Print and screen measure type and space in different units, and a book project often uses both. Printers and layout programs speak in points and picas, cover templates speak in inches or millimetres, and web and ebook styles speak in pixels, em and rem. A designer who is told that the margin is 0.75 inch, the font is 11 points and the ebook heading is 1.5 em needs to move between all of these without a calculator and a hunch.
Free tool · Typography Unit Converter
Typography Unit Converter that moves sizes between print and screen without guessing
The typography unit converter converts between points, picas, pixels, inches, millimetres, centimetres, em and rem in one step, using the standard relationships of 72 points to an inch, 6 picas to an inch and 25.4 millimetres to an inch, and letting you set the base font size for em and rem and the screen pixel density. It runs in your browser and is free for designers, authors and anyone preparing a book layout.
Use the free tool
The typography unit converter is free to use, with no account and nothing uploaded.
- Print and screen units
- Base size for em and rem
- Copy each result
Key facts
- FreeNo cost, no account and no usage limit on the typography unit converter
- In your browserNothing that you type or paste into the typography unit converter is uploaded
- SecondsTypical time from opening the typography unit converter to a result
Free tool
Typography unit converter
Convert between points, picas, pixels, inches, millimetres, centimetres, em and rem for print and web layouts.
The typography unit converter needs JavaScript, and it works in your browser without sending anything that you enter to a server.
Overview
What the typography unit converter does and why it helps
The converter makes the translation exact. Enter a value, choose its unit, and the tool shows the same measurement in every other unit at once. The fixed relationships are the standard ones: one inch is 72 points, which is 6 picas, which is 25.4 millimetres or 2.54 centimetres, and on a screen one CSS pixel is defined as one 96th of an inch, so print and screen sizes line up. For em and rem, which depend on a base font size, you enter that size, and the tool converts relative to it.
A few practical points help. Points measure type size and leading in most print programs, and a body font of 11 or 12 points is common in books. Picas are useful for column widths and margins, as 6 picas make an inch. Millimetres are the language of European printers and cover templates. In ebook styles, em and percent units are preferred for text because they let the reader scale it, while pixels are fixed and are better for borders and images. The converter lets you check any of these quickly.
The typography unit converter converts between points, picas, millimetres, inches and pixels, which you need when setting type for print. Authors can use this free typography unit converter as often as they like, and it never asks for payment. Open the typography unit converter online and it is ready at once, with no download. It works as a typography unit converter free online, on phones and desktops alike. It is a typography unit converter for authors, so the defaults assume you are preparing a book rather than a business report. It also serves as a typography unit converter for self-published books, whichever store you publish through. Amazon authors can use it as a typography unit converter for KDP with no changes. As a typography unit converter no sign up page, it asks for no email and sets no account. Treat it as a typography unit converter tool for writers who would rather not wade through jargon. If you are hunting for the best typography unit converter, judge it by whether it explains its numbers, as this one does.
How to use it
How to use the typography unit converter, step by step
Choose the unit you have
Select points, picas, pixels, inches, millimetres, centimetres, em or rem. The tool converts to every other unit at once, so you do not need to convert in two steps.
Enter the value
Type the number. The results update as you type, so you can adjust the value and watch how every unit changes without pressing a button.
Set the base font size
For em and rem, enter the base size in pixels, usually 16. The conversions depend on it, so use the size your stylesheet or ebook reader actually applies.
Set the screen density
For pixels, enter the pixels per inch of your screen or accept the default of 96. It changes the pixel results, since a pixel has no fixed physical size.
Read the results
Every unit is shown with a sensible number of decimal places. Copy the one you need into your layout software, stylesheet or specification.
Use and verify the result
Enter the value in your layout or style sheet, then check a proof. A converted size is only correct if the base and the density match your real setup.
How the typography unit converter works
Every unit through the inch
The tool converts every unit to inches first and then to all the others, which is the most reliable way to avoid rounding drift. It uses the standard relationships: 72 points or 6 picas in an inch, 25.4 millimetres in an inch, 2.54 centimetres in an inch and 96 CSS pixels in an inch.
For em and rem, it uses a base font size in pixels that you set, because those units are relative. Sixteen pixels is the usual default, and em or rem values depend on it. You can also change the screen pixels per inch if you work with a different standard.
Each result has a copy button, so that you can paste a value straight into a layout program or a style sheet. Use the tool to check margins, trim sizes, bleed and font sizes, and to move a print specification into a web or ebook style sheet.
