Skip to main content

Convert px, pt, em, rem & Other Typography Units Convert between px, pt, em, rem, cm, mm, inches, and picas with configurable base font size.

Typography Units Converter illustration
⚖️

Typography Units Converter

Convert between px, pt, em, rem, cm, mm, inches, and picas with configurable base font size.

1

Set base font size

Adjust the base font size slider if your root font size differs from the default 16px.

2

Enter the font size to convert

Type the size value to convert.

3

Select source and target units

Choose source and target typography units.

Loading tool...

What Is Typography Units Converter?

A typography units converter translates between the various measurement systems used in digital and print typography. Pixels (px) are the standard web unit. Points (pt) are traditional in print design (1 pt = 1/72 inch). Em and rem are relative units — em is relative to the parent font size, rem to the root font size (typically 16px). Physical units (cm, mm, inches) and picas (1 pc = 12 pt) bridge print and digital contexts. The configurable base font size ensures accurate em/rem conversions matching your project's settings.

Why Use Typography Units Converter?

  • Configurable base font size for accurate em/rem calculations.
  • Bridges print (pt, pc, in) and digital (px, em, rem) typography.
  • Helps web designers and developers match design specs to CSS units.
  • Real-time conversion with reference table.
  • Completely client-side.

Common Use Cases

Web Development

Convert between px, em, and rem for responsive typography.

Print Design

Translate points, picas, and physical measurements for print projects.

CSS Authoring

Calculate rem values from pixel-based design specs.

Cross-Platform Design

Ensure consistent typography across web, print, and mobile.

Technical Guide

Typography measurement at 96 DPI (CSS reference pixel):

• 1 px = 1/96 inch (CSS definition)
• 1 pt = 1/72 inch = 96/72 px = 1.333 px
• 1 pc (pica) = 12 pt = 16 px
• 1 em = parent font size (default: 16px)
• 1 rem = root font size (default: 16px)
• 1 in = 96 px (CSS), 72 pt
• 1 cm = 96/2.54 ≈ 37.8 px
• 1 mm = 96/25.4 ≈ 3.78 px

The CSS pixel is defined as 1/96 of an inch, regardless of the physical screen resolution. On high-DPI screens, one CSS pixel may correspond to multiple physical pixels.

Em and rem are proportional units. At the default 16px base, 1rem = 16px, 0.875rem = 14px, and 1.25rem = 20px. Using rem for font sizes enables accessible scaling when users change their browser's default font size.

Tips & Best Practices

  • 1
    At 16px base: 1rem = 16px. The "62.5% trick" (html { font-size: 62.5% }) makes 1rem = 10px for easier math.
  • 2
    1pt ≈ 1.33px. Print's 12pt body text ≈ 16px on screen.
  • 3
    Use rem for accessible web typography — it respects user browser settings.
  • 4
    Pica (pc) is still used in traditional typesetting: 1 pc = 12 pt = 16 px.

Related Tools

Frequently Asked Questions

Q How do I convert px to rem?
Divide pixels by the root font size (typically 16). For example, 24px ÷ 16 = 1.5rem.
Q What is the difference between em and rem?
Em is relative to the parent element's font size, which can compound. Rem is always relative to the root (html) element's font size, making it more predictable.
Q How many points in a pixel?
At the CSS standard of 96 DPI: 1 px = 0.75 pt, or equivalently, 1 pt = 1.333 px.
Q What is a pica?
A pica is a traditional typographic unit equal to 12 points or 1/6 of an inch. In CSS at 96 DPI, 1 pica = 16 pixels.
Q Why is the default font size 16px?
Major browsers set 16px as the default body font size. This became the de facto standard for calculating rem values in CSS.

About This Tool

Typography Units Converter is a free online tool by FreeToolkit.ai. All processing happens directly in your browser — your data never leaves your device. No registration or installation required.