Hi! Do you wonder how much ppi your monitor needs to make your images shine? Recently I bought a new monitor myself, so I’m happy to help you!
But before we dive into the deep end, let’s go over the basics first. Ppi, or ‘pixels per inch’, determines how sharp the image on your monitor is. The higher the ppi, the better the quality.
It’s like peanut butter – the more peanuts in it, the tastier it is! In this article I’m going to tell you everything you need to know about how ppi affects your image quality and how to choose the right value for your monitor. So sit back and let the magic of pixels enchant you!
Key points summarized:
- Ppi, or “pixels per inch,” is critical to the image quality of your monitor – the higher the ppi, the sharper and clearer the image.
- The ppi of a monitor can be easily calculated with the resolution and size of the screen. However, a higher ppi can lead to text and icons that are too small.
- The optimal ppi depends on your personal preference and needs, and there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution.
What is ppi and why is it important for your monitor?
Ppi stands for ‘pixels per inch’ and has everything to do with the quality of the image on your monitor. Basically, the higher the ppi, the sharper and brighter the image. That sounds good, but why is ppi so important?
Imagine taking a picture of a beautiful sunset and showing it to your friends on a monitor. With a high ppi you can see every detail: the orange glow of the sun, the shadows of the clouds, the glitter of the water. With a low ppi, on the other hand, you end up with a grainy, blurry image. That’s not ideal, right?
That’s why the right ppi is crucial for an optimal viewing experience. Whether you’re a graphic designer who needs pixel-perfect designs or a gamer who doesn’t want to miss a single detail, the ppi of your monitor matters.
For more information on monitors, check out our guide to the best monitors.
The effect of ppi on screen size
And do you have the relationship between ppi and the screen size. A high ppi on a small screen gives a super sharp image, but when that same number of pixels is spread over a larger screen (as with a good 27 inch monitor), the image looks grainy and out of focus.
How do you calculate the ppi of a monitor?
So, how do you calculate the ppi of a monitor? Don’t worry, you don’t have to be an Einstein to do this. All you need is the resolution and screen size of your monitor.
The resolution is the number of pixels that are horizontally and vertically on your screen. The screen size is the diagonal measurement of your screen, usually measured in inches.
The formula for calculating ppi
Calculating your monitor’s ppi seems complicated, but it’s pretty simple with this formula:
√ (width²+length²) / diagonal
The width and length is the resolution of your monitor in pixels and the screen size is the screen diagonal in inches.
Example: Suppose you have a 24 inch monitor with a resolution of 1920 × 1080 pixels. The formula then looks like this: √ (1920²+1080²) / 24 = 91.78779875. For convenience, you may round the result up. So, the ppi of the monitor in this example is 92 ppi.
Different types of monitor resolutions and their ppi
There are monitors in all shapes and sizes – and resolutions! From HD to QHD to 4K, the choices are endless.
For example, an HD monitor has about 96 ppi with a screen size of 24 inches. A QHD monitor at the same size quickly has a ppi of 122. And a 4K monitor? With 163 ppi, it really pops!
Ppi in HD-monitoren
If you have an HD monitor, you’re probably sitting around 96 ppi. For people who use the computer only for office work or study.
Make sure that your ppi is not too high, because a ppi above 140 reduces the text and icons in such a way that they are no longer clearly visible. And then you have to sit with your nose on the screen.
Ppi in QHD-monitoren
With QHD monitors, the optimal ppi is around 122. This gives a clear and sharp image, without text and icons becoming too small. For example, these monitors are well suited for gamers.
If you’re looking for an even sharper image, choose a higher ppi. But remember, the higher the ppi, the harder your eyes have to work. And you want to avoid computer eyes.
Ppi in 4K monitors
A 4K monitor is quickly around 163 ppi. This number of pixels is suitable for graphic designers who zoom in to the smallest detail for precise image processing. With a high number of ppi, you can make the right adjustments down to the pixel.
Considerations when choosing the right ppi for your monitor
Choosing the right ppi is like finding the perfect pair of jeans. It all depends on your personal preference and needs.
Do you mainly use the monitor for office work? Then a lower ppi is fine. But if you do graphic work, or you want the best monitor for photo editing, a higher ppi is probably better.
Also consider the viewing distance. If you’re close to your screen, a higher ppi can be nice. But if you’re further away, a lower ppi may be better.
And remember: there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to ppi. It’s a matter of trying and seeing what works best for you. Just like with those jeans. 😉
Frequently asked questions about monitor ppi
Let’s take a look at the frequently asked questions one by one.
Is a higher ppi always better?
A higher ppi results in more pixels on the screen and a sharper image, but if the ppi is too high, text and icons become so small that they are barely legible.
In addition, applications can also have problems with high ppi values and look strange. So, while a higher ppi produces a sharper image, it’s not always the best choice.
How does ppi change the way I use my monitor?
Simply put, a higher ppi improves your viewing experience by delivering a sharper image. Whether you’re watching a movie, editing a photo, or reading text, everything looks better with a higher ppi.
On the other hand, a lower ppi can lead to a less sharp image. It’s like looking through a pair of blurry glasses. So, if you notice that your eyes are tired from staring at your screen, or if the text is blurry, your ppi may be too low.
What is the difference between ppi and dpi in monitors?
Dpi, or dots per inch, is often confused with ppi. But they are not the same. Ppi refers to the number of pixels on a screen, while dpi refers to the number of ink particles on a printed surface.
Especially in the world of printing and scanning, the two are easily confused, but remember: when it comes to monitors, ppi is the right term!
Conclusion
Voila! There you have it – your journey through the world of ppi is over. I hope you now have a better idea of how ppi affects your monitor’s image quality and how to choose the perfect ppi for your needs. Remember, it’s not about having the highest ppi, it’s about finding the ppi that works best for you.
So try different ppi values, and find the golden mean between image quality and readability.