Best DPI to scan old photos
300 vs 600 DPI
300 DPI is excellent for everyday sharing and printing at standard sizes like 4x6 or 5x7 inches. 600 DPI captures more detail, which makes it the better choice for enlargements, restorations, and preserving fine textures. The 600 DPI file holds roughly four times the pixel data.
Size-by-size guide
Standard photos (4x6, 5x7, 8x10 inches): 300 to 600 DPI. Smaller photos (wallet-sized or smaller): 600 to 1200 DPI, because they need more samples to enlarge cleanly. For any photo you plan to restore, lean toward the higher end.
Why higher DPI helps restoration
A higher-resolution scan captures subtle tonal variations that may no longer be visible in the print itself. Those hidden details are what let restoration rebuild contrast and clarity, so scanning high once saves rework later.
The limit of DPI
Higher DPI does not create new detail; it only captures what already exists in the print. Beyond a point, extra DPI only grows the file size. 600 DPI is the practical sweet spot for most restoration work.
Frequently asked questions
Is 300 or 600 DPI better for old photos?
600 DPI is better for restoration and enlargement because it captures about four times the data of 300 DPI. 300 DPI is fine for everyday sharing and standard-size prints.
What DPI for small or wallet-sized photos?
Scan small or wallet-sized photos at 600 to 1200 DPI. They need more samples to enlarge cleanly and to preserve fine detail.
Does scanning at higher DPI improve a blurry photo?
No. Higher DPI only captures detail that already exists in the print. It cannot recover detail that was never there, so a blurry original stays limited.