Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

What is the most common resolution for display of web images?

1. 72 ppi

2. 300 ppi

3. 150 ppi

4. 96 ppi

The correct answer is: 72 ppi

The most common resolution for the display of web images is indeed 72 ppi. This measurement, pixels per inch, reflects the standard resolution that was widely adopted during the earlier days of web development, primarily due to limitations in screen technology and the need for faster loading times. While higher resolutions like 300 ppi and 150 ppi are appropriate for print media, where image quality is paramount, they produce files that are substantially larger in size, which is not ideal for web use where fast loading and efficient bandwidth usage are critical. The resolution of 96 ppi, although also popular, is less prevalent compared to the established norm of 72 ppi. Thus, utilizing 72 ppi optimizes images for on-screen viewing, striking a balance between acceptable quality and manageable file sizes, making it the standard resolution for web images.