What is PPI and why does it matter?
PPI (Pixels Per Inch) measures how many pixels fit in one inch of your screen. Higher PPI means sharper text and images. At typical desk distances, 110+ PPI looks crisp, while 150+ PPI approaches 'retina' quality where individual pixels become invisible.
What's a good PPI for a desktop monitor?
For desk work, 110-140 PPI is the sweet spot. Below 100 PPI, you may notice pixelation. Above 150 PPI, you'll need display scaling which can cause compatibility issues. Common examples: 27" 1440p = 109 PPI, 27" 4K = 163 PPI.
What are common monitor PPI values?
24" 1080p: 92 PPI (moderate)
27" 1080p: 82 PPI (low - pixels visible)
27" 1440p: 109 PPI (sharp - popular choice)
27" 4K: 163 PPI (very sharp - needs scaling)
32" 4K: 138 PPI (sharp - good without scaling)
Should I get 4K for a 27-inch monitor?
It depends on your use case. 4K at 27" (163 PPI) is excellent for text-heavy work and photo editing, but requires 150% scaling. For gaming, the GPU demands are much higher. Many users find 27" 1440p the perfect balance of sharpness and performance.
What is display scaling and when do I need it?
Display scaling enlarges UI elements (icons, text, buttons) to compensate for high pixel density. At 4K on a 27" monitor, 100% scaling makes everything tiny. 150% scaling makes elements the same physical size as 1440p at 100%, but sharper.
How do I find my monitor's resolution?
Windows: Settings → Display → Display resolution
Mac: System Preferences → Displays
Linux: Settings → Displays or run xrandr in terminal