How many points are in one em?

One em equals 12 pt. The formula is pt = em × 12.

How do I convert ems to points?

Multiply the value in ems by 12. For example, 100 × 12 = 1,200 — so 100 em = 1,200 pt.

Pair · linear · factor 12

ems to points

empt

Active unit

ems · ≈ 1,600 px (base)

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emem100

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Frequently asked questions

A glowing emerald letter built from a pixel grid beside a classic metal type sort, wrapped in a geometric grid of measures, on a cosmic nebula in violet and magenta

Typography

A pixel is not a dot: a short history of typographic units

The designer thinks in pixels, the typesetter in points, and the client holds a millimeter ruler up to the print — and nothing matches. This apparent Tower of Babel is not a lack of standards but five centuries of evolution: from lead type and "magpie" books, through the Apple–Microsoft war over screen resolution, to the CSS pixel that is not a dot on the panel at all.

12 min