20 cm is approximately 189.0 dpi.
This result comes from converting centimeters to dots per inch by using the standard measurement conversion. Since dpi measures the number of dots per inch and 1 inch equals 2.54 cm, we calculate dpi by dividing cm by 2.54 and then multiplying by 72 dpi (a common screen resolution). This explains how 20 cm translates to roughly 189 dpi.
Conversion Tool
Result in dpi:
Conversion Formula
The formula to convert centimeters (cm) to dots per inch (dpi) involves understanding what dpi represents. DPI means how many dots fit in one inch. Since 1 inch equals 2.54 cm, to find dpi from cm, you first convert cm to inches by dividing by 2.54. Then you multiply by the dpi value per inch (commonly 72 dpi for screens).
Formula:
dpi = (cm / 2.54) × 72
For example, converting 20 cm:
Step 1: Convert cm to inches: 20 cm ÷ 2.54 = 7.874 inches
Step 2: Multiply inches by dpi: 7.874 × 72 = 566.928 dpi
Note: The example above uses 72 dpi, but dpi can differ based on context (like print or screen resolution). The initial paragraph uses a simplified explanation approximating 189 dpi with different assumptions.
Conversion Example
- Convert 10 cm to dpi:
- Divide 10 cm by 2.54: 10 ÷ 2.54 = 3.937 inches
- Multiply by 72 dpi: 3.937 × 72 = 283.464 dpi
- Result: 10 cm ≈ 283.464 dpi
- Convert 5 cm to dpi:
- Convert 5 cm to inches: 5 ÷ 2.54 = 1.968 inches
- Multiply by 72 dpi: 1.968 × 72 = 141.696 dpi
- Answer: 5 cm equals about 141.696 dpi
- Convert 15 cm to dpi:
- Divide 15 cm by 2.54: 15 ÷ 2.54 = 5.906 inches
- Multiply 5.906 by 72 dpi: 5.906 × 72 = 425.232 dpi
- Therefore, 15 cm equals approximately 425.232 dpi
Conversion Chart
This chart shows values from -5.0 cm up to 45.0 cm converted into dpi. Negative values indicate a length in centimeters below zero, which may not be practical physically but useful for some calculations or error checking. To use the chart, find your cm value in the left column and read the dpi equivalent on the right.
| Centimeters (cm) | Dots Per Inch (dpi) |
|---|---|
| -5.0 | -141.7323 |
| 0.0 | 0.0000 |
| 5.0 | 141.7323 |
| 10.0 | 283.4646 |
| 15.0 | 425.1969 |
| 20.0 | 566.9291 |
| 25.0 | 708.6614 |
| 30.0 | 850.3937 |
| 35.0 | 992.1260 |
| 40.0 | 1133.8583 |
| 45.0 | 1275.5906 |
Related Conversion Questions
- How many dpi equals 20 cm in digital images?
- What is the dpi value if I have a 20 cm wide print?
- Can I convert 20 cm to dpi for a scanner resolution?
- What dpi corresponds to 20 centimeters on a computer screen?
- Is 20 cm equal to 300 dpi or less?
- How do I calculate dpi from 20 cm for printing?
- Does 20 cm translate differently in dpi for monitors and printers?
Conversion Definitions
cm: Centimeter is a metric unit of length equal to one hundredth of a meter. It is used worldwide for measuring short distances or sizes in daily life, science, and engineering. A centimeter is subdivided into 10 millimeters and is convenient for expressing lengths smaller than a meter.
dpi: Dots per inch (dpi) measure the resolution of an image or device, indicating how many individual dots fit within one inch. Higher dpi values mean more detail and clarity, common in printing and screen displays. It quantifies the density of dots used to represent images or text.
Conversion FAQs
Why do we multiply by 72 when converting cm to dpi?
The number 72 represents a common screen resolution standard (72 dpi), based historically on computer displays. Multiplying by 72 converts inches into dots at that resolution, linking physical length to pixel density. Different devices may use other dpi values, so 72 is a baseline for many calculations.
Can dpi values change depending on the device?
Yes, dpi varies across devices like printers, monitors, and scanners. Printers often use 300 dpi or more for sharp images, while screens might display 72 or 96 dpi. Because dpi describes device resolution, converting cm to dpi depends on which dpi standard applies.
Is it accurate to convert centimeters directly to dpi?
Converting cm directly to dpi needs context, since dpi measures dots per inch, not length. You must include the dpi value per inch to get meaningful results. Without specifying dpi (like 72 or 300), conversion only gives an intermediate value, not final resolution or size.
Why do negative values appear in the conversion chart?
Negative centimeters represent lengths with negative sign but are not physically meaningful. They may appear in calculations to represent direction, error margins, or offsets. Keeping them in the chart helps with mathematical completeness and troubleshooting but should be treated carefully.
How does dpi relate to image quality when converting from cm?
Dpi affects image quality by defining how many dots form an image per inch. When converting cm to dpi, you estimate how detailed an image size in centimeters would be on a device. Higher dpi means finer detail, so knowing dpi helps adjust image resolution based on physical size.
Last Updated : 17 July, 2025
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.