Print size · US

12×12 in print size

Exactly how many pixels a 12×12 in print needs — and how much your camera's frame gets cropped.

13.0 MP
Needed at 300 DPI
5.8 MP
Needed at 200 DPI
30.5×30.5 cm
Size in cm
1.00:1
Aspect ratio
25 in
Typical viewing distance

Pixels needed for a 12×12 in print#

At normal viewing distance (≈1.5× the diagonal, 0.6 m) about 200 DPI is indistinguishable from 300 DPI for most viewers.

ResolutionQualityPixel dimensionsMegapixels
360 DPIExceptional (close inspection)4,320 × 4,320 px18.7 MP
300 DPIPhoto-lab standard3,600 × 3,600 px13.0 MP
240 DPIFine-art inkjet2,880 × 2,880 px8.3 MP
200 DPILarge wall print2,400 × 2,400 px5.8 MP
150 DPIPoster, viewed from 1 m+1,800 × 1,800 px3.2 MP
100 DPIBillboard / banner1,200 × 1,200 px1.4 MP

Cropping from your camera#

Camera aspect ratioWhat happensImage kept
3:2 (full frame, APS-C)Crop the long side67%
4:3 (MFT, phones)Crop the long side75%
16:9Crop the long side56%
1:1No crop needed100%
Maximum print size—
In centimetres—
Megapixels · aspect ratio—

Will my camera be enough?#

A 24 MP camera (6000 × 4000 px) prints 500 DPI on the long side at 12×12 in — more than enough. A 12 MP phone (4032 × 3024) gives 336 DPI. See the 12 megapixel guide.

Scrapbook / album size.

Other print sizes#

Wallet (2.5×3.5 in)3.5×5 in4×6 in5×5 in5×7 in6×8 in8×8 in8×10 in8.5×11 in (US Letter)8×12 in10×10 in11×14 in11×17 in (Tabloid)12×16 in12×18 in13×19 in (Super B / A3+)16×20 in16×24 in18×24 in20×24 in20×30 in24×30 in24×36 in30×40 in40×60 inA6 (105×148 mm)A5 (148×210 mm)A4 (210×297 mm)A3 (297×420 mm)A3+ (329×483 mm)A2 (420×594 mm)A1 (594×841 mm)A0 (841×1189 mm)10×15 cm13×18 cm20×30 cm30×40 cm30×45 cm40×60 cm50×70 cm60×90 cm

Frequently asked questions#

How many megapixels do I need for a 12×12 in print?

13.0 MP for 300 DPI photo-lab quality, 5.8 MP at 200 DPI, and 3.2 MP at 150 DPI.

What resolution is 12×12 in at 300 DPI?

3,600 × 3,600 pixels.

Last updated October 03, 2026 · How we calculate · Sources