Dots Per Inch.
Specifies the resolution of an output device (eg - computer screen or printer) or input device (eg - scanner). A larger number of dots allows for more detail and therefore a higher resolution image. The average laser printer has a resolution of 300 x 300 dpi which means it can print 300 dots per inch horizontally and 300 dots per inch vertically, 90,000 dots per square inch. A high-resolution, professional quality laser printer prints at 1200 dpi. The manufacturers of some printers often claim to have "photographic-quality resolution," but photos -- such as those you might see in a professionally printed brochure -- are usually printed at 2270 dpi or higher.