Point (Typography) to Inch Converter
Convert points to inches with our free online length converter.
Quick Answer
1 Point (Typography) = 0.013889 inches
Formula: Point (Typography) × conversion factor = Inch
Use the calculator below for instant, accurate conversions.
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Point (Typography) to Inch Calculator
How to Use the Point (Typography) to Inch Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Point (Typography)).
- The converted value in Inch 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 Point (Typography) to Inch: Step-by-Step Guide
Converting Point (Typography) to Inch involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.
Formula:
1 Point (Typography) = 0.0138889 inchesExample Calculation:
Convert 10 points: 10 × 0.0138889 = 0.138889 inches
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.
Need to convert to other length units?
View all Length conversions →What is a Point (Typography) and a Inch?
The Desktop Publishing Point
The modern typographic point is defined as exactly 1/72 of an international inch. This creates the mathematically convenient relationship:
- 1 point (pt) = 1/72 inch = 0.013888... inches
- 1 point = 0.352777... millimeters
- 72 points = 1 inch (exactly)
- 1 inch = 25.4 mm (by international definition)
This definition, known as the PostScript point or DTP point (Desktop Publishing point), was established by Adobe Systems in the 1980s and has become the universal standard for all modern typography.
The Em Square and Font Height
When we say "12 pt font," we're technically measuring the em square—the metal block that held the physical letter in traditional typesetting. This em square includes:
- Ascenders: Parts of letters extending above the baseline (like the top of 'h' or 'b')
- Descenders: Parts extending below the baseline (like the tail of 'g' or 'y')
- Built-in spacing: Extra vertical space above and below letters
This means 12 pt text doesn't have letters exactly 1/6 inch tall—the actual visible letter height (called x-height) is typically 60-70% of the point size, with the rest being built-in spacing. This spacing prevents lines of text from touching each other.
Points vs. Picas
Typography traditionally pairs the point with the pica:
- 1 pica = 12 points = 1/6 inch
- 6 picas = 1 inch
- 1 pica ≈ 4.233 mm
Professional designers often measure larger typographic elements in picas. For example, a column width might be "20 picas" (3.33 inches) rather than "240 points." The pica provides a more manageable unit for page layout dimensions while maintaining exact mathematical relationships.
Historical Point Systems (Pre-Digital)
Before the DTP point standardization, multiple incompatible point systems existed:
Didot Point (Continental Europe):
- 1 Didot point ≈ 0.3759 mm
- Based on the French pied du roi (royal foot)
- Approximately 67.55 Didot points per inch
- Still occasionally referenced in European historical printing contexts
American/British Pica Point:
- 1 pica point ≈ 0.351459 mm
- 72.27 points per inch (not exactly 72!)
- Derived from metal type casting standards
- Also called the "Anglo-American point"
Fournier Point (Early French):
- Pierre Simon Fournier's original 1737 system
- Approximately 0.348 mm
- 72.989 points per French royal inch
- Largely replaced by Didot system by 1800
The digital revolution eliminated these variations. Today, when anyone uses "point" in typography, they mean the 1/72-inch DTP point unless explicitly stated otherwise.
The inch is a unit of length in the British imperial and United States customary systems of measurement. Since the international yard and pound agreement of 1959, one inch has been defined as exactly 2.54 centimeters. This makes the inch equal to 1/12 of a foot, 1/36 of a yard, and 25.4 millimeters precisely.
The inch is denoted by the symbol in or by a double prime mark ″ (e.g., 5″ means 5 inches). In engineering drawings and construction blueprints, dimensions are typically expressed in feet and inches (e.g., 5′-3″ means 5 feet, 3 inches).
Unlike the metric system with its consistent decimal relationships, the inch exists within a complex system where 12 inches make a foot, 3 feet make a yard, and 1,760 yards make a mile. This fractional system reflects the inch's origins in human-scale measurements rather than mathematical convenience.
Note: The Point (Typography) is part of the imperial/US customary system, primarily used in the US, UK, and Canada for everyday measurements. The Inch belongs to the imperial/US customary system.
History of the Point (Typography) and Inch
Early Typography: The Cicero and Finger-Width (1400s-1700s)
Early European printing used inconsistent measurements based on:
- The cicero: A unit based on the line width of a specific typeface (Cicero type), varying by region
- Local inches and feet: Each region had different inch definitions
- Finger widths and eyeball estimates: Printers adjusted type spacing by hand
This inconsistency made it nearly impossible to share typeface designs or maintain consistency across print shops.
Pierre Simon Fournier: The First Point System (1737)
French typefounder Pierre Simon Fournier le Jeune published "Table des proportions" (1737), introducing the first systematic point system:
- Based the point on the French royal inch (pouce du roi)
- Divided the inch into 72 points (a number divisible by many factors: 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12)
- Created 20 standardized font sizes
- Named sizes after musical terms (e.g., "Petit-Canon," "Gros-Parangon")
Fournier's system brought mathematical precision to typography for the first time, allowing typefounders to create consistent, proportional type families.
François-Ambroise Didot: The Didot Point (1783)
François-Ambroise Didot, another French typefounder, refined Fournier's system by basing measurements on the pied du roi (royal foot):
- 1 Didot point = 1/72 of 1/12 of the pied du roi ≈ 0.3759 mm
- Larger than Fournier's point (about 7% bigger)
- Created the cicero as 12 Didot points
- Established type size naming still used today (e.g., corps 8, corps 12)
The Didot system became the standard across Continental Europe and remains influential in French and German typography traditions. Some European printing specifications still reference "Didot" even today when discussing historical typography.
American and British Variations (1800s)
The 19th century saw typography spread across the English-speaking world, but without international standards:
American Point System (established c. 1886):
- Created by the United States Type Founders Association
- Based on the pica: 1 pica = 0.166 inches
- Therefore: 1 point = 0.166/12 ≈ 0.013837 inches
- Result: approximately 72.27 points per inch
British Imperial Point:
- Similar to American system but based on British imperial inch
- Also approximately 72.27 points per inch
- Created incompatibilities when Britain and US used different inch definitions before 1959
This proliferation of standards created international printing chaos. A "12 point" font in France was noticeably different from "12 point" in Britain or America.
