Pixel to Inch Converter (PX to IN) - Calculate Physical Screen Size
Need to know how many inches your pixel dimensions represent? This tool gives you instant answers.
Here’s the deal:
When preparing designs for print, creating physical mockups, or understanding how digital content translates to real-world size, you need accurate pixel-to-inch conversions. The magic number is PPI (Pixels Per Inch).
How to Use This Pixel to Inch Converter
Using this tool is simple:
- Select your PPI value - Standard web resolution is 96 PPI
- Enter pixels - Your digital measurement
- Get inches - See the physical size instantly
- Reverse convert - Enter inches to get pixels back, or use our Inches to Pixels converter
Understanding the PX to IN Conversion
You might be wondering:
How does pixel count translate to physical inches?
This is crucial:
The relationship depends entirely on PPI (Pixels Per Inch). Different devices and contexts use different PPI values:
| Context | PPI | 100px equals |
|---|---|---|
| Web Standard | 96 | 1.04 inches |
| Mac Legacy | 72 | 1.39 inches |
| Retina Display | 192 | 0.52 inches |
| Print Quality | 300 | 0.33 inches |
The Conversion Formula
The math is straightforward:
inches = pixels ÷ PPI
For example, with standard 96 PPI:
- 96px = 1 inch
- 480px = 5 inches
- 960px = 10 inches
- 1920px = 20 inches
Want to know the best part?
This tool handles all calculations instantly, including high precision for small values.
Common Pixels to Inches Conversions (96 PPI)
Here’s a quick reference table:
| Pixels | Inches |
|---|---|
| 24px | 0.25in |
| 48px | 0.5in |
| 72px | 0.75in |
| 96px | 1in |
| 144px | 1.5in |
| 192px | 2in |
| 288px | 3in |
| 480px | 5in |
| 768px | 8in |
| 960px | 10in |
| 1152px | 12in |
| 1920px | 20in |
When Do You Need Pixel to Inch Conversion?
Here are real-world scenarios where this matters:
| Scenario | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Print Design | Ensure digital designs print at correct size |
| Physical Prototypes | Build accurate paper/cardboard mockups |
| Screen Specifications | Calculate physical display dimensions |
| Ad Banners | Meet physical size requirements |
| Signage Design | Translate screen design to real-world scale |
Screen Size Calculations
It gets better:
Use this converter to understand your display’s physical dimensions:
| Resolution | At 96 PPI | At 144 PPI |
|---|---|---|
| 1920×1080 | 20×11.25” | 13.3×7.5” |
| 2560×1440 | 26.67×15” | 17.8×10” |
| 3840×2160 | 40×22.5” | 26.67×15” |
Print Design Considerations
Here’s the bottom line:
When designing for print, remember these key points:
- Web graphics (96 PPI) look pixelated when printed
- Print requires 300 DPI for sharp output
- A 960px wide image is only 3.2 inches at print quality
- Always design larger than your target print size
Responsive Design and Physical Sizes
But here’s the kicker:
CSS pixels aren’t always physical pixels. On a 2x Retina display:
- 100 CSS pixels = 200 device pixels
- Physical size remains the same
- Images need @2x resolution for sharpness
Bulk Conversion
Converting a large list of pixel values? Use the Bulk Conversion panel.
- Paste CSS/text that includes px values (e.g.
320px). - Choose the PPI that matches your target.
- Copy the output with all px values converted to inches.
Bulk conversion replaces px values only (px -> in) and uses the PPI you select.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 96 PPI the standard?
Microsoft established 96 PPI as Windows’ default, assuming typical viewing distance from monitors. This became the web standard through CSS specifications, where 1 CSS inch equals exactly 96 pixels.
How do I calculate my monitor’s actual PPI?
Use this formula: PPI = √(width² + height²) / diagonal. For a 27” 2560×1440 monitor: √(2560² + 1440²) / 27 ≈ 109 PPI.
When should I use inches instead of pixels?
Use inches for:
- Print stylesheets
- Physical product displays
- Signage and banner specifications
- Any output meant for physical measurement
For responsive web layouts, consider using rem units instead. See our PX to REM converter .
How accurate is this conversion for printing?
Very accurate when you know your printer’s DPI. Most professional printers use 300 DPI, so divide pixels by 300 for print inches.
Why do my designs look smaller when printed?
Print uses 300 DPI while screens use 96 PPI. A 960px design is 10” on screen but only 3.2” printed. Always check physical dimensions before printing.