How to Determine Your Device's Pixels Per Inch (PPI)

When it comes to measuring the size of our devices, accuracy is crucial. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or simply want to ensure that your digital ruler is precise, understanding how to determine the pixels per inch (PPI) of your device is essential. In this article, we'll explore the methods used to calculate PPI and provide some tips for achieving accurate results.

Firstly, let's consider the importance of PPI in measuring device sizes. Each device has its own unique PPI on screen, which can affect the accuracy of virtual rulers. To illustrate this point, I recently measured the size of my Asus laptop (100.7 inches), Apple MacBook Air (127.7 inches), and Xiaomi Mi Pad 3 (163 inches). After comparing the markings on my virtual ruler with an actual ruler, I found that they were not very accurate at 30cm.

To overcome this issue, I adjusted the default PPI setting to 100.7, which allowed me to create a more accurate online actual size ruler. The process is simple: measure the width of your device using a physical ruler and then adjust the ruler setting via an adjuster.

For those who want to take their calculations to the next level, here's another method. Check your wallet and use any paper money as a comparison object. Search for 'the width of your paper money' online to determine its actual size in inches. Then, search for 'display by pixel density' online, and you may be lucky enough to find your screen's PPI.

Using my own laptop as an example, I can demonstrate this method. My laptop has a wide screen measuring 13.6x7.6 inches with a resolution of 1366x768 pixels. To calculate the PPI, we can divide the resolution by the width: 1366 divided by 13.6 equals 100.44. This means that my laptop's PPI is approximately 100.44.

There are several ways to determine your device's PPI, and the method you choose will depend on your personal preference and level of technical expertise. By following these steps and tips, you can ensure accurate measurements and a precise virtual ruler for all your digital needs.

Life size inch ruler