Centimeter to Point (Typography) Conversion Calculator: Free Online Tool
Convert centimeters to points with our free online length converter.
Centimeter to Point (Typography) Calculator
How to Use the Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Centimeter).
- The converted value in Point (Typography) will appear automatically in the 'To' field.
- Use the dropdown menus to select different units within the Length category.
- Click the swap button (⇌) to reverse the conversion direction.
How to Convert Centimeter to Point (Typography)
Converting Centimeter to Point (Typography) involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.
Formula:
1 Centimeter = 28.34644 pointsExample Calculation:
Convert 10 centimeters: 10 × 28.34644 = 283.4644 points
Disclaimer: For Reference Only
These conversion results are provided for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the precision of these results, especially for conversions involving extremely large or small numbers which may be subject to the inherent limitations of standard computer floating-point arithmetic.
Not for professional use. Results should be verified before use in any critical application. View our Terms of Service for more information.
What is a Centimeter and a Point (Typography)?
The centimeter is a unit of length in the metric system equal to one-hundredth of a meter (1/100 m). It is commonly used for smaller everyday measurements.
A point is a unit of length used in typography. The desktop publishing point (DTP point or PostScript point) is defined as 1/72 of an international inch (approximately 0.3527 mm).
Note: The Centimeter is part of the metric (SI) system, primarily used globally in science and trade. The Point (Typography) belongs to the imperial/US customary system.
History of the Centimeter and Point (Typography)
As part of the original French metric system, the centimeter was defined based on the meter. Its convenience for measuring smaller objects made it a widely adopted subunit.
Typographic points evolved from historical printing practices. The DTP point standardized previous variations for digital use.
Common Uses for centimeters and points
Explore the typical applications for both Centimeter (metric) and Point (Typography) (imperial/US) to understand their common contexts.
Common Uses for centimeters
- Anthropometry: Measuring human height in many metric countries.
- Everyday Objects: Everyday measurements of small objects (e.g., length of a pencil, width of a book).
- Tools: Rulers and measuring tapes often show centimeters.
- Apparel: Clothing sizes and tailoring measurements.
- Design & Crafts: Technical drawings and crafts.
Common Uses for points
- Specifying font sizes
- Measuring line spacing (leading) and other typographic elements
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Centimeter (cm)
How many centimeters are in a meter?
There are 100 centimeters (cm) in 1 meter (m).
What does 'centi' mean in centimeter?
The prefix 'centi' denotes one-hundredth (1/100).
How many centimeters are in an inch?
There are exactly 2.54 centimeters in 1 inch.
About Point (Typography) (pt)
How many points are in an inch?
In modern desktop publishing, there are exactly 72 points (pt) in 1 inch (in).
What is the difference between a point and a pixel?
A point (pt) is a unit of physical length (1/72 inch), typically used for print. A pixel (px) is a unit of digital display resolution and its physical size can vary depending on the screen's pixel density (PPI).
What does 12 pt font mean?
It means the height of the font characters (specifically, the 'em square', which includes space above and below the letters) is 12 points, or 12/72 = 1/6th of an inch.
Conversion Table: Centimeter to Point (Typography)
| Centimeter (cm) | Point (Typography) (pt) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 28.346 |
| 5 | 141.732 |
| 10 | 283.464 |
| 25 | 708.661 |
| 50 | 1,417.322 |
| 100 | 2,834.644 |
| 500 | 14,173.219 |
| 1,000 | 28,346.439 |