Image & Print Size
Metric to Inches for DTF & Apparel (Stop Resizing Mistakes)
Convert client centimetre specs to inches and pixels before you build the file.
EU and UK clients often specify print width in centimetres. If you build the file as “about 11 inches,” you risk reprints, angry revisions and wasted film. Treat metric specs as exact requirements, not vibes.
Why shops get this wrong
Designers mix mockup inches, garment charts and client centimetres in one thread. Someone rounds early. The RIP file is built at a convenient pixel size that is not the size that was ordered. The transfer looks “fine” until it is compared to the brief.
Exact workflow
- Write down the client’s centimetre width (and height if given).
- Convert with the CM to Inches Converter — keep 2–3 decimal places.
- Build pixels with Inches to Pixels at your production DPI (usually 300).
- Confirm placement against the T-Shirt Print Size Guide so the converted size still fits the garment.
- Check sharpness with the DPI Calculator if the source file is already raster.
Worked example
Client asks for a 28 cm chest logo. 28 ÷ 2.54 ≈ 11.02 in. At 300 DPI that is about 3307 px wide. Building a 12 in / 3600 px file is larger than requested — fine only if the client approved the upsell in size.
Quote language that prevents disputes
Put both units on the proof: “Print width 28 cm (11.02 in) at 300 DPI.” When both parties see the same numbers, revisions drop.
Related reading: What DPI for DTF and T-shirt print size chart.
FAQ
Should I round inches?
Keep 2–3 decimals for file setup, then round only for customer-facing quotes.
Is 2.54 exact?
Yes — the inch is defined as exactly 2.54 cm.
What if height was not specified?
Lock width, then preserve aspect ratio. Confirm the resulting height still fits the garment.
Do hat specs work the same way?
Yes for unit conversion — but hat max widths are tighter. Convert first, then check the hat size guide.
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Published Oct 7, 2026. Updated Oct 7, 2026.