Points to Pixels Converter
Instantly convert typography points (pt) to pixels (px) for web design, CSS styling, and print layouts with customizable DPI settings.
Convert PT to PX
Enter your typography size in points and your target DPI (Dots Per Inch). The calculator instantly works out the exact pixel equivalent for your CSS or design software.
PT to PX Calculator
Get instant, accurate pixel values for your typography.
rem or em instead of fixed px or pt values. This ensures your typography scales gracefully across different devices and user preferences.
Understanding Typography Units
Key concepts for accurate web and print design
What is a Point?
A point (pt) is an absolute physical unit of measurement equal to exactly 1/72nd of an inch. It has been the standard unit in print typography for centuries.
What is a Pixel?
A pixel (px) is the smallest controllable element of a picture represented on a digital screen. In CSS, it is a relative unit based on the viewing device’s pixel density.
The Role of DPI
Dots Per Inch (DPI) or Pixels Per Inch (PPI) bridges the gap between physical and digital. It determines how many digital pixels fit into one physical inch, changing the pt-to-px ratio.
Web vs. Print Standards
Modern web browsers use 96 DPI as the standard reference for CSS pixels. Traditional print design and older Mac systems often default to 72 DPI.
Common PT to PX Conversions
Standard typography conversions at the most common DPI settings. Use this as a quick lookup for your CSS or design software.
| Points (pt) | Pixels (px) at 96 DPI | Pixels (px) at 72 DPI | Common Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 pt | 11 px | 8 px | Footnotes, fine print, legal disclaimers |
| 10 pt | 13 px | 10 px | Secondary text, captions, metadata |
| 12 pt | 16 px | 12 px | Standard body text (default browser size) |
| 14 pt | 19 px | 14 px | Large body text, improved readability |
| 16 pt | 21 px | 16 px | Subheadings, prominent UI labels |
| 18 pt | 24 px | 18 px | Minor headings (H3/H4), quotes |
| 24 pt | 32 px | 24 px | Main headings (H2), hero text |
| 36 pt | 48 px | 36 px | Large display titles (H1), banners |
PT to PX Converter FAQ
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about typography units and digital design conversions.
To convert points to pixels, use the formula: pixels = points × (DPI / 72). For standard web design, the CSS reference DPI is 96, meaning 1 point equals approximately 1.333 pixels (e.g., 12pt × (96 / 72) = 16px).
For web design and CSS, the standard reference pixel density is 96 DPI (Dots Per Inch). This is the baseline established by the W3C and used by most modern browsers to scale typography and layout elements consistently across devices.
No. A point (pt) is an absolute physical unit of measurement equal to 1/72nd of an inch, traditionally used in print. A pixel (px) is a relative digital unit representing the smallest controllable element of a picture on a screen, and its physical size depends on the device’s pixel density.
At the standard web DPI of 96, the conversion formula (12 × (96 / 72)) results in exactly 16 pixels. This mathematical relationship is why 16px is widely considered the default, accessible base font size for modern web browsers.
For screen-based web design, it is generally recommended to use relative units like rem or em (which are based on the root or parent element’s pixel size) rather than absolute units like pt or px. This ensures your design remains accessible and scales properly when users adjust their browser’s default font size.