- Digital to Physical Conversion
- Key Benefits of Converting PX to MM:
- How to Convert PX to MM
- Conversion Formula:
- Step-by-Step Conversion Process:
- Common PX to MM Conversion Values
- Measurement Scale – PX to MM:
- PX vs MM – Understanding Measurement Units
- When to Use PX Values:
- When to Use MM Values:
- Best Practices for PX to MM Conversion:
- Author
Digital to Physical Conversion
Master the conversion from digital pixels to physical millimeters!
PX to MM conversion is essential for translating digital measurements to physical dimensions. Pixels (PX) are the standard unit for digital displays, while millimeters (MM) are the fundamental unit for physical measurements, making this conversion crucial for digital-to-physical workflows and cross-platform consistency.
Why convert PX to MM? While PX units work perfectly for digital interfaces, MM units are essential for physical dimensions and manufacturing. Converting between these units ensures your digital designs translate accurately to physical objects and maintains measurement consistency across different media.
Key Benefits of Converting PX to MM:
- Digital to Physical Translation: Convert screen designs to physical dimensions
- Manufacturing Preparation: Prepare digital assets for physical production
- Cross-Platform Consistency: Ensure measurements work across digital and physical media
- Quality Control: Verify digital designs against physical specifications
- Prototyping Support: Bridge the gap between digital design and physical prototyping
How to Convert PX to MM
The conversion formula depends on DPI: Multiply the pixel value by 25.4 and divide by the DPI setting.
Conversion Formula:
Example (96 DPI): (38px × 25.4) ÷ 96 = 10mm
Example (72 DPI): (28px × 25.4) ÷ 72 = 10mm
Example (150 DPI): (59px × 25.4) ÷ 150 = 10mm
Step-by-Step Conversion Process:
- Set DPI: Choose appropriate DPI for your target output medium
- Multiply by 25.4: Convert pixels to millimeter equivalents per inch
- Divide by DPI: Convert to final millimeter value
- Round Appropriately: Apply rounding based on measurement precision needs
- Verify Output: Test measurements in target physical medium
Common PX to MM Conversion Values
Here are the most commonly used PX to MM conversions for digital to physical design. These values represent standard pixel dimensions used across different DPI settings and help maintain measurement consistency when moving from digital to physical.
Measurement Scale – PX to MM:
PX Value | MM (96 DPI) | MM (72 DPI) | MM (150 DPI) | MM (300 DPI) | Common Use |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
4px | 1.06mm | 1.41mm | 0.68mm | 0.34mm | Very thin lines, hairlines |
8px | 2.12mm | 2.83mm | 1.35mm | 0.68mm | Thin borders, small details |
12px | 3.18mm | 4.24mm | 2.03mm | 1.02mm | Standard borders, thin elements |
16px | 4.23mm | 5.65mm | 2.71mm | 1.35mm | Text baselines, small elements |
20px | 5.29mm | 7.06mm | 3.39mm | 1.69mm | Small buttons, icon spacing |
24px | 6.35mm | 8.47mm | 4.06mm | 2.03mm | Standard buttons, touch targets |
32px | 8.47mm | 11.30mm | 5.42mm | 2.71mm | Large buttons, card elements |
36px | 9.53mm | 12.70mm | 6.10mm | 3.05mm | Medium cards, component spacing |
40px | 10.58mm | 14.11mm | 6.78mm | 3.39mm | Standard cards, large elements |
44px | 11.64mm | 15.52mm | 7.45mm | 3.72mm | Accessibility minimums, touch targets |
48px | 12.70mm | 16.93mm | 8.13mm | 4.06mm | Hero sections, banners |
56px | 14.81mm | 19.75mm | 9.47mm | 4.74mm | Large banners, display elements |
64px | 16.93mm | 22.58mm | 10.83mm | 5.42mm | Page sections, large displays |
72px | 19.05mm | 25.40mm | 12.20mm | 6.10mm | Full-width elements, major sections |
80px | 21.17mm | 28.22mm | 13.56mm | 6.78mm | Large sections, full-width content |
96px | 25.40mm | 33.87mm | 16.27mm | 8.13mm | Major layout elements, full sections |
PX vs MM – Understanding Measurement Units
PX vs MM serve different purposes in design and manufacturing. Understanding when to use each is crucial for effective cross-platform design workflows.
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
When to Use MM 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
Best Practices for PX to MM Conversion:
🎯 Match Target Medium
Select DPI that matches your target output.
Print: 300 DPI • Web: 96 DPI • Screen: 72 DPI
📐 Consider Physical Constraints
Account for manufacturing and material limitations.
Minimum cut sizes • Material thickness
🎨 Plan for Scale
Consider how digital elements translate to physical scale.
📱 Test Physical Output
Verify measurements with physical prototypes.