Thermal label size and DPI calculator

Convert inches to dots at 203, 300, or 600 DPI. Then open that size in the free label maker.

Calculator

Convert inches to dots

Pick your stock size and printer DPI. Then open that size on the canvas.

4 × 6 in at 203 DPI is 812 × 1218 dots.

Dots = round(inches × DPI). Zebra print width is the width in dots. Design at the inches, not at a scaled PDF.

Open this size in the label maker

Why inches and DPI have to match

Thermal printers paint dots, not inches. A 4×6 label at 203 DPI is 812×1218 dots. At 300 DPI it is 1200×1800. If the software size does not match the stock, you get a half label, a skip, or a barcode that will not scan.

How to use this with the label maker

  1. Enter your stock width and height in inches.
  2. Pick 203, 300, or 600 to match the printhead.
  3. Click Open this size. The free label maker uses those inches.
  4. Print at actual size. Do not fit-to-page.

Common sizes in dots

Size (in)203 DPI300 DPI600 DPI

FAQ

Why is my 4×6 printing as 4×3?

The driver or PDF was scaled, or the app size does not match the stock. Set 4×6 in the maker and in the printer driver. This calculator shows the dot count the firmware expects.

Is 203 DPI enough for barcodes?

Yes for CODE128 and UPC at typical 2×1 and larger. Tiny 2D codes on jewelry tags often want 300 DPI. The maker rasterizes at the printer DPI you pick.

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