🔤 Typography Converter
Convert between px, rem, em, pt, pica, and print units for CSS and digital design. Based on 96 dpi screen resolution.
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Common Typography Conversions
| Input | Unit | Result | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rem | 16 | Pixel |
| 16 | Pixel | 1 | Rem |
| 12 | Point | 16 | Pixel |
| 1 | Inch (CSS) | 96 | Pixel |
| 1 | Pica | 12 | Point |
| 10 | Millimeter (CSS) | 37.795276 | Pixel |
Popular Conversions
Formula Reference
At 96 dpi (standard screen resolution): 1 in = 96 px • 1 cm = 37.795 px • 1 mm = 3.779 px 1 pt = 1/72 in = 1.333 px • 1 pc = 12 pt = 16 px 1 rem = 16 px (browser default) • 1 em ≈ parent font size (approximated as 16 px here)
About Typography Conversions
Typography units in digital design span two worlds: screen-relative units (px, rem, em) and print-origin units (pt, pc, in, mm). On screens, one CSS pixel (px) is the fundamental display unit. At the browser default of 96 dpi, there are exactly 96 pixels per inch — establishing a bridge between the print and screen worlds. Changing the browser's root font size cascades through rem-based layouts, which is why rem is the preferred unit for accessible design.
The point (pt) originated in print typography and equals exactly 1/72 of an inch. At 96 dpi, 1 pt = 96/72 ≈ 1.333 px. Pica (pc) is 12 points, or 16 px at 96 dpi. These units are still used in CSS for print stylesheets and in design tools like Figma, Illustrator, and InDesign. When preparing designs for both screen and print, understanding these conversions prevents text size mismatches.
Rem (root em) and em differ subtly but importantly. One em equals the font size of the current element, making it relative and cascading. One rem always equals the root font size (typically 16 px on most browsers), making it predictable and non-cascading. For responsive layouts and accessibility, rem is strongly preferred: a user who increases their browser's base font size to 20 px will see rem-based layouts scale correctly, while px-based layouts remain fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between px, em, and rem?
Pixels (px) are absolute — 1 px is always one display pixel regardless of context. Em is relative to the current element's font size, so it cascades: a nested em in a 20 px container is 20 px, not 16 px. Rem (root em) is relative to the root element's font size only, avoiding cascading issues. For consistent, accessible layouts, rem is recommended for font sizes and spacing.
How many pixels is 1 rem?
By browser default, 1 rem = 16 px. This can be changed by setting a different font size on the html element in CSS (e.g., html { font-size: 62.5% } makes 1 rem = 10 px, which many developers use for easier mental math). The conversion in this tool uses the standard 16 px default.
How do I convert pt to px?
At the standard screen resolution of 96 dpi, 1 pt = 96/72 ≈ 1.333 px. To convert pt to px, multiply by 4/3. Common conversions: 12 pt = 16 px, 10 pt ≈ 13.3 px, 18 pt = 24 px. Note: for print media (actual paper output), 1 pt is a physical measurement independent of screen resolution.
Should I use px or rem in CSS?
Rem is generally preferred for font sizes, padding, and margins that should scale with user preferences. Px is appropriate for borders, fine visual details, and cases where absolute precision is required. Using rem for text and spacing makes your layout accessible: users who change their browser's default font size (a common accessibility accommodation) will see rem-based layouts scale correctly.
What is a pica in typography?
A pica is a traditional typographic unit equal to 12 points, or 1/6 of an inch. At 96 dpi, 1 pica = 16 px. Picas are rarely used in web design but remain common in print design software (InDesign, Illustrator) for specifying column widths, gutters, and margins. Text size within those pica-based layouts is still measured in points.
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All conversion results are provided for general informational purposes only. Our formulas use internationally recognized conversion factors; however, rounding may affect precision. Do not rely on these results for professional, medical, legal, or engineering decisions without independent verification. Read our full disclaimer.