CM to Pixels: DPI Reference Table & Conversion Formula
Converting cm to pixels requires one variable: DPI (dots per inch). The formula is simple, and the table below covers every common metric size at 72, 96, 150, and 300 DPI.
The Formula
pixels = cm × (DPI ÷ 2.54)
One inch equals 2.54 centimeters. DPI defines how many pixels fit in one inch. Divide the DPI by 2.54 to get pixels per centimeter, then multiply by the measurement.
Example: 10 cm at 300 DPI → 10 × (300 ÷ 2.54) = 10 × 118.11 = 1181 pixels.
Sanity check: 2.54 cm at any DPI equals exactly that DPI value in pixels. 2.54 × (300 ÷ 2.54) = 300. Correct.
For the reverse conversion, see pixels to inches. To understand the difference between DPI and PPI, see that guide.
CM to Pixels Conversion Table
Every value below is calculated with pixels = cm × (DPI ÷ 2.54), rounded to the nearest integer.
| cm | 72 DPI | 96 DPI | 150 DPI | 300 DPI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 28 px | 38 px | 59 px | 118 px |
| 2 | 57 px | 76 px | 118 px | 236 px |
| 3 | 85 px | 113 px | 177 px | 354 px |
| 3.5 | 99 px | 132 px | 207 px | 413 px |
| 4 | 113 px | 151 px | 236 px | 472 px |
| 5 | 142 px | 189 px | 295 px | 591 px |
| 7 | 198 px | 265 px | 413 px | 827 px |
| 10 | 283 px | 378 px | 591 px | 1181 px |
| 13 | 369 px | 491 px | 768 px | 1535 px |
| 15 | 425 px | 567 px | 886 px | 1772 px |
| 20 | 567 px | 756 px | 1181 px | 2362 px |
| 21 | 595 px | 794 px | 1240 px | 2480 px |
| 25 | 709 px | 945 px | 1476 px | 2953 px |
| 29.7 | 842 px | 1123 px | 1754 px | 3508 px |
| 30 | 850 px | 1134 px | 1772 px | 3543 px |
Paper Sizes: A4 and A5
If you work with ISO paper sizes, these are the pixel dimensions you need.
| Paper | Size (cm) | 72 DPI | 96 DPI | 150 DPI | 300 DPI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A4 | 21 × 29.7 | 595 × 842 px | 794 × 1123 px | 1240 × 1754 px | 2480 × 3508 px |
| A5 | 14.8 × 21 | 420 × 595 px | 559 × 794 px | 874 × 1240 px | 1748 × 2480 px |
For detailed A4 dimensions at every DPI, including comparisons with US Letter, see A4 size in pixels.
<p>Resize images to exact cm dimensions</p>
<p>Drop your image, enter your pixel target from the table above, and download — free, no upload required.</p>
Which DPI Should You Use?
DPI tells the output device how large each pixel should be. The same 1181-pixel-wide image prints at 10 cm when labeled 300 DPI, but at 41.7 cm when labeled 72 DPI. The pixel count is identical; only the physical size changes.
| DPI | 1 cm = | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 72 | 28 px | Web graphics, social media, email banners — the original Mac screen standard |
| 96 | 38 px | Windows web content and application interfaces — the Windows default |
| 150 | 59 px | Office prints, presentations, draft reviews — sharp enough at 1/4 the file size of 300 DPI |
| 300 | 118 px | Commercial printing — magazines, brochures, business cards, photo prints |
For a deeper explanation of resolution, see what is image resolution.
Common Use Cases for CM-to-Pixel Conversion
Printing in Metric Countries
Most of the world uses centimeters for physical measurements. When a print shop asks for a 21 × 29.7 cm document at 300 DPI, you deliver a 2480 × 3508 pixel image. European photo labs use metric print sizes (9 × 13 cm, 10 × 15 cm, 13 × 18 cm, 20 × 30 cm) — convert each using the formula above.
EU Document Standards
EU passport photos are 3.5 × 4.5 cm. At 300 DPI, that's 413 × 531 pixels. Visa applications, ID cards, and driving license photos across Europe all specify dimensions in centimeters. Getting the pixel count right avoids rejected submissions.
International Photo Sizes
North America uses inches (4×6, 5×7, 8×10), but most other countries use centimeters. A "10 × 15 cm" print is the metric equivalent of a 4×6 inch photo — 1181 × 1772 pixels at 300 DPI. Need inches to pixels instead? That guide covers North American sizes.
How to Resize to Exact CM Dimensions with Pixotter
- Calculate the pixel dimensions from the table above (or use the formula)
- Open Pixotter's resize tool
- Drop your image onto the tool
- Enter the target width and height in pixels
- Download the resized image
All processing happens in your browser — your images never leave your device. If the image also needs a specific DPI tag for print, use the metadata tool to set the metadata after resizing.
If your source image has fewer pixels than the target, you're upscaling — the result may appear soft. Start with the highest-resolution source available.
FAQ
How many pixels is 1 cm?
It depends on DPI. At 72 DPI: 28 pixels. At 96 DPI: 38 pixels. At 150 DPI: 59 pixels. At 300 DPI: 118 pixels. Use the formula pixels = cm × (DPI ÷ 2.54) for any DPI value.
How do I convert cm to pixels for printing?
Multiply the centimeter measurement by DPI ÷ 2.54. For professional print (300 DPI): multiply cm by 118.11. For example, a 10 × 15 cm photo at 300 DPI needs 1181 × 1772 pixels.
What DPI should I use for cm-to-pixel conversion?
Use 300 DPI for anything that will be professionally printed. Use 150 DPI for office prints and presentations. Use 72 or 96 DPI for screen-only images. The DPI determines the sharpness of the printed output — higher DPI means more pixels per centimeter, which means finer detail.
Is 1 cm always 38 pixels?
Only at 96 DPI (the Windows default). At 72 DPI, 1 cm is 28 pixels. At 300 DPI, 1 cm is 118 pixels. There is no universal fixed pixel count for a centimeter — it always depends on the DPI.
What is the pixel size of A4 paper in centimeters?
A4 is 21 × 29.7 cm. In pixels: 595 × 842 at 72 DPI, 794 × 1123 at 96 DPI, 1240 × 1754 at 150 DPI, and 2480 × 3508 at 300 DPI. See A4 size in pixels for the full reference.
