- Digital Pixels to Print Typography
- Key Benefits of Converting PX to PT:
- How to Convert PX to PT
- Conversion Formula:
- Step-by-Step Conversion Process:
- Common PX to PT Conversion Values
- Typography Scale – PX to PT:
- PX vs PT – Understanding Typography Units
- When to Use PX Values:
- When to Use PT Values:
- Best Practices for PX to PT Conversion:
- Author
Digital Pixels to Print Typography
Master the conversion from digital pixels to traditional print points!
PX to PT conversion is essential for translating digital design measurements to traditional typography. Pixels (PX) are the standard unit of digital displays, while points (PT) are the fundamental unit of print typography, making this conversion crucial for print production and cross-platform typography consistency.
Why convert PX to PT? While PX units work perfectly for digital interfaces, PT units are essential for print design and professional typography. Converting between these units ensures your digital designs translate accurately to print materials and maintains typographic hierarchy across different media.
Key Benefits of Converting PX to PT:
- Digital to Print Translation: Convert web designs to print-ready typography
- Professional Typography: Maintain print standards in digital workflows
- Cross-Media Consistency: Ensure typography works across all platforms
- Print Production: Prepare designs for professional printing
- Typography Standards: Follow traditional print typography guidelines
How to Convert PX to PT
The conversion formula depends on DPI: Divide the pixel value by the DPI setting and multiply by 72 (points per inch).
Conversion Formula:
Example (96 DPI): (16px × 72) ÷ 96 = 12pt
Example (72 DPI): (16px × 72) ÷ 72 = 16pt
Example (150 DPI): (25px × 72) ÷ 150 = 12pt
Step-by-Step Conversion Process:
- Set DPI: Choose appropriate DPI for your target output medium
- Multiply by 72: Convert pixels to points per inch (16px × 72 = 1152)
- Divide by DPI: Convert to final point value (1152 ÷ 96 = 12pt)
- Round Appropriately: Apply rounding based on typography precision needs
- Verify Output: Test typography in target print or digital medium
Common PX to PT Conversion Values
Here are the most commonly used PX to PT conversions for digital to print typography. These values represent standard font sizes used across different DPI settings and help maintain typography hierarchy when moving from digital to print.
Typography Scale – PX to PT:
PX Value | PT (96 DPI) | PT (72 DPI) | PT (150 DPI) | Common Use |
---|---|---|---|---|
8px | 6pt | 8pt | 3.84pt | Very small text, captions |
9px | 6.75pt | 9pt | 4.32pt | Small print, footnotes |
10px | 7.5pt | 10pt | 4.8pt | Captions, small text |
11px | 8.25pt | 11pt | 5.28pt | Small body text |
12px | 9pt | 12pt | 5.76pt | Standard body text |
13px | 9.75pt | 13pt | 6.24pt | Body text, articles |
14px | 10.5pt | 14pt | 6.72pt | Body text, standard |
15px | 11.25pt | 15pt | 7.2pt | Headlines, subheadings |
16px | 12pt | 16pt | 7.68pt | Standard body text, default |
18px | 13.5pt | 18pt | 8.64pt | Headings, important text |
19px | 14.25pt | 19pt | 9.12pt | Section headings |
20px | 15pt | 20pt | 9.6pt | Main headings |
21px | 15.75pt | 21pt | 10.08pt | Headings, important text |
24px | 18pt | 24pt | 11.52pt | Page titles, large headings |
26px | 19.5pt | 26pt | 12.48pt | Display headings |
28px | 21pt | 28pt | 13.44pt | Hero text, large displays |
32px | 24pt | 32pt | 15.36pt | Major headings, banners |
36px | 27pt | 36pt | 17.28pt | Display text, posters |
37px | 27.75pt | 37pt | 17.76pt | Very large display text |
40px | 30pt | 40pt | 19.2pt | Hero text, large displays |
42px | 31.5pt | 42pt | 20.16pt | Major headings, banners |
48px | 36pt | 48pt | 23.04pt | Display text, posters |
50px | 37.5pt | 50pt | 24pt | Very large display text |
64px | 48pt | 64pt | 30.72pt | Hero text, very large displays |
96px | 72pt | 96pt | 46.08pt | Very large display text |
PX vs PT – Understanding Typography Units
PX vs PT serve different purposes in typography and design. Understanding when to use each is crucial for effective cross-platform typography design.
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
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
Best Practices for PX to PT Conversion:
🎯 Match Target Medium
Select DPI that matches your final output.
Print: 300 DPI • