Calculate pixels per inch (PPI) and pixel density for your monitor. Find the perfect balance between screen size, resolution, and image quality.
Enter your monitor size and resolution to calculate PPI (pixels per inch) and determine if your setup provides optimal image quality.
Solid gaming experience, minor aliasing
To achieve retina quality at 65cm, you need 224 PPI. Consider moving -33cm further back.
Your PPI is in the sweet spot for this use case and viewing distance
At 65cm viewing distance, you need 224 PPI for retina quality
Other monitor configurations that might work better for your use case
| PPI Range | Quality | Gaming | Productivity | Design |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| <80 PPI | Poor | ❌ Not recommended | ❌ Not suitable | ❌ Insufficient |
| 80-90 PPI | Below Average | ⚠️ Visible pixels | ⚠️ Basic use only | ❌ Not suitable |
| 90-100 PPI | Acceptable | ✓ Usable | ✓ Acceptable | ⚠️ Minimum |
| 100-120 PPI | Good | ✓✓ Good quality | ✓✓ Comfortable | ✓ Usable |
| 120-140 PPI | Excellent | ✓✓✓ Excellent | ✓✓✓ Very sharp | ✓✓ Good |
| 140-160 PPI | Premium | ✓✓✓ Top tier | ✓✓✓ Crisp text | ✓✓✓ Professional |
| >160 PPI | Ultra Premium | ⚠️ Scaling needed | ⚠️ Small text | ✓✓✓ Studio quality |
Common monitor configurations and their pixel density
What pixel density means for your gaming experience
PPI (Pixels Per Inch) measures pixel density - how many pixels fit in one inch of screen space. Higher PPI means sharper image quality because pixels are smaller and packed more tightly together.
Higher PPI requires more pixels to render, impacting gaming performance. You need to balance image quality with frame rates based on your GPU capabilities.
The relationship between PPI and viewing distance determines whether you can see individual pixels. Closer viewing requires higher PPI for the same perceived sharpness.
The ideal PPI depends on your priorities: competitive gamers may accept lower PPI for performance, while content creators need higher PPI for detail work.
Common questions about monitor PPI and pixel density
Expert advice for choosing the right pixel density
Don't buy a high PPI monitor your GPU can't handle. Mid-range GPU? Stick to 100-110 PPI. High-end GPU? 130-140 PPI is fine. Match resolution to your hardware.
Measure your typical viewing distance before choosing PPI. Sit closer? Need higher PPI. Sit further back? Can accept lower PPI and save money or gain performance.
Beyond your retina threshold, extra PPI is wasted. 27" 4K costs more than 27" 1440p but many users can't tell the difference in games. Spend savings on refresh rate instead.
For competitive gaming, 144Hz at 100 PPI beats 60Hz at 140 PPI. Smooth motion matters more than extra sharpness. Choose 1440p 165Hz over 4K 60Hz for fast games.
Visit a store to see different PPI levels in person. What's acceptable varies by individual. Some people fine with 85 PPI, others need 120+ PPI to be comfortable.
Buy monitor you'll keep 3-5 years. GPUs improve over time. Slightly higher PPI than you need now gives room for future GPU upgrades without monitor feeling outdated.
Calculate PPI and optimize your display for the best gaming experience