- Eight units in one table
- A base size for em and rem
- A copy button on each value
Method
How the typography unit converter works out its answer
Print units
One inch is 72 points and 6 picas, and so a pica is 12 points. These are the traditional printer's units, used by layout programs.
Metric units
One inch is exactly 25.4 millimetres or 2.54 centimetres, so the converter goes from points to millimetres by multiplying by 25.4 and dividing by 72.
Screen pixels
A CSS pixel is defined as one 96th of an inch, so 96 pixels equal one inch on a standard layout. You can change the pixels per inch if you want to work out the physical size on a particular screen.
Em and rem
An em is the font size of the element, and a rem is the font size of the root element. The converter uses the base size that you enter, so that 1 em at 16 pixels equals 16 pixels.
Tips
Getting the most from the typography unit converter
Remember 72 points per inch
It is the standard relationship in print, and 12 points equal one pica. Knowing it helps you check any conversion at a glance.
Use rem for ebooks
Relative units let readers resize text and keep your proportions. Fixed pixels override the reader's preference. Make the typography unit converter a routine step on every project, so that results stay consistent from book to book.
Keep a reference note
Write down your base size and density next to your specification, so that the next person converts the same way. A few minutes with the typography unit converter now saves time across the whole manuscript.
Need it done for you?
When the typography unit converter is not enough
The converter handles the arithmetic. These services apply the right measurements to your layout, from print margins to ebook style sheets.
Book Typography Design
Typography formatting chooses and sets the type scale, leading and margins for your book, and delivers a layout in which the measurements are consistent.
See the service →Book Margin and Gutter Setup
Margins and gutter setup works out the right inner and outer margins for your trim size and page count, in the units your printer uses.
See the service →EPUB Formatting
EPUB formatting builds an ebook style sheet with relative units, so that your type scales cleanly on every reading device.
See the service →Before and after
Before and after using the typography unit converter
The same layout notes, first written in a mixture of units and then converted into one consistent system.
123Before
- 1Margins in inches and type in pixels
- 2A template in millimetres that nobody converted
- 3Ebook sizes that disagree with the print sizes
123After
- 1One system of units for the whole layout
- 2Template values converted exactly
- 3A type scale that matches in print and ebook
- 3problems found in the first review
- 3fixes checked in the final review
- 1named specialist owning every fix
- Fixedprice confirmed in the calculator before you order
Exact measurements
Every value is converted with the standard relationships, so there is no rounding guesswork between print and screen.
Fewer layout errors
Template values in millimetres and in points are checked against each other before they reach the file.
Matching formats
The print type scale and the ebook type scale agree, so the two editions feel like one book.
Client reviews
What authors say about our typography setup service
Verified reviews from authors who asked a specialist to handle the typography setup after using the typography unit converter.
Good support throughout the KDP upload process. The metadata setup and category selection were explained clearly. One pricing setting needed adjustment after initial setup but it was corrected quickly.
Getting historical fiction placed in the right categories on Amazon and IngramSpark required strategic metadata. The team understood the genre classification and the book reached the right readers from the first week.
My KDP file was rejected with a technical error message I could not understand. Book Formatting Experts diagnosed the problem immediately — a bleed issue on three pages — and corrected it the same day. Approved first time.
My cookbook needed to be set up across multiple platforms simultaneously. The publishing support team handled every submission — KDP, IngramSpark, and Apple Books — with different requirements for each. Flawlessly executed.
The publishing readiness review identified four issues in my manuscript that would have caused rejection. Each was clearly explained and quickly resolved. My book launched without any technical complications.
Navigating IngramSpark's requirements for the first time felt overwhelming. The upload assistance handled everything — metadata, pricing setup, distribution channels. My children's book reached bookstores within two weeks.
My YA novel needed to reach both English-language and Japanese readers. The multi-region distribution setup was handled correctly across all required platforms. International sales have exceeded my expectations.
As a first-time author, the technical side of self-publishing was genuinely daunting. The consultation covered every decision — platform choice, pricing strategy, metadata, and distribution. I launched with genuine confidence.
The formatting error fix service saved my launch. My original formatter had made margin errors causing repeated rejection. Book Formatting Experts identified and fixed every issue within 48 hours. My launch was back on schedule.
Good publishing support overall. The KDP metadata setup was thorough. One category selection needed updating after initial launch but it was corrected promptly. The book is performing well in its target categories.
Converting my technical manual from an old format to a clean, editable EPUB was completed efficiently. Every table, numbered list, and heading level survived the conversion correctly. Saved me weeks of manual reformatting.