Adobe PostScript: The Digital Revolution (1982-1985)
The desktop publishing revolution began when Adobe Systems developed PostScript, a page description language for laser printers:
John Warnock and Charles Geschke (Adobe founders) faced a choice: adopt historical point systems with fractional relationships to inches, or create a new, mathematically clean standard.
They chose simplicity: 1 point = exactly 1/72 inch
This decision meant:
- Easy calculation: multiply by 72 to convert inches to points
- Clean pixel mapping on early displays (72 DPI screens made 1 point = 1 pixel)
- No fractional arithmetic in computer calculations
- Complete break from historical confusion
Apple LaserWriter and Macintosh (1985)
Apple Computer licensed Adobe PostScript for the Macintosh computer and LaserWriter printer (launched January 1985):
- First affordable desktop publishing system
- 72 DPI screen resolution matched PostScript's 72 points/inch
- Onscreen "What You See Is What You Get" (WYSIWYG): Text appeared on screen at the exact size it would print
- Revolutionary for designers: no more calculating conversions
The LaserWriter cost $7,000 (expensive but far cheaper than typesetting equipment costing $50,000+), making professional typography accessible to small businesses and independent designers.
Industry Standardization (1985-1995)
The DTP point rapidly became universal:
1987: Adobe releases Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop (1990), both using PostScript points
1987: PageMaker (Aldus, later Adobe) becomes industry-standard layout software
1990s: Microsoft adopts 72 points/inch in Word, PowerPoint, Publisher
1996: CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) defines the pt unit as 1/72 inch for web typography
2000s: All professional design software (InDesign, Quark, CorelDRAW) standardizes on DTP point
By 2000, the historical Didot and pica points had effectively vanished from active use. The DTP point achieved something remarkable: complete global standardization of a measurement unit in just 15 years.
Modern Digital Era (2000-Present)
Today's typography operates in a world of complete point standardization:
- Print design: All software uses 72 pt/inch
- Web design: CSS
ptunits defined as 1/72 inch (thoughpxandemare more common online) - Mobile apps: iOS, Android use point-based typography systems
- E-readers: Kindle, Apple Books use point-based font sizing
- Office software: Word, Google Docs, Apple Pages all use identical point measurements
The point has become so universal that most designers under 40 have never encountered historical point systems. The DTP point is simply "the point."
The inch has one of the longest continuous histories of any modern measurement unit, with roots stretching back over two millennia.
Ancient Origins: The Roman "uncia" (meaning one-twelfth) represented 1/12 of a Roman foot, similar to our modern inch. When the Romans occupied Britain, they brought this measurement system with them, establishing a tradition that would last far beyond their empire.
Medieval Definitions: Throughout the Middle Ages, various rulers attempted to standardize the inch using body-based measurements. King Edward I of England ordered in 1305 that an inch should equal the length of three barleycorns (grains of barley) laid end to end. King Edward II formalized this in 1324, making it English law. Other definitions included the width of a man's thumb at the base of the nail.
Regional Variations: Before standardization, different regions maintained slightly different inch measurements. The Tower inch, Merchant's inch, and Cloth inch all differed slightly, causing confusion in trade and construction. The French pouce (thumb) was approximately 1.066 English inches.
1959 International Agreement: The modern inch was defined by the international yard and pound agreement signed by the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. They agreed that 1 yard equals exactly 0.9144 meters, making 1 inch exactly 2.54 centimeters. This ended centuries of slight variations and created perfect mathematical alignment between imperial and metric systems.
US Survey Inch: For a time, the US maintained two slightly different inches—the international inch (2.54 cm exactly) and the US survey inch (2.540005080010160020 cm, based on the Mendenhall Order of 1893). As of January 1, 2023, the US officially retired the survey inch, making all American measurements use the international inch exclusively.
Common Uses and Applications: points vs inches
Explore the typical applications for both Point (Typography) (imperial/US) and Inch (imperial/US) to understand their common contexts.
Common Uses for points
1. Document Typography and Word Processing
Body Text Standards:
- 10-12 pt: Standard body text for business documents, reports, letters
- 11 pt: Often considered optimal for printed books (balance of readability and page economy)
- 12 pt: Default in Microsoft Word, Google Docs; universally acceptable for any document
- 14 pt: Large print books for readers with visual impairments
Heading Hierarchies: Professional documents typically use 3-5 heading levels with systematic point size progression:
- H1 (Title): 18-24 pt, bold
- H2 (Major sections): 16-18 pt, bold
- H3 (Subsections): 14-16 pt, bold
- H4 (Minor subsections): 12-14 pt, bold or italic
- Body text: 10-12 pt, regular
This creates clear visual hierarchy while maintaining readability.
2. Professional Graphic Design and Layout
Adobe Creative Suite Standards:
- InDesign: All text boxes, frames, and measurements in points
- Illustrator: Artboard rulers can display points; all typography in points
- Photoshop: Type tool uses points by default
Print Design Specifications:
- Business cards: Names typically 14-18 pt, contact info 8-10 pt
- Brochures: Headlines 24-36 pt, body text 9-11 pt
- Posters: Titles 48-144+ pt depending on viewing distance
- Magazine layouts: Body 9-10 pt (smaller for dense content), headlines 18-48 pt
Grid Systems: Many designers use point-based grids: 12 pt baseline grids ensure consistent vertical rhythm across pages.
3. Web Typography (CSS)
CSS supports points, though pixels and ems are more common for responsive design:
body {
font-size: 12pt; /* Equivalent to 16px at 96 DPI */
}
h1 {
font-size: 24pt; /* Prints at exactly 1/3 inch tall */
}
@media print {
body { font-size: 11pt; } /* Optimize for printed output */
}
Print Stylesheets: Points are ideal for @media print CSS rules since they translate directly to physical printed size.
Fixed Layouts: PDF generators and print-to-web applications often use point-based layouts for predictable output.
