Interactive LPI diagram
Translate lines per inch into pixels
LPI specifies repeating cells per physical inch. Document DPI determines how many raster pixels describe each cell.
Calculated geometry
600 ÷ 60 = 10 pixels per cell
The preview is vector-fit for the page. Export a raster swatch and inspect at 100% before evaluating pixel artifacts.
What LPI changes—and what it does not
Increasing LPI puts more repeating tone cells into each physical inch, so each cell becomes smaller. It does not, by itself, increase the document resolution. At a fixed DPI, raising LPI leaves fewer pixels available to represent each cell. Density changes how much of the cell is filled; it does not change the number of cells per inch.
That distinction matters for manga because a tone can be described as “60 LPI, 40%” while still rasterizing very differently at 300, 600, or 1200 DPI. The formula below is the starting point for comparing those files.
Core relationship
pixels per tone cell = document DPI ÷ tone LPI
Example: 600 DPI ÷ 60 LPI = 10 pixels across each repeating cell before resizing.
The same LPI at different document resolutions
This table is calculated with the currently selected 60 LPI. It compares sampling headroom, not output quality or printer compatibility.
| Document DPI | Pixels per cell | Sampling band | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300 | 5 px | lower | More source samples describe each repeat, but later transforms can still create interference. |
| 600 | 10 px | lower | More source samples describe each repeat, but later transforms can still create interference. |
| 1200 | 20 px | lower | More source samples describe each repeat, but later transforms can still create interference. |
Choose the destination first
Final physical size, platform pixels, and printer workflow should be known before a tone is rasterized.
Treat presets as starting points
A familiar LPI value cannot account for later resize, overlap, screening, paper, or device rendering.
Preserve evidence
Record DPI, LPI, density, angle, shape, and export scale so a result can be reproduced and adjusted.
There is no single universally safe manga LPI. Use this calculator to understand geometry, confirm current printer or platform requirements, and test the final output path.
Generate an exportable halftone swatch