Print density

The print density is a measure of the degree of pigmentation of a printed material (usually paper ). ${\displaystyle D}$

Print density measurements relate to a reference , usually the print density of the unprinted material (white paper). This is assigned the print density 0 through calibration .

There is a connection between the print density and the (physical) radiation intensities : ${\displaystyle I}$

${\displaystyle D=-\log {\frac {I}{I_{0}}}}$

where is the reference intensity (unprinted fabric or standard white). ${\displaystyle I_{0}}$

This corresponds to GT Fechner's relationship in psychophysics , so the print density gives a physiological impression.

A 100% tone has e.g. B. a print density of 2.0.

See also

• Murray-Davies formula
• Neugebauer equation
• Light trap
• Yule-Nielsen effect