixels
• 0.5 inches = 48 pixels
• 2 inches = 192 pixels
• 10 inches = 960 pixels

Want to know the best part?

This tool handles all calculations instantly, including decimal precision.

Common Inches to Pixels Conversions (96 PPI)

Here’s a quick reference table:

When Do You Need Inches to Pixels Conversion?

Here are real-world scenarios where this conversion matters:

PPI vs DPI - What’s the Difference?

It gets better:

These terms are often confused but serve different purposes:

• PPI (Pixels Per Inch) - Used for screens and digital displays
• DPI (Dots Per Inch) - Used for printers and physical output

For web and screen design, PPI is what matters. The standard 96 PPI comes from Windows’ original definition of a “logical inch.”

CSS and Physical Units

Here’s the bottom line:

CSS supports physical units like in (inches), but they’re rarely pixel-perfect:

/* 1 inch in CSS = 96px by spec */
.element {
  width: 1in;  /* Equals 96px */
  height: 2.5in;  /* Equals 240px */
}

But here’s the kicker:

Browsers use 96 PPI regardless of actual screen density. A “CSS inch” isn’t always a physical inch on screen.

High-DPI and Retina Displays

Modern displays complicate things:

When designing for high-DPI, multiply your pixel values by the device pixel ratio for sharp graphics.

Bulk Conversion

Converting a lot of inches at once? Use the Bulk Conversion panel.

1. Paste CSS/text that includes inch values (e.g. 2in).
2. Choose the PPI that matches your target.
3. Copy the output with all inch values converted to px.

Bulk conversion replaces inch values only (in -> px) and uses the PPI you select.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is 96 PPI the web standard?

Microsoft defined 96 PPI as the default for Windows, assuming users sit about 28 inches from their monitors. This became the web standard through CSS specifications.

How do I measure my screen’s actual PPI?

Use this formula: PPI = √(width² + height²) / diagonal. For a 24” 1920×1080 display: √(1920² + 1080²) / 24 ≈ 92 PPI.

Should I use inches in CSS?

Generally no. Pixels, rem, and viewport units offer better control for responsive design. For rem conversions, check out our PX to REM converter . Only use inches when you specifically need physical measurements, like print stylesheets.

How do I convert pixels back to inches?

Simply divide: inches = pixels / PPI. With 96 PPI, 480 pixels = 5 inches. Or use our Pixels to Inches converter for instant calculations.

Why do my prints look different than on screen?

Printers use 300 DPI for quality output. A 96-pixel image printed at 300 DPI is only 0.32 inches wide. Always design print graphics at higher resolution.

What PPI should I use for app design?

Use the target platform’s standard:

• iOS: Design at 1x (72 PPI base), export at 2x and 3x
• Android: Use density-independent pixels (dp), base 160 PPI
• Web: Design at 96 PPI, provide @2x assets for retina