1. Enter a value
Type a number in the input field. You can use a period or comma as the decimal separator.
Convert cm to px – print dimensions at any DPI
Pixels = cm × DPI / 2.54. Set your DPI (72, 96, 150, 300) and get the exact pixel count for any centimeter dimension instantly.
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When do you need to convert cm to pixels?
In print design, dimensions are specified in centimeters or inches, but digital images are measured in pixels. The conversion depends on the DPI (dots per inch) resolution: pixels = cm × DPI / 2.54.
Standard print resolution is 300 DPI: 10 cm = 1,181 pixels, 21 cm (A4 width) = 2,480 pixels. Web resolution is typically 72 DPI: 10 cm = 283 pixels.
This converter is essential for preparing images for print, setting up document templates, and calculating the required image resolution for a specific print size.
All calculations run locally in your browser — nothing is sent to any server.
How to use the converter?
2. Read the result
The conversion result appears instantly in the field next to it – no clicking required.3. Copy or reverse
Click Copy result or use the Reverse button to convert in the opposite direction.
When is this converter useful?
Print preparation for brochures and posters
Professional print requires 300 DPI. An A4 brochure (21 × 29.7 cm) at 300 DPI needs a 2,480 × 3,508px canvas. An A3 poster (29.7 × 42 cm) requires 3,508 × 4,961px. Getting this wrong and delivering a 72 DPI file results in a blurry, unprintable product — this converter confirms the correct canvas size before you start designing.Web banner and display advertising
Web banners are often specified in centimeters by clients but must be delivered in pixels. A standard leaderboard banner at 72.8 × 9 cm at 96 DPI screen resolution equals 756 × 94px. For retina-ready banners, double the DPI to 192 DPI so the banner stays sharp on high-DPI displays.CSS @media print stylesheets
CSS @media print allows using cm units directly — width: 21cm renders correctly when printed. However, when preparing background images or raster graphics for print stylesheets, you still need to convert cm to px at the appropriate DPI to supply a high-resolution image that prints sharply.Photo books and large format printing
Photo book printing services like Shutterfly and Blurb specify page dimensions in centimeters and require images at 300 DPI. A 20 × 20 cm square page requires a 2,362 × 2,362px image. For large-format prints (banners, canvas), 150 DPI is usually sufficient — a 60 × 90 cm banner at 150 DPI = 3,543 × 5,315px.
What makes this converter different?
Complete privacy
All calculations run locally in your browser. No data is sent to any server.Real-time results
The result updates instantly as you type – no need to click any button.Bidirectional conversion
The Reverse button lets you convert in both directions with one click.Reference table
A ready-made table with commonly converted values and contextual descriptions.
How does cm to pixel conversion work?
The formula is: pixels = cm × DPI / 2.54. DPI means dots per inch, and 1 inch = 2.54 cm.
At 300 DPI: 1 cm = 118.11 pixels. At 72 DPI: 1 cm = 28.35 pixels.
Higher DPI = more pixels per centimeter = sharper print. 300 DPI is the standard for professional print quality.
Practical tips
- 300 DPI (print quality): A4 = 2,480 × 3,508 px, A3 = 3,508 × 4,961 px.
- 150 DPI (large format): A2 poster = 2,480 × 3,508 px.
- 72 DPI (screen): 10 cm = 283 px, 20 cm = 567 px.
- 12 MP camera (4,000 × 3,000 px) prints up to 33.9 × 25.4 cm at 300 DPI.
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Common DPI resolutions
| Feature | 300 DPI (print) | 72 DPI (screen) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 cm | 1,181 px | 283 px |
| A4 width (21 cm) | 2,480 px | 595 px |
| A4 height (29.7 cm) | 3,508 px | 842 px |
| Use case | Professional print | Web graphics |
| Quality | Sharp at any size | Screen-only |
300 DPI (print)
- 10 cm
1,181 px - A4 width (21 cm)
2,480 px - A4 height (29.7 cm)
3,508 px - Use case
Professional print - Quality
Sharp at any size
72 DPI (screen)
- 10 cm
283 px - A4 width (21 cm)
595 px - A4 height (29.7 cm)
842 px - Use case
Web graphics - Quality
Screen-only
Convert other units to Pixels
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Frequently asked questions
How many pixels is 1 cm at 300 DPI?
1 cm at 300 DPI = 118.11 pixels. The formula is: pixels = cm × DPI / 2.54. So 1 cm × 300 / 2.54 = 118.11px. At 96 DPI (screen): 1 cm = 37.8px. At 72 DPI (screen legacy): 1 cm = 28.35px.
What DPI should I use for different print types?
300 DPI: standard for professional print — brochures, business cards, photo prints, magazines. 150 DPI: acceptable for large-format printing — posters, banners, canvas prints viewed from a distance. 72–96 DPI: screen only — web graphics, digital presentations, on-screen PDFs.
How big can I print a 12 megapixel photo?
A 12 MP camera produces roughly 4,000 × 3,000 pixels. At 300 DPI: 4000/300 × 2.54 = 33.9 × 25.4 cm (about 13×10 inches). At 150 DPI: 67.7 × 50.8 cm. Beyond these sizes, visible pixelation may appear at normal viewing distance.
What resolution is A4 at 300 DPI?
A4 paper (21 × 29.7 cm) at 300 DPI = 2,480 × 3,508 pixels. This is the standard canvas size requested by most commercial print shops for full-bleed A4 documents. Add 3mm bleed on each side: 21.6 × 30.3 cm = 2,551 × 3,579px.
What is 96 DPI and why is it the screen standard?
96 DPI became the Windows screen standard because it gives a comfortable text size on early monitors. CSS defines 1 inch = 96 CSS pixels, so 1 cm = 96/2.54 = 37.795 CSS pixels. This is independent of the physical screen DPI, which on modern Retina displays can be 200+ PPI.
How do I set document size correctly in Photoshop for print?
In Photoshop: File > New > choose Centimeters as the unit, enter your dimensions (e.g. 21 × 29.7 cm), set resolution to 300 pixels/inch. The pixel dimensions update automatically. For bleed, add 3mm to each side: enter 21.6 × 30.3 cm instead.
Does CSS use cm as a valid unit?
Yes. CSS accepts cm as a unit — width: 10cm is valid. The browser converts it using the standard: 1cm = 37.795px at 96 DPI. This is only useful for print stylesheets (@media print) because screen pixels do not correspond to physical centimeters on screen.
Are calculations done locally?
Yes. All calculations run in your browser. No data is sent to any server.
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