4. Font Design and Development
Em Square Definition:
- Font designers work within an em square measured in points
- Traditionally 1000 or 2048 units per em square (OpenType fonts)
- Defines the bounding box for all characters
Typeface Specifications:
- X-height: Ratio of lowercase 'x' height to full em square (typically 0.5-0.6)
- Cap height: Uppercase letter height (typically 0.65-0.75 of em square)
- Ascenders/descenders: Extensions above/below baseline
All these proportions maintain their relationships regardless of point size, so a typeface designed with good proportions at 12 pt will remain readable at 8 pt or 72 pt.
5. Publishing and Book Design
Book Industry Standards:
- Fiction novels: 10-12 pt body text, typically Garamond, Baskerville, or Caslon
- Textbooks: 10-11 pt body, 8-9 pt captions/sidebars
- Children's books: 14-18 pt for early readers, larger for picture books
- Academic journals: 10-11 pt Times New Roman or similar serif fonts
Line Spacing (Leading): Traditionally measured in points: 10 pt text with 12 pt leading (written "10/12" and pronounced "ten on twelve") means 10 pt font with 2 pts of extra space between lines.
6. Screen Display and User Interface Design
Operating System Defaults:
- Windows: 96 DPI screen resolution → 12 pt = 16 pixels
- macOS (historical): 72 DPI → 12 pt = 12 pixels (now uses points independently of DPI)
- Retina/HiDPI displays: Points now represent logical pixels rather than physical pixels
Mobile App Guidelines:
- iOS: Uses point as device-independent unit; 1 pt = 1 logical pixel (2-3 physical pixels on Retina)
- Android: Uses density-independent pixels (dp), roughly equivalent to points
Accessibility Standards:
- WCAG 2.1: Recommends minimum 14 pt (18.67 px at 96 DPI) for body text
- Large print: 18 pt or larger considered "large print" for accessibility
7. Technical Drawing and CAD (Limited Use)
While engineering drawings typically use millimeters or inches, annotation text in CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks) is specified in points:
- Drawing notes: 10-12 pt
- Dimension labels: 8-10 pt
- Title blocks: 14-24 pt
This ensures text remains readable when drawings are printed or exported to PDF.
When to Use inches
Home Construction and Renovation
Residential construction in the United States operates almost exclusively in inches and feet. Standard framing uses 16-inch or 24-inch on-center stud spacing, creating modular dimensions that align with 48-inch-wide drywall and plywood sheets. Contractors calculate materials in board feet and square footage, but individual measurements are precise to 1/16 inch.
Kitchen cabinets come in 3-inch width increments (12″, 15″, 18″, 21″, 24″, 27″, 30″, 33″, 36″), with standard depth of 24 inches for base cabinets and 12 inches for wall cabinets. Countertop height standardizes at 36 inches, while bar counters sit at 42 inches. These dimensions have remained unchanged for decades, creating an entire ecosystem of compatible fixtures, appliances, and hardware.
Tile installation relies on precise inch measurements. Floor tiles commonly measure 12″ × 12″, 12″ × 24″, or 24″ × 24″. Wall tiles might be 3″ × 6″ subway tiles or 4″ × 4″ ceramic squares. Grout line spacing typically runs 1/16″ to 1/4″ depending on tile type. Tile setters work to extremely tight tolerances, as even 1/16-inch variation across a room becomes visibly noticeable.
Manufacturing and Machining
American manufacturing maintains imperial measurements for historical and practical reasons. Machine shops operate in decimal inches (0.001″ = 1 "thou" or 1 "mil"), with precision machining achieving tolerances of ±0.0001″ (one ten-thousandth of an inch, called a "tenth").
Thread specifications use threads per inch (TPI): 1/4″-20 means a 1/4-inch diameter bolt with 20 threads per inch. Common thread pitches include coarse (UNC) and fine (UNF) standards, with sizes ranging from #0-80 (tiny electronic screws) to several inches in diameter for industrial equipment.
Sheet metal thickness traditionally uses gauge numbers (inversely related to thickness in inches). 20-gauge steel is approximately 0.036 inches thick, while 10-gauge is 0.135 inches. However, modern manufacturing increasingly specifies thickness in decimal inches (0.063″ aluminum sheet) for clarity.
CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines can work in either inches or millimeters, but American shops predominantly program in inches. A machinist might bore a hole to 0.5005″ diameter to accept a 1/2-inch precision shaft with 0.0005″ clearance.
Fasteners and Hardware
The American fastener industry operates entirely in imperial measurements. Screw and bolt diameters are specified in fractions (1/4″, 5/16″, 3/8″, 1/2″) or gauge numbers (#4, #6, #8, #10). Thread pitch is given in threads per inch.
Common bolt sizes and their applications:
- 1/4″-20: Electronics, light fixtures, small brackets
- 5/16″-18: Medium structural connections, automotive
- 3/8″-16: Heavy brackets, machinery, automotive chassis
- 1/2″-13: Structural steel, heavy machinery, trailer hitches
- 5/8″-11: Building construction, large structural connections
- 3/4″-10: Industrial equipment, heavy structural steel
Hex keys (Allen wrenches) come in fractional inch sizes: 1/16″, 5/64″, 3/32″, 1/8″, 5/32″, 3/16″, 7/32″, 1/4″, 5/16″, and 3/8″. Metric hex keys are incompatible—a 5mm key is 0.197″, close to but not quite matching 3/16″ (0.1875″) or 1/4″ (0.25″).
Display Technology and Photography
Television and monitor sizes are universally described by screen diagonal in inches, even in metric countries. This convention originated with cathode ray tubes, where the diagonal measurement corresponded to the visible screen area inside the bezel.
Common display sizes and their uses:
- 24″ monitors: Standard office workstation
- 27″ monitors: Popular desktop size, ideal for 1440p resolution
- 32″ monitors: Large desktop or small TV
- 43″ TVs: Small bedroom TV
- 55″ TVs: Most popular living room size
- 65″ TVs: Premium living room standard
- 75″ TVs: Home theater
- 85″+ TVs: Luxury home cinema
Photography inherited imperial measurements from early camera equipment. Sensor sizes reference inches in confusing ways—a "1-inch sensor" is actually much smaller (13.2 × 8.8 mm), referencing the outer diameter of an obsolete video camera tube rather than the actual sensor dimensions.
Large format photography uses inch measurements directly: 4×5″ and 8×10″ sheet film, or medium format 6×4.5cm, 6×6cm, 6×7cm (which are actually metric despite being called 120 film).
