Instantly convert EM to CM and CM to EM
A simple and fast tool to convert REM units to centimeter (cm) values and vice versa for your web and print designs.
How to Convert EM to CM
Step 1: Determine the Parent’s Font Size
Identify the font-size of the direct parent element in pixels. The `em` unit is relative to this value. Enter it in the “Parent Font Size” field above.
Step 2: Use the Conversion Formula
The formula to convert EM to centimeters is: `(EM Value * Parent Font Size) * 2.54 / 96`. This is based on the standard of 96 pixels per inch, and 2.54 centimeters per inch.
Result in CM = (EM * Parent PX) * 2.54 / 96
Step 3: Example Calculation
If you want to convert 2em to centimeters and the parent’s font size is 24px, the calculation is:
(2 * 24) * 2.54 / 96 = 1.27
So, 2em is equal to 1.27cm in this context.
Common EM to PC Reference
A quick reference table based on the parent font size set above.
EM to CM Converter Information
Understanding EM Units
The `em` unit is a relative unit of measurement in CSS. It is relative to the font-size of its direct parent element. This makes it powerful for creating components that scale within themselves, but can sometimes lead to complex calculations in nested elements.
Understanding Centimeters (CM)
The centimeter (cm) is a standard metric unit of length. In digital design, it provides a direct link to real-world physical dimensions, which is crucial for any work that will eventually be printed or needs to conform to physical standards. The conversion relies on a standard screen density of 96 DPI (Dots Per Inch).
Why Convert EM to CM?
Converting `em` to `cm` is useful when you need to align scalable web designs with fixed physical measurements for print or other real-world applications. This is important for:
- Print Stylesheets: When creating stylesheets for printing web pages, using `cm` ensures that fonts and layouts are sized correctly on paper.
- Design Consistency: For projects that span both digital and physical media, converting between `em` and `cm` helps maintain a consistent design language.
- Real-World Mockups: If you need to show how a web design element will look at its actual size, converting to `cm` can provide an accurate on-screen preview.