DPI

Dots per inch (DPI) is a measurement used in describing the quality (resolution) of computer printers and scanners, it denotes the number of tiny dots printed or scanned by the device per linear-inch of the printed area. Higher the number of dpi, the smaller their size, more detailed and smooth the image, and more realistic the color. The output of laser and ink jet printers commonly ranges from 300 dpi (90,000 dots per square inch) to 1200 dpi (1,440,000 dots per square inch) whereas image-setters (used in printing industry) can produce 2400 dpi (5,760,000 dots per square inch) or higher. In contrast to pixels (which are square shaped), dots are circular.