Plumbing and Pipe Systems
Plumbing pipe sizes in the US use nominal measurements that don't match actual dimensions. A "1/2-inch pipe" has an inside diameter of approximately 0.622″ and outside diameter of 0.840″. This naming convention dates back to when pipe walls were much thicker.
Common pipe sizes and uses:
- 1/2″ nominal: Standard water supply lines to fixtures
- 3/4″ nominal: Main water supply within house
- 1″ nominal: Supply from water meter to house
- 1½″ nominal: Sink drain lines
- 2″ nominal: Toilet drain, main stack
- 3″ nominal: Main drain, sewer connection
- 4″ nominal: Main building drain and sewer
Copper pipe uses different sizing: Type M, L, and K copper all have the same outside diameter for a given size, but different wall thicknesses. PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) tubing uses actual measurements—1/2″ PEX has a 0.500″ outside diameter.
Weather Reporting and Climatology
United States weather forecasting measures precipitation in inches. The National Weather Service issues warnings based on inch thresholds:
- Flash Flood Watch: Expected 1-2 inches in one hour or 3-4 inches in several hours
- Heavy Snow Warning: 6+ inches in 12 hours or 8+ inches in 24 hours
- Blizzard Warning: 3+ hours of heavy snow with sustained winds 35+ mph
Rainfall intensity rates:
- Light rain: <0.10 inches per hour
- Moderate rain: 0.10 to 0.30 inches per hour
- Heavy rain: >0.30 inches per hour
Annual precipitation varies dramatically across the US:
- Las Vegas, NV: 4.2 inches per year (desert)
- Phoenix, AZ: 8.3 inches per year
- Los Angeles, CA: 14.9 inches per year
- New York, NY: 46.2 inches per year
- Seattle, WA: 37.5 inches per year
- Miami, FL: 61.9 inches per year
- Mobile, AL: 67.0 inches per year (wettest major US city)
- Mt. Waialeale, HI: 450+ inches per year (one of Earth's wettest places)
Automotive and Cycling
American automotive specifications traditionally use inches:
- Wheel Diameter: 15″, 16″, 17″, 18″, 19″, 20″, 22″ (passenger vehicles)
- Tire Width: Given in millimeters, but wheel size in inches (e.g., 225/65R17)
- Ground Clearance: Often stated in inches (e.g., 8.6″ clearance)
- Cargo Space: Cubic feet, with dimensions in inches
- Engine Displacement: Historically cubic inches (350 cu in = 5.7L), now usually liters
Bicycle sizing uses a mix of systems. Mountain bike wheels measure 26″, 27.5″ (650B), or 29″ in diameter. Road bikes use the 700c standard (approximately 27″ diameter, derived from French sizing). Frame sizes might be given in inches (17″ mountain bike) or centimeters (56cm road bike) depending on manufacturer and tradition.
HVAC and Duct Work
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in the US specify duct sizes in inches. Rectangular ductwork might be 6″ × 10″, 8″ × 12″, or 10″ × 16″. Round ducts come in 4″, 6″, 8″, 10″, and 12″ diameters.
Air register and vent sizes are standardized in inches:
- Floor registers: 4″ × 10″, 4″ × 12″, 4″ × 14″
- Wall registers: 6″ × 10″, 6″ × 12″, 8″ × 10″
- Return air grilles: 14″ × 24″, 16″ × 20″, 20″ × 20″
Furnace filters use inch sizing: 16″ × 20″ × 1″, 16″ × 25″ × 1″, 20″ × 25″ × 4″. The first two dimensions are the face size, and the third is the thickness. Standard filters are 1″ thick, while pleated media filters might be 4″ or 5″ thick for better filtration and airflow.
Additional Unit Information
About Point (Typography) (pt)
How many points are in an inch?
Exactly 72 points (pt) = 1 inch (in) in the modern DTP point system used by all contemporary software. This creates simple conversions:
- 36 pt = 0.5 inches (half inch)
- 18 pt = 0.25 inches (quarter inch)
- 144 pt = 2 inches
Historically, European Didot points (≈67.55 per inch) and American pica points (≈72.27 per inch) used slightly different ratios, but these are obsolete in modern typography.
What is the difference between a point and a pixel?
Points are physical length units (1/72 inch), used for print and when physical size matters. Pixels are device-dependent digital display units whose physical size varies by screen resolution:
- On 96 DPI screens (Windows/web standard): 1 pt = 1.333 pixels
- On 72 DPI screens (old Mac standard): 1 pt = 1 pixel
- On Retina/HiDPI displays: 1 pt = 2-4 physical pixels (but still 1.333 "logical" pixels)
Use points for print design where physical dimensions matter. Use pixels or ems for responsive web design where consistency across devices matters more than absolute size.
What does 12 pt font mean?
12 pt font means the font's em square (the invisible bounding box containing the letters plus spacing) is 12 points (1/6 inch or 4.23 mm) tall. This includes:
- Ascenders: Parts above the baseline (tops of 'h', 'b', 'd')
- Descenders: Parts below the baseline (tails of 'g', 'y', 'p')
- Built-in spacing: Extra vertical room above and below
The actual visible letter height (called x-height for lowercase or cap height for capitals) is typically 60-70% of the point size. So 12 pt text has capital letters around 8-9 points (0.11-0.125 inches) tall, with the remaining space used for descenders and line spacing.
Why are there exactly 72 points in an inch?
Adobe Systems chose 72 because it's highly divisible: 72 = 2³ × 3² = 8 × 9, with factors including 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36. This makes common fractions simple:
- 1/2 inch = 36 pt
- 1/3 inch = 24 pt
- 1/4 inch = 18 pt
- 1/6 inch = 12 pt (standard body text)
- 1/8 inch = 9 pt
Additionally, early Macintosh screens used 72 DPI (dots per inch), making 1 point = 1 pixel—perfect for WYSIWYG ("what you see is what you get") design. Text appeared onscreen at its exact printed size.
Historically, Pierre Simon Fournier's 1737 system also used 72 points/inch for the same mathematical convenience, though his "inch" was the French royal inch, slightly different from today's international inch.
