In printing, any non-uniformity in the density of a printed image, resulting from fading, discoloration, incomplete ink coverage, or other causes.
In imaging, density range refers to the gamut of tones in an original (or reproduction), expressed as the difference between the area of maximum density (the darkest portions of an image) and the minimum density (the lightest tones). Also known as tonal range. For example, the density of a shadow area can be calculated as, say, 2.5. The density of a highlight area can be calculated as 0.10. Thus, the density range for the image as a whole would be 2.4. (For the formula regarding the calculation of density, see Density.) Also known as tonal range and dynamic range.