What does PPI measure?

PPI, or Pixels Per Inch, is a measurement used to indicate the pixel density of a digital image or display. This metric describes how many pixels are contained within a given area of one inch and is crucial for determining the clarity and detail of an image. A higher PPI value means more pixels are packed into each inch, resulting in sharper images and finer detail, which is especially important for devices such as monitors, smartphones, and printed materials.

Understanding PPI is vital in various contexts, including graphic design, photography, and display technology, where clarity and image quality play significant roles. For example, when printing an image, knowing the PPI can help ensure that the printed result maintains the visual quality as seen on a digital screen.

The other concepts, while they may sound plausible, pertain to different areas: Processor Performance Index relates to the speed and efficiency of a CPU, Physical Print Indicator is not a recognized standard measurement, and Pixel Processing Information does not refer to a commonly accepted technical term in display metrics. Thus, Pixels Per Inch is the accurate definition of PPI in the context of image resolution and display quality.