actualsize

Actual size is a term used to describe the real-world dimensions of an object or image when reproduced, displayed, or measured without scaled alteration. It denotes a reproduction whose size corresponds to the object’s true dimensions, rather than one that has been enlarged or reduced.

In printing and publishing, actual size commonly appears in print dialogs or layout software. Selecting actual size signals that the image’s native pixel dimensions and intended print resolution (dots per inch) should determine the physical dimensions of the printed result. Print size is typically calculated as width in pixels divided by the destination dpi, yielding measurements in inches or millimeters. If an image lacks resolution metadata, the resulting print size may be uncertain.

In digital displays and image viewing, actual size can be more complex. An image’s pixel dimensions do not automatically translate to a fixed physical size on a screen because display size and pixel density vary between devices. Many programs offer an Actual Size or Real Size option that attempts to map pixels to physical units using the monitor’s reported or assumed pixels-per-inch. Accurate real-world sizing on screen often requires calibration or metadata that specifies the intended physical dimensions.

Applications span various fields, including photography, graphic design, and medicine, where communicating or measuring true size is important. Limitations include device variability, display or print resolutions, and viewer distance. Calibrated workflows and explicit metadata help ensure that actual size aligns with real-world measurements. See also: scale, 1:1, DPI or PPI, print size.