Pixel Density (PPI)
Pixel density is the number of pixels packed into each inch of a screen, measured in pixels per inch (PPI).
On this page 3 sections
How it works
A screen is a grid of tiny dots called pixels. Pixel density tells you how tightly that grid is packed. It comes from two things: the resolution, meaning how many pixels the screen has across and down, and the physical size of the screen. The same resolution spread over a small screen gives a higher density than on a large one.
What the numbers mean
- A higher PPI means smaller, closer dots, so fine text and thin lines look smoother.
- A lower PPI means larger dots, so edges can look slightly stepped when seen up close.
- What the eye can see also depends on viewing distance. A phone held close to the face needs a higher density than a monitor sitting further away.
What it does not promise
Pixel density describes sharpness only. It says nothing about colour accuracy, brightness, contrast or how fast the screen refreshes, so two screens with the same PPI can look very different. Beyond a certain point the human eye cannot separate individual pixels at normal viewing distance, so a still higher figure brings little visible change. It also says nothing about the quality of the panel itself or the software that draws the picture.