What's the difference between points and picas?
Points and picas are related typographic units:
- 1 pica = 12 points
- 6 picas = 72 points = 1 inch
- 1 pica = 1/6 inch ≈ 4.233 mm
Points are used for font sizes and small measurements (12 pt text, 2 pt line thickness). Picas are used for larger layout dimensions (column widths, page margins, grid spacing).
Example: A newspaper column might be "12 picas wide" (2 inches / 144 points) with "9 pt body text" and "1 pica margins" (12 points / 1/6 inch).
Both units are part of the same measurement system and convert simply (multiply or divide by 12), making calculations easy while providing appropriately-scaled units for different design elements.
How do I convert points to millimeters?
Formula: millimeters = points × 0.352777... (exact value: 25.4 / 72)
Simplified: millimeters ≈ points × 0.353 (accurate within 0.01%)
Quick conversions:
- 10 pt = 3.53 mm
- 12 pt = 4.23 mm
- 14 pt = 4.94 mm
- 18 pt = 6.35 mm
- 24 pt = 8.47 mm
- 72 pt = 25.4 mm (exactly 1 inch)
Reverse conversion (millimeters to points): points = millimeters × 2.834645... ≈ millimeters × 2.835
Example: A European specification requires "4 mm text." You need: 4 mm × 2.835 ≈ 11.34 pt (round to 11 pt or 11.5 pt).
Is 12 pt the same size in Word and Photoshop?
Yes, exactly. All modern software—Microsoft Word, Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Google Docs, Apple Pages—uses the same DTP point definition (1/72 inch). 12 pt text will measure exactly 1/6 inch (4.23 mm) when printed from any of these applications.
However, onscreen appearance may differ slightly due to:
- Font rendering differences: Windows ClearType vs. Mac font smoothing displays the same physical size slightly differently
- Screen zoom levels: If Word is zoomed to 150%, text appears larger on screen but still prints at correct physical size
- Different default fonts: Word's default Calibri looks different from Photoshop's default Arial, even at the same point size
But when measured with a ruler on printed output, 12 pt is always exactly 1/6 inch across all applications.
Why doesn't my 12 pt text look 12 points tall on screen?
Your screen zoom level affects apparent size, but the text will still print at correct physical dimensions:
- 100% zoom: 12 pt text appears at approximately true physical size (depending on monitor size and resolution)
- 200% zoom: 12 pt text appears twice as large on screen but still prints at 1/6 inch (4.23 mm)
- 50% zoom: Text appears half-size on screen but prints correctly
Most word processors and design software show the current zoom level in the bottom toolbar. Page view at 100% zoom usually displays content close to actual print size, though this depends on your monitor's physical dimensions and resolution.
To verify true size, print a test page and measure with a ruler: 12 pt text should measure exactly 0.167 inches or 4.23 mm from the top of the tallest letter to the bottom of descenders.
What's the best point size for body text?
10-12 pt is the standard range for printed body text, with specific recommendations depending on context:
Printed Documents:
- 10 pt: Acceptable minimum; used for dense content (textbooks, references)
- 11 pt: Comfortable reading size for most book typography
- 12 pt: Default in Microsoft Word; universally acceptable for any document
Digital/Screen Display:
- 12-16 pt (or 16-21 pixels at 96 DPI): More comfortable for extended screen reading due to backlit display eye strain
- 14-18 pt: Recommended for accessibility and readers with vision impairments
Factors affecting choice:
- Font design: Fonts with larger x-height (like Verdana) are readable at smaller sizes than fonts with small x-height (like Garamond)
- Line length: Longer lines benefit from larger text (12+ pt)
- Reader age: Older audiences benefit from 12-14 pt minimum
- Reading distance: Presentations and signage require much larger text (18+ pt)
When in doubt, 12 pt is the safe, professional standard for nearly all applications.
Can I use points for web design?
Yes, but it's discouraged for screen-only designs. Here's why:
Points in CSS:
CSS supports the pt unit (1/72 inch), but it's primarily useful for print stylesheets:
@media print {
body { font-size: 11pt; } /* Predictable printed size */
h1 { font-size: 18pt; }
}
Why not for screen:
- Not responsive: Points are absolute units, don't scale with user preferences or viewport size
- Accessibility issues: Users who increase browser font size won't affect point-sized text
- Device variations: Different pixel densities make points appear inconsistent across devices
Better alternatives for screen:
- Relative units (
em,rem): Scale with user preferences - Pixels (
px): Precise control with media queries - Viewport units (
vw,vh): Scale with screen size
Best practice: Use pixels or rems for screen, points for print stylesheets.
What is leading and how does it relate to points?
Leading (pronounced "led-ing") is the vertical space between lines of text, measured in points from baseline to baseline. The term comes from traditional typesetting, where thin strips of lead metal were inserted between lines of type.
Standard leading conventions:
- Solid leading: Leading = font size (10 pt text with 10 pt leading = "10/10")
- Lines touch; rarely used except for display type
- Normal leading: Leading = 120% of font size (10 pt text with 12 pt leading = "10/12")
- Default in most word processors
- Comfortable reading with adequate space
- Loose leading: Leading = 140-160% of font size (10 pt text with 14-16 pt leading = "10/14" or "10/16")
- Airy, easy to read
- Used for accessibility, children's books
Example: 12 pt text with 14.4 pt leading means:
- Font size: 12 points (1/6 inch)
- Space from baseline to baseline: 14.4 points (0.2 inches)
- Extra space between lines: 2.4 points (0.033 inches)
Too-tight leading makes text hard to read (lines blur together). Too-loose leading creates disconnected "rivers" of white space.
Do fonts actually differ in "12 pt" size?
Yes and no. All 12 pt fonts have the same em square (the bounding box), but they can look very different sizes due to:
X-height variation:
- High x-height fonts (Verdana, Arial): Lowercase letters occupy 50-60% of em square → appear larger
- Low x-height fonts (Garamond, Bodoni): Lowercase letters occupy 40-50% of em square → appear smaller
Example:
- 12 pt Verdana: Lowercase 'x' is about 6-7 points tall (very readable)
- 12 pt Garamond: Lowercase 'x' is about 5-6 points tall (more elegant but smaller)
Both fonts have the same 12 pt em square, but Verdana allocates more of that space to letter height and less to descenders/ascenders, making it appear larger.
