8.5 x 11 inches to pixels
A US Letter page (8.5 × 11 in) is 2,550 × 3,300 pixels at 300 DPI, the usual target for a print-ready document.
8.5 × 11 in (US Letter) in pixels at common DPI values
Pixels = inches × DPI. 8.5 × 11 inches at each setting:
| DPI | Width × height (px) |
|---|---|
| 72 dpi | 612 × 792 |
| 96 dpi | 816 × 1,056 |
| 150 dpi | 1,275 × 1,650 |
| 300 dpi | 2,550 × 3,300 |
| 600 dpi | 5,100 × 6,600 |
Which pixel size should you use for US Letter?
For something you will print, use 2,550 × 3,300 px (300 DPI). That gives a sharp result for text, photos and graphics at normal reading distance. Drop to 1,275 × 1,650 px (150 DPI) for a draft or proof, and go up to 5,100 × 6,600 px (600 DPI) only for fine line art or small type where your printer asks for it.
For something that stays on screen, 816 × 1,056 px (96 DPI) is the size of a Letter page in a browser, because CSS defines 1 inch as 96 pixels. In a PDF, Letter is 612 × 792 points, which is the same page measured at 72 per inch.
Bleed and margins in pixels at 300 DPI
If your design runs to the edge of the page, commercial printers usually ask for bleed, commonly 0.125 in on every side. At 300 DPI that turns the canvas into 8.75 × 11.25 in, or 2,625 × 3,375 px, which is then trimmed back to 8.5 × 11. Confirm the exact bleed with your printer, since requirements vary.
Most desktop printers cannot print to the paper edge, so keep important content inside a margin. A 0.5 in margin is 150 px at 300 DPI, which leaves a live area of 2,250 × 3,000 px.
US Letter versus A4
A4 (210 × 297 mm) is slightly narrower and taller than Letter: 2,480 × 3,508 px at 300 DPI. If a file will be printed in both the US and elsewhere, leave extra space around the edges so it can be scaled or trimmed without cutting off content.
Need a different size or DPI?
Use the inches to pixels converter for any custom size, or read the DPI vs PPI guide to choose the right resolution for your project.
Frequently asked questions
How many pixels is 8.5 x 11 inches?
It depends on the DPI. At 300 DPI it is 2,550 × 3,300 pixels, at 150 DPI it is 1,275 × 1,650, at 96 DPI it is 816 × 1,056, and at 72 DPI it is 612 × 792.
What size should I make a Letter-size image for print?
Make it at least 2,550 × 3,300 pixels. Larger is fine if you will scale it down; smaller than this will look softer when printed edge to edge at 8.5 × 11 inches.
Is 8.5 x 11 the same as a Word or Google Docs page?
Yes, both use US Letter by default in the United States. That is 8.5 × 11 inches, or 816 × 1,056 pixels at the 96 DPI used on screen.