Integer scaling calculator

How to use the integer scaling calculator

1. Enter the actual source raster width and height, or choose a preset.
2. Enter the target display or output dimensions in the same pixel units.
3. Use automatic mode for the largest fitting integer factor, or select a smaller whole factor manually.
4. Review the scaled resolution and all four borders, then copy the measurements into your workflow.

The default 320 × 240 image on a 1920 × 1080 target fits at 4×, producing 1280 × 960 pixels. A 5× enlargement would be 1600 × 1200 and exceed the target height. The calculator therefore keeps the complete image at 4× and leaves borders.

What is integer scaling?

Integer scaling enlarges each dimension by a whole number such as 2, 3 or 4. At 3×, a single source pixel can be represented by a 3 × 3 output block. Using the same factor horizontally and vertically preserves the source raster's proportions.

This is useful when you want consistent pixel blocks in pixel art or low-resolution game graphics. AMD describes the feature in its integer scaling guide. Support and setup depend on the graphics hardware, driver and application; the mathematical result here is not a compatibility check.

Integer sizing alone does not ensure a sharp final image. The rendering or export pipeline must also avoid unwanted smoothing and further fractional resizing. A browser preview scaled to fit a small page panel cannot demonstrate the exact appearance of physical output pixels.

Largest integer scale formula

Both dimensions limit the fit. Taking the smaller available multiplier prevents overflow; rounding down gives a whole-number factor. When k is 1, the source fits at its original size but cannot be enlarged by a full integer step. When k is 0, even the original source does not fit inside the target.

A result of 0 is not an instruction to create a zero-sized image. Automatic mode shows a no-fit message instead. Use a larger target, choose a smaller source, or use a separate downscaling or cropping workflow. Manual mode rejects a factor that would exceed either target dimension.

Integer scaling examples for 1080p, 1440p and 4K

These examples use exact dimensions, not a device or console emulation profile. Some older systems need a display aspect ratio different from their raw raster ratio. Applying that correction is a separate decision; use the pixel aspect ratio calculator when non-square pixel interpretation matters.

Why integer scaling can leave black borders

The next integer step may be too large even when there is unused space around the current result. A 1280 × 720 source fits a 1920 × 1080 target at 1×. Filling that target proportionally requires 1.5×, which is not an integer scale. At 2× the source would exceed both target dimensions.

For centered placement, split the leftover width and height between opposite edges. This calculator rounds the left and top borders down, assigning any extra pixel to the right or bottom. A 320 × 240 source on a 1281 × 961 target uses 4× and leaves 0 / 1 / 0 / 1 pixels. The asymmetry is required to keep the image on whole-pixel coordinates.

Screen coverage measures scaled-image area divided by target area. It does not measure perceived quality or performance. If filling more of the display matters more than whole pixel blocks, compare a proportional fit with the letterbox and pillarbox calculator.

Integer scaling vs nearest-neighbor and fractional scaling

Integer scaling specifies the size relationship. Nearest-neighbor specifies a sampling method. They are related but not interchangeable: nearest-neighbor can also be used for a fractional ratio, where source pixels may occupy uneven numbers of output pixels. Intel discusses these distinctions in its integer scaling technical article.

This tool calculates a uniform whole-number enlargement only. It does not add sharpening, invent missing detail, crop the source or stretch one axis independently. The fractional-fit number is included for comparison, not as a second rendering mode.

When exporting artwork, choose the intended resampling setting in your editor and avoid resizing the result again afterward. For an application or game, check which layer performs scaling: the application, operating system, graphics driver or display. A mathematically exact result can still look filtered if another layer changes it.

Related scaling tools