How to Calculate a Digital Camera's Resolution from its Pixel Count

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Find out the aspect ratio of your camera.

   Here are the two most common: 3:2, or 3 horizontal pixels for each 2 vertical pixels, is typical for digital SLRs. 4:3, or 4 horizontal pixels for each 3 vertical pixels, is the aspect ratio used by most compact (point-and-shoot) cameras in their still mode.
2. 2

   Step 2: Convert your megapixel count to a total pixel count by multiplying it by 1 million

   , You get the horizontal-to-vertical ratio by dividing the first part of your aspect ratio by the second; you get the vertical-to-horizontal ratio by dividing the second part of your aspect ratio by the third.
   
   In our 3:2 digital SLR example: ,,, In the case of our imaginary digital SLR, it was 4243 x
   2828. ,
3. 3

   Step 3: if necessary.

4. 4

   Step 4: Get a horizontal-to-vertical and vertical-to-horizontal ratio.

5. 5

   Step 5: Multiply your pixel count by the horizontal-to-vertical ratio

6. 6

   Step 6: then separately

7. 7

   Step 7: by your vertical-to-horizontal ratio.

8. 8

   Step 8: Take the square root of your resulting numbers.

9. 9

   Step 9: You now have the resolution of the camera.

10. 10

    Step 10: Finished.

Detailed Guide

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