- Physical to Digital Conversion
- Key Benefits of Converting CM to PX:
- How to Convert CM to PX
- Conversion Formula:
- Step-by-Step Conversion Process:
- Common CM to PX Conversion Values
- Measurement Scale – CM to PX:
- CM vs PX – Understanding Measurement Units
- When to Use CM Values:
- When to Use PX Values:
- Best Practices for CM to PX Conversion:
- Author
Physical to Digital Conversion
Master the conversion from physical centimeters to digital pixels!
CM to PX conversion is essential for translating physical measurements to digital displays. Centimeters (CM) are the standard unit for physical measurements, while pixels (PX) are the fundamental unit of digital displays, making this conversion crucial for physical-to-digital workflows and cross-platform consistency.
Why convert CM to PX? While CM units work perfectly for physical measurements and manufacturing, PX units are essential for digital interfaces and screen-based design. Converting between these units ensures your physical designs translate accurately to digital platforms and maintains measurement consistency across different media.
Key Benefits of Converting CM to PX:
- Physical to Digital Translation: Convert physical designs to digital interfaces
- Manufacturing to Screen: Prepare physical assets for digital display
- Cross-Platform Consistency: Ensure measurements work across physical and digital media
- Design System Integration: Bridge the gap between physical and digital design
- Prototyping Accuracy: Maintain measurement precision across mediums
How to Convert CM to PX
The conversion formula depends on DPI: Multiply the centimeter value by DPI and divide by 2.54 (centimeters per inch).
Conversion Formula:
Example (96 DPI): (2.5cm × 96) ÷ 2.54 = 94.49px
Example (72 DPI): (2.5cm × 72) ÷ 2.54 = 70.87px
Example (150 DPI): (2.5cm × 150) ÷ 2.54 = 147.64px
Step-by-Step Conversion Process:
- Set DPI: Choose appropriate DPI for your target display
- Multiply by DPI: Convert centimeters to dots per inch
- Divide by 2.54: Convert to final pixel value (2.54cm = 1 inch)
- Round Appropriately: Apply rounding based on design precision needs
- Verify Output: Test measurements in target digital medium
Common CM to PX Conversion Values
Here are the most commonly used CM to PX conversions for physical to digital design. These values represent standard physical measurements used across different DPI settings and help maintain measurement consistency when moving from physical to digital.
Measurement Scale – CM to PX:
CM Value | PX (96 DPI) | PX (72 DPI) | PX (150 DPI) | Common Use |
---|---|---|---|---|
0.5cm | 18.90px | 14.17px | 29.53px | Small elements, borders |
1cm | 37.80px | 28.35px | 59.06px | Standard spacing, small components |
1.5cm | 56.69px | 42.52px | 88.58px | Medium elements, buttons |
2cm | 75.59px | 56.69px | 118.11px | Large buttons, cards |
2.5cm | 94.49px | 70.87px | 147.64px | Standard card width |
3cm | 113.39px | 85.04px | 177.17px | Card height, banners |
4cm | 151.18px | 113.39px | 236.22px | Hero sections, large elements |
5cm | 188.98px | 141.73px | 295.28px | Full-width elements |
6cm | 226.77px | 170.08px | 354.33px | Major layout sections |
7cm | 264.57px | 198.43px | 413.39px | Large banners, displays |
8cm | 302.36px | 226.77px | 472.44px | Full-page elements |
10cm | 377.95px | 283.46px | 590.55px | Major page sections |
12cm | 453.54px | 340.16px | 708.66px | Full-width content |
15cm | 566.93px | 425.20px | 885.83px | Large displays, posters |
20cm | 755.91px | 566.93px | 1181.10px | Full-page layouts |
CM vs PX – Understanding Measurement Units
CM vs PX serve different purposes in design and manufacturing. Understanding when to use each is crucial for effective cross-platform design workflows.
When to Use CM Values:
- Print Design: Physical documents and printed materials
- Physical Measurements: Real-world objects and prototypes
- Manufacturing: Product design and specifications
- Architecture: Building plans and technical drawings
- Traditional Publishing: Books, magazines, and print media
When to Use PX Values:
- Web Design: Digital interfaces and responsive websites
- Mobile Apps: iOS, Android, and cross-platform applications
- Digital Displays: Monitors, TVs, and digital signage
- UI/UX Design: Interface design and user experience
- Digital Assets: Icons, graphics, and screen-based content
Best Practices for CM to PX Conversion:
🎯 Match Target Display
Select DPI that matches your target device.
Web: 96 DPI • Mobile: 150+ DPI • Print: 300 DPI
📐 Consider Scale
Account for physical to digital scale differences.
1cm = 37.8px at 96 DPI
🎨 Plan for Precision
Use appropriate decimal places for your design needs.
📱 Test on Target Device
Verify measurements on actual target devices.