Why does a 1280×720 photo look fine on a 17 inch monitor but grainy on a 4×6″ print?
Monitors usually have a resolution of about 96 ppi; they have about 96 pixels per inch, although this can vary. Mobile devices typically have much higher ppi as they are viewed at much closer range. Print resolution for good results is around 300 dpi, or 300 dots per inch.
The Short Answer
Monitors usually have a resolution of about 96 ppi; they have about 96 pixels per inch, although this can vary. Mobile devices typically have much higher ppi as they are viewed at much closer range. Print resolution for good results is around 300 dpi, or 300 dots per inch. This is much higher than the usual computer monitor so a printed image of similar physical size will look pixelated. You could see the pixels on the monitor too if you looked more closely, but you usually don't get right up on them.
Analysis
Key Concepts: Usually, resolution, pixels
This explanation focuses on usually, resolution, pixels and spans 88 words across 5 sentences. At 24% above the average Nature explanation (71 words), this is one of the more thorough answers in this category, reflecting the complexity of the underlying question.
What This Answer Covers
The explanation opens with: “Monitors usually have a resolution of about 96 ppi; they have about 96 pixels per inch, although this can vary.” It then elaborates by presenting a contrasting perspective, ultimately building toward a complete picture across 5 connected points.
How This Compares in Nature
Ranked #159 of 500 Nature questions by answer depth (top 33%). This falls in the detailed tier — above average depth. The explanation goes beyond surface-level but keeps things accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a simple explanation for why a 1280×720 photo look fine on a 17 inch monitor but grainy on a 4×6" print?
Monitors usually have a resolution of about 96 ppi; they have about 96 pixels per inch, although this can vary. Mobile devices typically have much higher ppi as they are viewed at much closer range. Print resolution for good results is around 300…
How detailed is this explanation compared to similar Nature questions?
This is an above-average answer at 88 words, ranked #159 of 500 Nature questions by depth. The key concepts covered are usually, resolution, pixels.
What approach does this answer take to explain a 1280×720 photo look fine on a 17 inch monitor but grainy o?
The explanation uses contrasting perspectives across 88 words. It is categorized under Nature and addresses the question through 1 analytical lens.