Texel Density Calculator
Calculate texel density, compare it with a target, or estimate the texture size an asset needs. It’s a useful check when neighbouring assets look noticeably different in sharpness. The calculation runs in this tab.
Forward mode: enter texture size, UV coverage, and real-world area to get the density and a comparison with your target. Reverse mode: enter the target density and asset size to get a power-of-two texture recommendation. Use the UV coverage of your asset rather than assuming a fixed percentage. Compare the result with the UV grid texture.
What Texel Density Is
Texel density is the number of texture pixels per metre of surface. For a square texture of resolution R, surface area A and UV coverage C expressed as a fraction, the estimate is R × sqrt(C) / sqrt(A). Consistent density helps assets sit together, although filtering, viewing distance and the source texture also affect perceived sharpness.
Example targets to test
| Context | Typical target | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile | 128-256 px/m | Check the texture memory budget |
| VR | 512 px/m | Check surfaces at close viewing distances |
| Console/PC environment | 512-1024 px/m | Use as a starting point for your project |
| Hero / first-person items | 2048+ px/m | Allow more detail where it is visible |
| Distant/background | halve the baseline | Check at the intended viewing distance |
Keep density consistent
Agree a target for each asset category, then use a checker texture to compare assets in the viewport. Different checker sizes can reveal inconsistent density. If memory requires a lower target, review the category together and check the result at the intended camera distance.
Privacy
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