IMG · Images tools

DPI Checker

File format metadata

The DPI checker reads resolution metadata directly from the file headers. JPEGs store density in the JFIF header or EXIF resolution tags. PNGs use the pHYs chunk to define pixels per physical unit. WebP files only contain DPI data when EXIF resolution tags are explicitly embedded.

Pixel dimensions define the actual image data, while DPI is just a metadata tag for print density. The tool divides the raw pixel dimensions by the stored DPI to calculate the physical print size in inches and centimeters. A 2400 × 3000 pixel image with a 300 DPI tag will print cleanly at 8 × 10 inches.

Conflicting resolution tags

A single image can contain multiple resolution values that disagree with each other. This happens when different software writes JFIF and EXIF data at different stages of an edit. The tool surfaces the primary source used and flags any mismatched tags to explain why other applications might report a different DPI.

Unset DPI values

Many files omit physical resolution metadata entirely. Web exports, screenshots, and social media downloads usually have pixel dimensions but no DPI value. A “Not set” result is standard behavior for screen-bound graphics and only becomes an issue for print layouts.

Frequently Asked Questions

JPEG, PNG, and WebP. Drag and drop files, click to browse, or paste an image from the clipboard when the browser provides it as a supported file.

No.

Pixel dimensions are how many pixels the image contains, such as 2400 × 3000. DPI is a separate metadata value used for print sizing. Changing the DPI number does not add pixels or detail.

Many files store pixel data with no physical resolution metadata at all. Screenshots, web exports, and social media downloads often have dimensions but no DPI value.

For JPEG it reads the JFIF header first and can fall back to EXIF. For PNG it reads the pHYs chunk. For WebP, DPI is only available when EXIF resolution is embedded.

A file can carry more than one resolution source, for example JFIF and EXIF, and different apps prefer different ones. The source field shows which value this checker used.

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