Practical implication: When switching fonts in a document, you may need to adjust point size to maintain similar apparent size. Replacing 12 pt Garamond with 12 pt Verdana might look too large; 11 pt Verdana may better match the original appearance.
This is why typographers often specify fonts and sizes together: "11 pt Garamond" and "10 pt Verdana" can provide similar readability despite different nominal sizes.
About Inch (in)
How many inches are in a foot?
There are exactly 12 inches in one foot. This relationship is fixed by definition in the US customary and imperial systems. The division of a foot into 12 parts dates back to ancient Roman measurements and remained standard because 12 is easily divisible by 2, 3, 4, and 6—making fractional measurements convenient in practical applications.
To convert feet to inches, multiply by 12. To convert inches to feet, divide by 12.
- 5 feet = 5 × 12 = 60 inches
- 48 inches = 48 ÷ 12 = 4 feet
- 3 feet 7 inches = (3 × 12) + 7 = 43 inches total
How many centimeters are in an inch?
One inch equals exactly 2.54 centimeters. This relationship was established by the 1959 international yard and pound agreement, which defined the yard as exactly 0.9144 meters. Since one inch equals 1/36 of a yard, it works out to precisely 2.54 cm.
This is one of the few perfectly defined relationships between imperial and metric systems. There's no rounding or approximation—it's exactly 2.54000... cm per inch by international agreement.
To convert inches to centimeters, multiply by 2.54. To convert centimeters to inches, divide by 2.54.
- 10 inches = 10 × 2.54 = 25.4 cm
- 50 cm = 50 ÷ 2.54 = 19.685 inches
Why does the US still use inches instead of the metric system?
The United States remains one of only three countries (along with Myanmar and Liberia) not officially using the metric system, largely due to historical momentum, infrastructure costs, and cultural identity.
Infrastructure Investment: The US has trillions of dollars invested in imperial-based infrastructure—road signs showing miles, construction materials in feet and inches, manufacturing equipment calibrated in thousandths of an inch, pipelines in inch diameters, and billions of blueprints in feet-inches notation. Converting all of this would cost an estimated $370 billion to $1 trillion.
Industry Standardization: American manufacturing, construction, and engineering have perfected systems around imperial measurements over centuries. Millions of workers are trained in inches and feet. Changing would require retraining entire industries and replacing countless tools, gauges, and documentation.
Cultural Resistance: Americans intuitively understand inches, feet, and miles from childhood. Polls consistently show that most Americans oppose mandatory metric conversion, viewing it as unnecessary government overreach. Unlike temperature (where Fahrenheit provides finer granularity for weather), length measurements in inches don't provide any practical advantage—but changing feels like abandoning tradition.
Failed Conversion Attempts: Congress passed the Metric Conversion Act in 1975, making metric the "preferred system" but keeping adoption voluntary. Without enforcement, industries continued using imperial. A 1982 push to convert road signs to kilometers was abandoned after fierce public backlash.
Partial Adoption: The US actually uses metric extensively in science, medicine, military, and some industries. All US customary units are now legally defined in terms of metric units. Americans live in a hybrid system—drinking 2-liter sodas while driving 65 miles per hour.
What's the difference between decimal inches and fractional inches?
Fractional inches express measurements as common fractions: 1/2″, 3/4″, 5/8″, 7/16″, 15/32″. This system dominates carpentry, construction, and mechanical work. Rulers and tape measures show fraction markings—typically down to 1/16″ for standard use and 1/32″ for precision carpentry.
Decimal inches express measurements as decimal values: 0.5″, 0.75″, 0.625″, 0.4375″, 0.46875″. Engineering drawings, machining, and manufacturing prefer decimals because they're easier to calculate with, especially for tolerances and fits.
Both systems describe the same measurements:
- 1/2″ = 0.500″
- 3/4″ = 0.750″
- 5/8″ = 0.625″
- 1/8″ = 0.125″
Machine shops often work in "thousandths" (0.001″, called a "thou" or "mil") for precision. A machinist might drill a 0.257″ diameter hole—trying to express this as a fraction (257/1000″) would be impractical.
Carpenters and builders work in fractions because tape measures show fractions, and because halving measurements repeatedly (1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32) is natural in layout work.
How accurate is an inch measurement?
The definition of an inch is exact: 2.54 centimeters precisely, or 25.4 millimeters. There's no uncertainty in the standard itself.
Practical accuracy depends on the measuring tool:
- Ruler or tape measure: Accurate to roughly ±1/16″ (±1.6 mm) for careful work
- Steel ruler with machinist's markings: ±1/32″ (±0.8 mm) when read carefully
- Dial calipers: ±0.001″ (±0.025 mm) typical accuracy
- Digital calipers: ±0.0005″ (±0.013 mm) for quality instruments
- Micrometers: ±0.0001″ (±0.0025 mm) for precision tools
- Coordinate measuring machines (CMM): ±0.00005″ (±0.0013 mm) or better
Different trades require different precision:
- House framing: ±1/8″ is usually acceptable
- Finish carpentry: ±1/16″ or better for visible joints
- Cabinetmaking: ±1/32″ for tight-fitting doors and drawers
- Machining: ±0.001″ (one thousandth) for standard fits
- Precision machining: ±0.0001″ (one ten-thousandth, called a "tenth")
- Gauge blocks (calibration standards): Accurate to millionths of an inch
Can I use a metric wrench on an inch bolt?
Generally no—metric and imperial fasteners are incompatible. While some sizes appear close, using the wrong wrench damages bolt heads and nuts.
Why they're incompatible: Metric sockets and wrenches are sized in millimeters (8mm, 10mm, 13mm, 17mm), while imperial fasteners use fractional inches (5/16″, 3/8″, 1/2″, 5/8″). These don't align:
- 13mm = 0.512″ (close to 1/2″ = 0.500″, but not exact)
- 10mm = 0.394″ (between 3/8″ = 0.375″ and 7/16″ = 0.438″)
The result: A 13mm wrench on a 1/2″ bolt will be 0.012″ too large—enough to round off the hex corners with sufficient force. A 10mm wrench on a 3/8″ bolt won't fit at all.
