Best DPI for Amazon KDP Covers and Interior Images
If your book images look blurry in print, DPI is usually one of the first things to check. For Amazon KDP, the safest target is 300 DPI minimum, while 600 DPI is useful for covers, illustrations, fine lines, and detailed artwork.
Use the Free KDP Image Upscaler Tool
What DPI should I use for KDP?
For most KDP print books, 300 DPI is the practical minimum. This means the image has enough pixels to print clearly at the physical size you want. A 6 inch wide image at 300 DPI needs to be about 1,800 pixels wide.
When should I use 600 DPI?
Use 600 DPI when the image has small details, thin line art, text, maps, charts, or high-detail illustrations. A higher DPI gives the print process more pixel data to work with.
| Use Case | Recommended DPI |
|---|---|
| Interior photo | 300 DPI |
| Book cover | 300–600 DPI |
| Line art or maps | 600 DPI |
| Small icons | 600 DPI if possible |
Does changing DPI alone improve quality?
Changing only the DPI tag does not magically create more detail. What matters is pixel dimensions. A true upscaler increases the pixel dimensions so the image can print larger at the required DPI.
Quick rule
Multiply your desired print size in inches by the DPI. A 5 inch wide image at 300 DPI needs 1,500 pixels. At 600 DPI, it needs 3,000 pixels.