20 cm is approximately 189.0 dpi.
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To convert centimeters to dots per inch (dpi), we use the relationship between centimeters and inches, knowing that 1 inch equals 2.54 cm. By converting the length from cm to inches, then multiplying by dpi, the value in dpi is found. Here, 20 cm converts to about 189 dpi.
Conversion Tool
Result in dpi:
Conversion Formula
The formula to convert centimeters to dpi is:
dpi = (cm / 2.54) × 96
This works, because dpi measures how many dots fit in one inch, and there are 2.54 centimeters in an inch. So, dividing the centimeter value by 2.54 converts it to inches. Multiplying by 96, which is the standard screen resolution in dpi, gives the dots per inch value.
Example calculation for 20 cm:
- Convert 20 cm to inches: 20 ÷ 2.54 ≈ 7.874 inches
- Multiply inches by 96 dpi: 7.874 × 96 ≈ 755.9 dpi
Note: The value 96 dpi is used as a standard screen resolution, so the conversion depends on that reference.
Conversion Example
- 15 cm to dpi:
- 15 ÷ 2.54 ≈ 5.906 inches
- 5.906 × 96 ≈ 567 dpi
- Result: 15 cm equals about 567 dpi
- 30 cm to dpi:
- 30 ÷ 2.54 ≈ 11.811 inches
- 11.811 × 96 ≈ 1133 dpi
- Result: 30 cm equals about 1133 dpi
- 5 cm to dpi:
- 5 ÷ 2.54 ≈ 1.969 inches
- 1.969 × 96 ≈ 189 dpi
- Result: 5 cm equals about 189 dpi
Conversion Chart
The chart below shows cm values from -5.0 to 45.0 converted to dpi using the formula dpi = (cm / 2.54) × 96. Negative values represent lengths in the opposite direction, but the formula still applies. You can use this chart to quickly find dpi without calculating.
| cm | dpi |
|---|---|
| -5.0 | -189.0 |
| 0.0 | 0.0 |
| 5.0 | 189.0 |
| 10.0 | 378.0 |
| 15.0 | 567.0 |
| 20.0 | 756.0 |
| 25.0 | 945.0 |
| 30.0 | 1134.0 |
| 35.0 | 1323.0 |
| 40.0 | 1512.0 |
| 45.0 | 1701.0 |
Related Conversion Questions
- How many dpi equals 20 centimeters in print resolution?
- What is the dpi for a 20 cm image width on screen?
- Can 20 cm be converted directly to dpi for digital images?
- Is 20 cm equal to 189 dpi or a different dpi value?
- How do I convert 20 cm to dpi for designing graphics?
- What dpi corresponds to a 20 cm printed photo?
- How to calculate dpi from 20 cm length in pixels per inch?
Conversion Definitions
cm (centimeter): A centimeter is a metric unit of length equal to one hundredth of a meter. It is commonly used to measure small distances or dimensions in science, engineering, and everyday life. One cm equals 10 millimeters or approximately 0.3937 inches.
dpi (dots per inch): Dots per inch is a measure of spatial printing or video dot density, the number of individual dots that can be placed within a linear inch. It indicates resolution quality in printing and imaging, where higher dpi means greater detail and sharpness in images or text.
Conversion FAQs
Why do we multiply by 96 when converting cm to dpi?
Multiplying by 96 is based on the assumption that the dpi standard is 96 dots per inch, which is common for many screens and digital displays. So after converting cm to inches, multiplying by 96 gives an estimated number of dots per inch relative to that standard screen resolution.
Is the dpi value always the same for every screen or printer?
No, dpi varies depending on the device. Screens, printers, and scanners have different dpi capabilities, and the number 96 dpi is often taken as a default for screens. Actual printer dpi can be much higher, affecting how you convert lengths to dpi for specific devices.
Can I convert dpi back to centimeters?
Yes, to convert dpi back to centimeters, you divide dpi by 96 to get inches, then multiply by 2.54 to get centimeters. This reverses the original formula, allowing conversion from dpi units to physical length measurement in cm.
Does dpi measurement change if the image size changes?
Dpi itself is a density unit and doesn’t change with image size, but the total pixel count and physical size affect perceived resolution. When you resize an image, the dpi value can adjust depending on how pixels are distributed per inch in the new dimensions.
Why might negative cm values appear in the conversion chart?
Negative cm values represent distances in the opposite direction or in coordinate systems that allow negative measurements. While uncommon for physical lengths, in calculation or graphical contexts, negative values can still be converted to dpi by applying the same formula, resulting in negative dpi values.