How is dots per inch (dpi) primarily used?

Dots per inch (dpi) is a standard measurement that primarily indicates the resolution or quality of images produced by printers. It quantifies how many individual dots of ink a printer can apply within a linear inch. A higher dpi means more dots are used, resulting in a finer, more detailed output. This is particularly important for printing high-quality photographs or detailed graphics where clarity is essential.

For instance, a printer that outputs at 600 dpi can produce images with greater detail and smoothness compared to one that operates at a lower dpi, such as 300 dpi. Consequently, dpi is crucial when evaluating how suitable a printer will be for specific types of printing tasks.

In contrast, other choices involve different aspects of technology, such as internet speed or screen resolution, which do not pertain directly to the measurement of printer output quality. Additionally, file size calculations relate more to the dimensions and format of files rather than directly measuring output quality in terms of dpi.