Instantly convert EM to PT and PT to EM
A simple and fast tool to convert EM units to PT values and vice versa for your web and print designs.
How to Convert EM to PT
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 points is: `(EM Value * Parent Font Size) * 0.75`. This is because 1px is equal to 0.75pt.
Result in PT = (EM * Parent PX) * 0.75
Step 3: Example Calculation
If you want to convert 1.5em to points and the parent’s font size is 16px, the calculation is:
(1.5 * 16) * 0.75 = 18
So, 1.5em is equal to 18pt in this context.
Common EM to PT Reference
A quick reference table based on the parent font size set above.
EM to PT 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 Points (PT)
The point (pt) is a traditional unit of measurement for typography, commonly used in print design. One point is equal to 1/72 of an inch. In the context of web design, where the standard screen density is 96 DPI, 1 point is equivalent to 1.333 pixels, and conversely, 1 pixel is 0.75 points.
Why Convert EM to PT?
Converting `em` to `pt` is useful when you need to bridge the gap between scalable web design and the fixed units of print design. This is important for:
- Print Stylesheets: When creating stylesheets specifically for printing a webpage, converting `em` values to `pt` ensures that the typography is rendered correctly on paper.
- Design Consistency: For projects that have both a web and a print component (like a brand guide), converting between `em` and `pt` helps maintain a consistent typographic scale across different media.
- Client Communication: When discussing font sizes with clients or designers who are more familiar with print terminology, providing the `pt` equivalent of an `em` value can be clearer.