Display setup
Monitor Scaling Calculator
Find the right Windows or macOS display scaling for your monitor. Enter resolution and diagonal size to see recommended scale percentages and effective workspace resolution.
Monitor scaling calculator
At 163.2 PPI (Standard Resolution) on a 27" (69 cm) panel, 150% keeps text readable while preserving sharpness. Effective workspace: 2560 × 1440px.
| Scale | Windows DPI | Effective resolution | Fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100% | 96 DPI | 3840 × 2160 | — |
| 125% | 120 DPI | 3072 × 1728 | — |
| 150% | 144 DPI | 2560 × 1440 | Recommended |
| 175% | 168 DPI | 2194 × 1234 | — |
| 200% | 192 DPI | 1920 × 1080 | — |
macOS uses similar scale factors (Default, Larger Text). For live browser scaling, use the DPR checker. For PPI math, see the PPI calculator.
When to use scaling
High-PPI monitors (above ~140 PPI) need OS scaling so text and UI elements stay readable. A 27-inch 4K panel at 163 PPI typically works best at 150% scaling on Windows.
Calculate PPI first with the PPI calculator, then verify live browser scaling with the DPR checker. A sharp panel shows every fingerprint. See our screen cleaning guide for matte vs glossy care.