<resolution>

The <resolution> CSS data type, used for describing resolutions in media queries, denotes the pixel density of an output device, i.e., its resolution.

On screens, the units are related to CSS inches, centimeters, or pixels, not physical values.

Syntax

The <resolution> data type consists of a strictly positive <number> followed by one of the units listed below. As with all CSS dimensions, there is no space between the unit literal and the number.

Units

dpi
Represents the number of dots per inch. Screens typically contains 72 or 96 dots per inch, but the dpi for printed documents is usually much greater. As 1 inch is 2.54 cm, 1dpi ≈ 0.39dpcm.
dpcm
Represents the number of dots per centimeter. As 1 inch is 2.54 cm, 1dpcm ≈ 2.54dpi.
dppx
Represents the number of dots per px unit. Due to the 1:96 fixed ratio of CSS in to CSS px, 1dppx is equivalent to 96dpi, which corresponds to the default resolution of images displayed in CSS as defined by image-resolution.
x
Alias for dppx.

Note: Although the number 0 is always the same regardless of unit, the unit may not be omitted. In other words, 0 is invalid and does not represent 0dpi, 0dpcm, or 0dppx.

Examples

Use in a media query

@media print and (min-resolution: 300dpi) { ... }

Valid resolutions

96dpi
50.82dpcm
3dppx

Invalid resolutions

72 dpi     Spaces are not allowed between the number and the unit.
ten dpi    The number must use digits only.
0          The unit is required.

Specifications

Specification Status Comment
CSS Values and Units Module Level 4
The definition of '<resolution>' in that specification.
Editor's Draft Adds the x unit.
CSS Values and Units Module Level 3
The definition of '<resolution>' in that specification.
Candidate Recommendation Adds the dppx unit.
Media Queries
The definition of '<resolution>' in that specification.
Recommendation Initial definition.

Browser compatibility

DesktopMobile
ChromeEdgeFirefoxInternet ExplorerOperaSafariAndroid webviewChrome for AndroidFirefox for AndroidOpera for AndroidSafari on iOSSamsung Internet
<resolution>Chrome Full support 29Edge Full support 12Firefox Full support 8
Full support 8
Partial support 3.5
Notes
Notes Supports <integer> values only.
IE Full support 9Opera Full support 9.5Safari No support No
Notes
No support No
Notes
Notes See bug 78087.
WebView Android Full support ≤37Chrome Android Full support 29Firefox Android Full support 8
Full support 8
Partial support 4
Notes
Notes Supports <integer> values only.
Opera Android Full support 10.1Safari iOS No support No
Notes
No support No
Notes
Notes See bug 78087.
Samsung Internet Android Full support 2.0
dpcm unitChrome Full support 29Edge Full support 12Firefox Full support 8IE Full support 9Opera Full support 16
Full support 16
No support 10 — 15
Safari No support NoWebView Android Full support ≤37Chrome Android Full support 29Firefox Android Full support 8Opera Android Full support 16
Full support 16
No support 10.1 — 14
Safari iOS No support NoSamsung Internet Android Full support 2.0
dpi unitChrome Full support 29Edge Full support 12Firefox Full support 8IE Full support 9Opera Full support 16
Full support 16
No support 10 — 15
Safari No support NoWebView Android Full support ≤37Chrome Android Full support 29Firefox Android Full support 8Opera Android Full support 16
Full support 16
No support 10.1 — 14
Safari iOS No support NoSamsung Internet Android Full support 2.0
dppx unitChrome Full support 29Edge Full support 12Firefox Full support 16IE No support NoOpera Full support 12.1Safari No support NoWebView Android Full support ≤37Chrome Android Full support 29Firefox Android Full support 16Opera Android Full support 12.1Safari iOS No support NoSamsung Internet Android Full support 2.0
x unitChrome Full support 68Edge Full support 79Firefox Full support 62IE No support NoOpera Full support 55Safari No support NoWebView Android Full support 68Chrome Android Full support 68Firefox Android Full support 62Opera Android Full support 48Safari iOS No support NoSamsung Internet Android Full support 10.0

Legend

Full support
Full support
No support
No support
See implementation notes.
See implementation notes.

See also