My romance novel needed a warm, readable layout with consistent chapter styling. The specialist understood exactly what I was after and the finished file exceeded my expectations on every page.
Fantasy books need careful layout to handle maps, epigraphs, and chapter artwork. Every element was handled with real understanding of the genre. The final interior is exactly what a fantasy reader expects.
My book blended speculative and literary elements that needed sensitive typographic treatment. Every unconventional element was handled with understanding and real precision. A genuinely impressive result.
My psychological thriller had unreliable narrator chapters that needed specific typographic signals to the reader. Every formatting choice reinforced the story. My beta readers said the book felt cinematic.
My nonfiction book had tables, charts, and detailed sidebars that needed careful layout. Every element maintained its visual hierarchy throughout. The book reads clearly and looks authoritative on the shelf.
My coaching workbook had exercises, worksheets, and reflection prompts alongside regular chapters. Every element was formatted to serve both digital completion and print. The result looks professional and functional.
The Kindle file looks professional on every device I have tested it on. Consistent fonts, clean line spacing, and the table of contents navigates properly. My readers have noticed the improvement over my previous book.
More free tools
More free tools to use with the typography unit converter
Each of these tools is free, runs in your browser and works well alongside the typography unit converter.
Book Margin Calculator
With your typography setup, free book margin calculator that works in your browser, plus a done-for-you print margin review service.
Open the tool →Book Trim Size Guide
Free book trim size guide that works in your browser, plus a done-for-you trim size layout plan service on this typography setup project.
Open the tool →Image DPI Checker
For your typography setup, free image dpi checker that works in your browser, plus a done-for-you image resolution check service.
Open the tool →Book Font Pairing Tool
For your typography setup, free book font pairing tool that works in your browser, plus a done-for-you typography pairing review service.
Open the tool →Book Cover Thumbnail Preview
For your typography setup, free book cover thumbnail preview that works in your browser, plus a done-for-you cover thumbnail review service.
Open the tool →ISBN Validator Converter
Free isbn validator converter that works in your browser, plus a done-for-you ISBN check service in this typography setup order.
Open the tool →FAQ
Typography Unit Converter: questions answered
These are the questions authors ask most about the typography unit converter, including accuracy, privacy and what to do next. If your question about the typography setup is missing, request a quote and a specialist will reply.
What is a typography unit converter?
It is a tool that converts between the units used in print and screen design, such as points, picas, pixels, inches, millimetres, centimetres, em and rem.
How many points are in an inch?
There are 72 points in an inch, which is the traditional printer's definition used by most layout programs.
How many picas are in an inch?
Six. A pica is 12 points, so six picas make 72 points, which is one inch.
How many millimetres are in a point?
One point is about 0.3528 millimetres, because an inch is 25.4 millimetres and 72 points.
What is a CSS pixel?
It is a unit defined as one 96th of an inch, so 96 CSS pixels equal one inch on a standard layout.
What is the difference between em and rem?
An em is relative to the font size of the element, and a rem is relative to the font size of the root element.
What font size is 1 em?
It equals the current font size. With a base of 16 pixels, 1 em is 16 pixels, and 1.5 em is 24 pixels.
Should I use points or pixels in an ebook?
Use relative units such as em or percent for text, so that readers can scale it, and keep pixels for borders and images.
What size is 11 point type in millimetres?
About 3.88 millimetres for the full height of the type size, though the visible letters are smaller.
What are picas used for?
Picas are used for column widths, margins and other layout measurements in many print programs.
Does the tool change with screen density?
You can change the pixels per inch to see the physical size on a particular screen, though the standard CSS value is 96.
Is the typography unit converter free?
Yes, the unit converter costs nothing, needs no account and puts no limit on the conversions you run.
What does DPI mean when there is no printer involved?
Strictly, dots per inch describes a printing device and pixels per inch describes an image, but the two terms are used interchangeably in everyday practice. In both cases the figure simply states how many samples occupy one inch of physical space.
How does a typography unit converter work?
It converts using standard ratios, such as 72 points per inch and 12 points per pica.
How to use a typography unit converter?
Enter a value, choose its unit and read every other unit instantly.
Is there a typography unit converter with examples?
Yes. The page includes a worked example so you can compare it with your own numbers or text. Convert a 10-point size to millimetres to see an example.
Work with a specialist
Turn what you learn from the typography unit converter into a finished book
The typography unit converter costs nothing, and so does asking what a specialist would do with your book. When the typography unit converter has done its part and you want finished files, a fixed price and one named person who owns the job, we are ready to start.