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For high-quality printing at 300 pixels per inch (PPI), set an 8.5 × 11-inch page to 2550 × 3300 pixels in portrait orientation, or 3300 × 2550 pixels in landscape. The exact pixel dimensions depend on the PPI you choose or your printer requires.
Pixel dimensions for 8.5 × 11 inches
Calculate each dimension by multiplying the physical measurement in inches by the target PPI:
Width in pixels = 8.5 × PPI
Height in pixels = 11 × PPI
| Target resolution | Portrait | Landscape | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300 PPI | 2550 × 3300 px | 3300 × 2550 px | Default for high-quality small-format printing |
| 220 PPI | 1870 × 2420 px | 2420 × 1870 px | Usually sufficient for high-quality inkjet photo prints |
| 150 PPI | 1275 × 1650 px | 1650 × 1275 px | Lower-detail prints or documents viewed farther away |
Adobe identifies 300 PPI as the standard target for high-quality prints and recommends it unless the printer or print shop specifies another value. Adobe also says at least 220 PPI is usually sufficient for high-quality inkjet photo printing. The appropriate setting can vary with the printer, subject matter and viewing distance.
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How to set the page in Photoshop
- Open the image or create a document in Photoshop.
- Choose Image > Image Size.
- Set Width to 8.5 inches and Height to 11 inches. Swap those values for landscape orientation.
- Set Resolution to 300 Pixels/Inch, or enter the value required by your printer.
- Choose how Photoshop should handle the existing pixels by using the Resample option.
- Confirm the result, then check the printer’s preview before printing.
When Resample is off
Deselect Resample when you want to preserve the existing pixel count. Photoshop then changes the physical print dimensions and resolution as a trade-off: increasing the printed size lowers the PPI, while reducing the size raises it. No pixels are added or removed.
When Resample is on
Leave Resample enabled when Photoshop must create the requested pixel dimensions. The software adds or removes pixels to reach the new size. Upsampling cannot restore detail that was never captured, and aggressive downsampling can remove fine detail, so start with sufficient source resolution whenever possible.
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Choosing the right PPI
Use 300 PPI for the normal default
If no print specification is available and the page will be viewed at ordinary reading distance, 300 PPI is the safest general-purpose choice. It produces 2550 × 3300 pixels for portrait US Letter dimensions.
Use 220 PPI when the printer and subject allow it
A 220 PPI document is 1870 × 2420 pixels in portrait orientation. Adobe describes at least 220 PPI as usually adequate for high-quality inkjet photo prints, but the printer’s instructions take priority.
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- Smooth 20lb weight paper for consistent ink and toner distribution; dries quickly and resists paper jams
- Bright white paper (92 GE; 104 Euro) offers great contrast for crisp printing and vivid color
- Virgin copy paper providing professional quality results; acid-free to prevent yellowing
Consider lower PPI for distant viewing
Large signs and other work viewed from a distance may not need 300 PPI. A lower value such as 150 PPI reduces the pixel dimensions and file size, but it may show softness or pixelation when viewed closely.
PPI is not the same as printer DPI
PPI describes how many image pixels are assigned to each inch of the printed page. DPI describes the physical dots a printer places on paper. A printer’s selectable DPI setting is not a substitute for the image’s PPI setting. Set the image resolution in Photoshop, then choose the printer quality and paper settings separately.
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- Smooth 20lb weight paper for consistent ink and toner distribution; dries quickly and resists paper jams
- Bright white paper (92 GE; 104 Euro) offers great contrast for crisp printing and vivid color
- Virgin copy paper providing professional quality results; acid-free to prevent yellowing
Check margins and print scaling
A correctly sized 8.5 × 11-inch document does not guarantee edge-to-edge output. Many printers have a non-printable margin around the sheet. In the print dialog:
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- Confirm that scaling is set to the intended size, such as 100% or “Actual Size,” when exact dimensions matter.
- Use a borderless mode only if the printer and paper support it.
- Keep important text and graphics inside a safe margin unless your print provider gives different requirements.
Changing the print-dialog scale changes the physical output size and therefore changes the effective resolution of the image on paper.
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- 3 ream case (1,500 sheets) of 8.5 x 11 white copier and printer paper for home or office use
- Multipurpose letter size copy paper works with laser/inkjet printers, copiers and fax machines
- Smooth 20lb weight paper for consistent ink and toner distribution; dries quickly and resists paper jams
- Bright white paper (92 GE; 104 Euro) offers great contrast for crisp printing and vivid color
- Virgin copy paper providing professional quality results; acid-free to prevent yellowing
Photoshop CS version note
The terminology and the exact appearance of the Image Size dialog can differ between older Photoshop CS releases and current Photoshop versions. The underlying relationship remains the same: pixel dimensions, physical print size and resolution are linked, and Resample determines whether Photoshop changes the number of pixels.
Quick Recap
Quick answer
- Portrait: 2550 × 3300 pixels at 300 PPI.
- Landscape: 3300 × 2550 pixels at 300 PPI.
- Formula: multiply 8.5 and 11 by your chosen PPI.
- Before printing: verify the printer’s required resolution, margins and scaling.
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