- Typography Points and Digital Pixels
- Key Benefits of Converting PT to PX:
- How to Convert PT to PX
- Conversion Formula:
- Step-by-Step Conversion Process:
- Common PT to PX Conversion Values
- Typography Scale – PT to PX:
- PT vs PX – Understanding Typography Units
- When to Use PT Values:
- When to Use PX Values:
- Best Practices for PT to PX Conversion:
- Author
Typography Points and Digital Pixels
Master the conversion from traditional print typography to digital design!
PT to PX conversion is essential for translating traditional typography measurements to digital design. Points (PT) are the standard unit in print design, while pixels (PX) are the fundamental unit of digital screens, making this conversion crucial for responsive web typography and cross-platform design consistency.
Why convert PT to PX? While PT units are perfect for print design precision, PX units are essential for digital interfaces. Converting between these units ensures your typography scales correctly across different screen densities and maintains readability across devices.
Key Benefits of Converting PT to PX:
- Print to Digital Translation: Convert print designs to web-ready typography
- Cross-Platform Consistency: Maintain typography hierarchy across devices
- Responsive Typography: Ensure readability on all screen densities
- Design System Integration: Bridge print and digital design workflows
- Accessibility Optimization: Maintain proper contrast and legibility
How to Convert PT to PX
The conversion formula depends on DPI: Divide the point value by 72 (points per inch) and multiply by the DPI setting.
Conversion Formula:
Example (96 DPI): (12pt ÷ 72) × 96 = 16px
Example (72 DPI): (12pt ÷ 72) × 72 = 12px
Example (150 DPI): (12pt ÷ 72) × 150 = 25px
Step-by-Step Conversion Process:
- Set DPI: Choose appropriate DPI for your target device/screen
- Divide by 72: Convert points to inches (12pt ÷ 72 = 0.1667 inches)
- Multiply by DPI: Convert inches to pixels (0.1667 × 96 = 16px)
- Round Appropriately: Apply rounding based on design precision needs
- Test Responsiveness: Verify typography scaling across different devices
Common PT to PX Conversion Values
Here are the most commonly used PT to PX conversions for typography across different DPI settings. These values represent standard font sizes used in both print and digital design.
Typography Scale – PT to PX:
PT Value | PX (96 DPI) | PX (72 DPI) | PX (150 DPI) | Common Use |
---|---|---|---|---|
6pt | 8px | 6px | 13px | Very small text, captions |
7pt | 9px | 7px | 15px | Small print, footnotes |
8pt | 11px | 8px | 17px | Captions, small text |
9pt | 12px | 9px | 19px | Small body text |
10pt | 13px | 10px | 21px | Standard body text |
11pt | 15px | 11px | 23px | Body text, articles |
12pt | 16px | 12px | 25px | Standard body text, default |
14pt | 19px | 14px | 29px | Headlines, subheadings |
16pt | 21px | 16px | 33px | Headings, important text |
18pt | 24px | 18px | 38px | Section headings |
20pt | 26px | 20px | 42px | Main headings |
24pt | 32px | 24px | 50px | Page titles, large headings |
28pt | 37px | 28px | 58px | Display headings |
32pt | 42px | 32px | 67px | Hero text, large displays |
36pt | 48px | 36px | 75px | Major headings, banners |
48pt | 64px | 48px | 100px | Display text, posters |
72pt | 96px | 72px | 150px | Very large display text |
PT vs PX – Understanding Typography Units
PT vs PX serve different purposes in typography and design. Understanding when to use each is crucial for effective cross-platform typography design.
When to Use PT Values:
- Print Design: Traditional publishing and print materials
- Typography Specifications: Professional type design and specifications
- Document Layout: Word processing and desktop publishing
- Design Software: Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and print workflows
- Physical Measurements: Real-world printing and paper layouts
When to Use PX Values:
- Web Design: Digital interfaces and responsive websites
- Mobile Apps: iOS, Android, and cross-platform applications
- Screen Design: Digital displays and user interfaces
- Web Development: CSS styling and front-end development
- Digital Assets: Icons, graphics, and screen-based content
Best Practices for PT to PX Conversion:
🎯 Choose Correct DPI
Select appropriate DPI for your target medium.
Web: 96 DPI • Print: 72 DPI • Retina: 150+ DPI
📐 Round Appropriately
Use whole pixel values for crisp rendering.
font-size: 16px; /* Instead of 15.33px */
🎨 Consider Readability
Ensure converted text remains readable.
📱 Test Across Devices
Verify typography on different screen densities.