Exception: In an emergency, you might carefully use a slightly large adjustable wrench or locking pliers, but this risks damaging the fastener. Always use the correct system—if you work on American-made equipment, you need inch tools. For European or Japanese equipment, you need metric tools.
Many professional mechanics maintain complete sets of both imperial and metric sockets, wrenches, and hex keys—a significant investment but essential for working on diverse equipment.
What does the ″ symbol mean?
The double prime symbol ″ represents inches in technical drawings, blueprints, and mathematical contexts. A single prime ′ represents feet.
Standard notation:
- 5′ = five feet
- 5″ = five inches
- 5′-3″ = five feet, three inches
- 5′-3½″ = five feet, three and a half inches
Origin: These symbols come from astronomical and geometric notation, where they represented divisions of degrees (°). A degree divided by 60 gives minutes (′), and a minute divided by 60 gives seconds (″). This notation was borrowed for feet and inches because of the similar subdividing relationship.
Common substitution: Because typewriters and keyboards lack easy access to proper prime symbols, people often substitute:
- Apostrophe (') for feet: 5' tall
- Quotation mark (") for inches: 5" wide
- Both together: 5'-3" tall
In professional CAD drawings and blueprints, proper prime symbols (′ and ″) are standard. In casual writing, apostrophes and quotes are acceptable and universally understood.
How is screen size measured in inches?
Display screen sizes (TVs, monitors, tablets, smartphones) are always measured diagonally from one corner to the opposite corner, measuring only the visible screen area (not the bezel or frame).
Why diagonal? This convention originated with cathode ray tubes (CRTs), where the diagonal measurement corresponded to the size of the round tube face. When rectangular screens became standard, the diagonal measurement convention persisted for consistency.
Practical dimensions for common sizes:
TVs (16:9 aspect ratio):
- 55″ diagonal = approximately 48″ wide × 27″ tall
- 65″ diagonal = approximately 56.7″ wide × 31.9″ tall
- 75″ diagonal = approximately 65.4″ wide × 36.8″ tall
Monitors (16:9 aspect ratio):
- 24″ diagonal = approximately 20.9″ wide × 11.8″ tall
- 27″ diagonal = approximately 23.5″ wide × 13.2″ tall
Why this matters: When planning where to place a TV or monitor, you need the actual width and height, not the diagonal. Always check specifications for exact dimensions. Also add 1-2 inches in each direction to account for the bezel.
How do I convert inches to millimeters?
To convert inches to millimeters, multiply by 25.4. This gives you an exact result because the inch is legally defined as exactly 2.54 centimeters (25.4 millimeters).
Formula: millimeters = inches × 25.4
Examples:
- 1 inch = 1 × 25.4 = 25.4 mm
- 2 inches = 2 × 25.4 = 50.8 mm
- 0.5 inches = 0.5 × 25.4 = 12.7 mm
- 10 inches = 10 × 25.4 = 254 mm
- 3.25 inches = 3.25 × 25.4 = 82.55 mm
Converting fractional inches: First convert the fraction to a decimal, then multiply by 25.4:
- 1/2″ = 0.5″ = 0.5 × 25.4 = 12.7 mm
- 3/4″ = 0.75″ = 0.75 × 25.4 = 19.05 mm
- 5/8″ = 0.625″ = 0.625 × 25.4 = 15.875 mm
- 1/8″ = 0.125″ = 0.125 × 25.4 = 3.175 mm
Reverse conversion (mm to inches): Divide millimeters by 25.4:
- 50 mm = 50 ÷ 25.4 = 1.969 inches (approximately 2 inches)
- 100 mm = 100 ÷ 25.4 = 3.937 inches (approximately 4 inches)
For quick mental estimates, remember that 25mm ≈ 1 inch. This gives you approximately correct values for rough planning, though it slightly underestimates (25mm is actually 0.984 inches).
Why are lumber dimensions not the actual size?
Lumber in the United States is sold using nominal dimensions—traditional names that don't match the actual milled size. A "2×4" is actually 1.5″ × 3.5″, not 2″ × 4″.
Historical reason: Originally, rough-cut lumber fresh from the sawmill did measure 2″ × 4″. However, the lumber then went through drying (removing moisture) and planing (smoothing surfaces), which reduced dimensions by approximately 1/4″ on each face. Rather than rename everything, the industry kept nominal sizing for ordering convenience while standardizing actual dimensions.
Standard actual dimensions:
- 2×4 → 1.5″ × 3.5″
- 2×6 → 1.5″ × 5.5″
- 2×8 → 1.5″ × 7.25″
- 2×10 → 1.5″ × 9.25″
- 2×12 → 1.5″ × 11.25″
- 4×4 → 3.5″ × 3.5″
- 1×4 → 0.75″ × 3.5″
- 1×6 → 0.75″ × 5.5″
These dimensions are mandated by the American Softwood Lumber Standard (PS 20-20) and are consistent across all retailers.
Why this system persists: Construction is designed around nominal dimensions. Studs are spaced "16 inches on center" in walls, but everyone understands the actual stud is 1.5″ thick. Changing to actual dimension naming would require rewriting building codes, retraining millions of workers, and changing century-old industry conventions.
Important for DIY: Always design projects using actual lumber dimensions, not nominal. If you're building something that needs to be exactly 4 inches wide, a 2×4 laid flat won't work—it's only 3.5 inches.
What is the smallest measurement on a standard tape measure?
Most standard tape measures used in construction and carpentry show markings down to 1/16 inch as the smallest division. Each inch is divided into 16 equal parts, with various line lengths to indicate fractions:
- Longest lines: Every inch (1″, 2″, 3″...)
- Next longest: Half inches (1/2″, 1½″, 2½″...)
- Medium lines: Quarter inches (1/4″, 3/4″, 1¼″...)
- Shorter lines: Eighths (1/8″, 3/8″, 5/8″, 7/8″)
- Shortest lines: Sixteenths (1/16″, 3/16″, 5/16″... through 15/16″)
Precision tape measures for finish carpentry may show 1/32-inch divisions, doubling the number of marks. These are harder to read but provide twice the precision for fine woodworking.
