How large can you print an 8 1/2 x 11 paper?

[gay human bones]

I've got an image that's 8.5 x 11 or 2550 x 3300 in pixels. The resolution is 300dpi and I want to
know the maxium size this can be enlarged for a clear print.

Thanks

 

[maynardsayswhat]

Short answer: 8.5x11. Scaling at all would reduce relative output resolution (assuming the target output is 300dpi).

If the drawing is solid shapes (like a pen and ink), you could possibly auto-trace (or trace by hand) in Illustrator which results in a vector file which can be scaled to any size. (Vector files are resolution independent).

If the drawing has shades of grey or other gradient, or if the file has very fine stippling you should scan the original at a resolution that will scale directly to the target resolution. For instance. If you want to magnify the original at 200% in physical size on a device that runs at 300dpi, you should scan the original at 600dpi.

Please note that there is a TON of possible complications to this question and the above are very "rule of thumb".

If you can post more detail about the original artwork and target output device, we could probably come up with a more direct answer.

Good luck!

 

[jotterpinky]

I would have to say it depends on what you are using it for. Many of our large format prints are much lower in resolution but look fine when viewed from the distance they are meant to be viewed from. We've done many prints at 100ppi (at full size), and some billboard size prints at 50 dpi. It all depends on what expectations and reasonable viewing distances the piece will be used for.

As mentioned in a prior post if this is something that will be viewed by someone taking it in hand to look at 8.5x11 would probably be the max I would go if it's only 300ppi.

 

[gay human bones]

So the size of the paper (8.5X11) I'm scanning is as large
of a print I can make before it gets blurry.

Current size of my scan is 2550 x 3507 and it's a 300 dots per inch
scan.