Points to Pixels: The Simple Formula Behind Font Sizes
Print sizes and screen sizes look alike until you convert them. One formula and one DPI value settle the difference.
What is the Points to Pixels Converter?
Points are a print measure and pixels are a screen measure, and the bridge between them is dots per inch. At the usual screen density of 96 DPI, one point equals four thirds of a pixel, so a 12-point size lands on 16 pixels. This converter applies the same formula at any DPI you enter, which is useful when moving a print layout onto a screen or checking a font size in CSS.
How to use it
- Enter the size in points.
- Enter the DPI, or leave the usual 96 in place.
- Click Convert to Pixels.
- Use the pixel value in your stylesheet or layout.
Worked example
Converting 12pt at 96 DPI gives 16 pixels.
How many pixels is 12pt?
At 96 DPI, 12pt is 16px, because pixels equal points multiplied by DPI and divided by 72.
Frequently asked questions
Why is 12pt equal to 16px?
Because pixels equal points times DPI divided by 72, and 12 times 96 divided by 72 is 16.
What DPI should I use for a screen?
96 is the standard CSS reference density. Use a device or print DPI only when you are matching that specific output.