Reading tape measures: The marks use a graduated system where longer marks indicate simpler fractions. The 1/2″ mark is the longest subdivision line, the 1/4″ and 3/4″ marks are slightly shorter, the 1/8″ marks are shorter still, and the 1/16″ marks are the shortest. This visual hierarchy makes it easier to count marks and identify positions quickly without having to count every line.
Practical accuracy: Even with 1/16″ markings, human error in marking and cutting typically limits practical accuracy to about ±1/16″ for construction work. Finish carpentry might achieve ±1/32″ with careful measurement and sharp marking.
For measurements more precise than 1/32 inch, professionals use dial calipers (readable to 0.001″) or digital calipers rather than tape measures.
Is an inch the same at different temperatures?
Technically, no. Metal expands when it gets hot. A steel ruler that is exactly 12 inches at room temperature will be slightly longer in the summer heat. This is why official standards are measured at 20°C (68°F). In high-precision manufacturing, factories are kept at a constant temperature so their measurements don't "drift."
What is the connection between barleycorns and shoe sizes?
The medieval definition of an inch as "three barleycorns" actually survives today in your shoes! One "size" in the UK and US shoe systems is exactly one barleycorn (1/3 of an inch). This is why a Size 10 is 1/3 of an inch longer than a Size 9.
Why is 120 film called 120 if it's 2.4 inches wide?
The name "120" was actually a catalog number given by Kodak in 1901. It doesn't relate to its width in millimeters or inches directly. However, the film is approximately 2.4 inches (61mm) wide, allowing for a variety of image formats like 2.25" x 2.25" (6x6).
What is a "Square Inch" of pressure?
In the US, tire pressure and steam pressure are measured in PSI (Pounds per Square Inch). It tells you how much force is pressing against a one-inch by one-inch square. For example, a car tire typically has 32 PSI.
How many inches are in a "Hands" measurement for horses?
Horses are measured in "hands," and one hand is exactly 4 inches. If a horse is 15 hands high, it means they are 60 inches tall at the shoulder.
What is the "Inch of Mercury" (inHg)?
Meteorologists use "inches of mercury" to measure air pressure. It refers to how high the pressure of the atmosphere can push a column of liquid mercury inside a glass tube. Standard sea-level pressure is about 29.92 inches.
Are "Mils" and "Millimeters" the same?
No! This is a dangerous mistake.
- In the US, a Mil is 1/1000th of an inch (0.001").
- A Millimeter is 1/1000th of a meter. One millimeter is about 39 mils. Mixing them up in manufacturing can lead to catastrophic failures.
Why are TV screens measured diagonally instead of width?
It started as a marketing trick in the early days of TV (when tubes were round). It made the number sound larger! A 55-inch diagonal TV sounds bigger than a 48-inch wide TV, even though they are the same physical object.
Can an inch be divided into 10 parts?
Yes! While tape measures use 8, 16, or 32 parts, engineers and land surveyors often use "Engineers' Scales" where an inch is divided into 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, or 60 parts. This makes it easier to use decimal math (e.g., 0.1", 0.2").
How many inches is a standard "brick"?
A standard US modular brick is 7 5/8 inches long, which allows for a 3/8-inch mortar joint to make the total unit exactly 8 inches long. This "8-inch module" is the secret to why brick patterns fit so perfectly together.
Conversion Table: Point (Typography) to Inch
| Point (Typography) (pt) | Inch (in) |
|---|---|
| 0.5 | 0.007 |
| 1 | 0.014 |
| 1.5 | 0.021 |
| 2 | 0.028 |
| 5 | 0.069 |
| 10 | 0.139 |
| 25 | 0.347 |
| 50 | 0.694 |
| 100 | 1.389 |
| 250 | 3.472 |
| 500 | 6.944 |
| 1,000 | 13.889 |
People Also Ask
How do I convert Point (Typography) to Inch?
To convert Point (Typography) to Inch, enter the value in Point (Typography) in the calculator above. The conversion will happen automatically. Use our free online converter for instant and accurate results. You can also visit our length converter page to convert between other units in this category.
Learn more →What is the conversion factor from Point (Typography) to Inch?
The conversion factor depends on the specific relationship between Point (Typography) and Inch. You can find the exact conversion formula and factor on this page. Our calculator handles all calculations automatically. See the conversion table above for common values.
Can I convert Inch back to Point (Typography)?
Yes! You can easily convert Inch back to Point (Typography) by using the swap button (⇌) in the calculator above, or by visiting our Inch to Point (Typography) converter page. You can also explore other length conversions on our category page.
Learn more →What are common uses for Point (Typography) and Inch?
Point (Typography) and Inch are both standard units used in length measurements. They are commonly used in various applications including engineering, construction, cooking, and scientific research. Browse our length converter for more conversion options.
For more length conversion questions, visit our FAQ page or explore our conversion guides.
Helpful Conversion Guides
Learn more about unit conversion with our comprehensive guides:
📚 How to Convert Units
Step-by-step guide to unit conversion with practical examples.
🔢 Conversion Formulas
Essential formulas for length and other conversions.
⚖️ Metric vs Imperial
Understand the differences between measurement systems.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
Learn about frequent errors and how to avoid them.
All Length Conversions
Other Length Units and Conversions
Explore other length units and their conversion options:
- Meter (m) • Point (Typography) to Meter
- Kilometer (km) • Point (Typography) to Kilometer
- Hectometer (hm) • Point (Typography) to Hectometer
- Decimeter (dm) • Point (Typography) to Decimeter
- Centimeter (cm) • Point (Typography) to Centimeter
- Millimeter (mm) • Point (Typography) to Millimeter
- Foot (ft) • Point (Typography) to Foot
- Yard (yd) • Point (Typography) to Yard
- Mile (mi) • Point (Typography) to Mile
- Nautical Mile (NM) • Point (Typography) to Nautical Mile
Verified Against Authority Standards
All conversion formulas have been verified against international standards and authoritative sources to ensure maximum accuracy and reliability.
National Institute of Standards and Technology — Official US standards for length measurements
Bureau International des Poids et Mesures — International System of Units official documentation
Last verified: February 19, 2026