What resolution is common for output to a printer?

• A. 72 dpi
• B. 150 dpi
• C. 300 dpi
• D. 600 dpi

Answer: (C)

When you’re preparing a file for print, you want enough detail to look sharp at typical viewing distances, but not so much that the file becomes unwieldy. The standard target for most printer output is 300 dots per inch because printers create images by laying down thousands of tiny ink droplets per inch, and about 300 samples per inch gives smooth edges and accurate color transitions without producing unnecessarily huge files.

If you print at 300 dpi, standard photo sizes—like a common 4x6 print—will require a comfortably detailed pixel count (roughly in the thousands of pixels across each side), yielding a crisp result for everyday viewing. Drop the resolution too low, and edges become visibly blocky or soft, especially in areas with fine detail or text. Increase the resolution beyond what the viewing distance and the printer can practically resolve, and you mainly waste storage and processing time without real perceptible gains.

So 300 dpi is the practical balance widely used in professional printing, offering good sharpness and color reproduction while keeping file sizes and workflows efficient.