Home Back

How To Calculate Megapixel Size

Megapixel Formula:

\[ \text{Megapixels} = \frac{\text{Width (px)} \times \text{Height (px)}}{1,\!000,\!000} \]

pixels
pixels

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From: To:

1. What is Megapixel Calculation?

Megapixel calculation determines the resolution capability of a digital camera or display by multiplying its width and height in pixels and dividing by one million. One megapixel equals one million pixels.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the megapixel formula:

\[ \text{Megapixels} = \frac{\text{Width (px)} \times \text{Height (px)}}{1,\!000,\!000} \]

Where:

Explanation: The calculation converts the total pixel count into megapixels for easier understanding of image resolution.

3. Importance of Megapixel Calculation

Details: Megapixel count helps determine image quality, print size capability, and storage requirements. Higher megapixels allow for larger prints and more detail retention when cropping.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the width and height in pixels (must be positive integers). Common resolutions include 1920×1080 (2.1MP), 3840×2160 (8.3MP), and 6000×4000 (24MP).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Does higher megapixel count mean better image quality?
A: Not necessarily. While more megapixels can capture more detail, sensor size, pixel quality, and lens performance are equally important factors.

Q2: How many megapixels do I need for printing?
A: For an 8×10" print at 300ppi, you need about 7.2MP. For a 16×20" print, approximately 28.8MP is ideal.

Q3: What's the difference between megapixels and resolution?
A: Megapixels indicate total pixel count, while resolution refers to the pixel dimensions (width × height).

Q4: How does megapixel count affect file size?
A: Generally, higher megapixel images result in larger file sizes, though compression also plays a significant role.

Q5: What's considered a "good" megapixel count?
A: For most consumers, 12-24MP is excellent. Professionals may need 30+MP for large prints or heavy cropping.

How To Calculate Megapixel Size© - All Rights Reserved 2025