Megapixel calculator
Megapixels from a resolution, or the resolution for a target megapixel count and aspect ratio, with an estimated RAW file size.
Megapixels
Megapixels
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- Total pixels
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- Aspect ratio
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- Estimated uncompressed RAW size
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Find the resolution for a target megapixel count
- Width
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- Height
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- Max print at 300 DPI
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Common camera resolutions
| Camera type | Resolution | Megapixels |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 15 Pro (main) | 8,064 × 6,048 | 48 MP |
| Sony A7 IV | 7,008 × 4,672 | 33 MP |
| Canon R6 II | 6,000 × 4,000 | 24 MP |
| Nikon Z8 | 8,256 × 5,504 | 45 MP |
| Phase One IQ4 | 14,204 × 10,652 | 151 MP |
How it works
A camera's megapixel count is the total number of pixels on the sensor expressed in millions, calculated by multiplying pixel width by pixel height. It directly sets the maximum print size and how much room you have to crop.
- Enter a resolution
Type width and height, or pick a preset.
- Read the megapixels
Total pixels divided by one million.
- Or work backward
Enter a target megapixel count and aspect ratio to get the pixel dimensions.
Megapixels and print size
Megapixels = width (px) × height (px) ÷ 1,000,000
A camera producing 6,000 by 4,000-pixel images has 6,000 times 4,000, which is 24,000,000 total pixels, or 24 megapixels. For web, social media and prints up to 8 by 10 inches, 12 MP is more than enough. General commercial work such as weddings and events is well served by 24 MP. Studio, fashion and product photography often uses 45 to 60 MP for large prints and heavy cropping.
At 300 DPI and a 3:2 aspect ratio: 12 MP prints up to about 14.1 by 9.4 inches, 24 MP up to 20.0 by 13.3 inches, 45 MP up to 27.4 by 18.3 inches, and 60 MP up to 31.6 by 21.1 inches. Lower the print resolution to 150 to 200 DPI, typical for a poster viewed from a distance, and the same file prints noticeably larger.
More megapixels is not always better
On the same physical sensor size, more megapixels means smaller individual pixels, which collect less light and generally add noise at high ISO. A 12MP full-frame sensor typically outperforms a 12MP APS-C sensor in low light. Sensor size, dynamic range and lens quality usually matter more than raw megapixel count.
Frequently asked questions
How many megapixels do I need for professional photography?
For web, social media, and prints up to 8x10 inches, 12 MP is more than sufficient. General commercial work including weddings and events is well served by 24 MP. Studio, fashion, and product photography often uses 45 to 60 MP for large print output and heavy cropping. Medium-format systems like the Phase One IQ4 at 151 MP serve specialized markets requiring massive prints or extreme detail extraction.
Does more megapixels always mean better image quality?
No. More megapixels on the same physical sensor size means smaller individual pixels, which collect less light per pixel and generally produce more noise at high ISO. A 12 MP full-frame sensor typically outperforms a 12 MP APS-C sensor in low-light quality. For most photography, sensor size, dynamic range, and lens quality matter more than raw megapixel count.
How do I find the megapixel count from pixel dimensions?
Multiply width pixels by height pixels and divide by 1,000,000. A camera producing 6000x4000 pixel images has 6000 times 4000 equals 24,000,000 total pixels, which is 24 megapixels. You can also reverse this: enter a target megapixel count and aspect ratio into the calculator to find the pixel dimensions that produce that resolution.
How does smartphone megapixel count compare to DSLR quality?
Modern flagship smartphones advertise 48 to 200 MP sensors but with pixels as small as 0.6 micrometers versus 4 to 8 micrometers on APS-C cameras. Smartphone sensors use pixel binning, combining 4 or 16 pixels, to improve low-light performance, effectively producing 12 to 50 MP output. In good light smartphones match or approach APS-C quality; in low light and for large prints, dedicated cameras retain a significant advantage.
What is the maximum print size from a 24 megapixel camera at 300 DPI?
At 300 DPI, a 6000x4000 pixel image (24 MP) gives a maximum print of 20 by 13.3 inches (50.8 by 33.9 cm). This covers standard A2 poster size with room to spare. At 240 DPI the same image prints to 25 by 16.7 inches, and at 150 DPI it can fill a 40 by 26.7-inch print that still looks sharp from a viewing distance of about one meter.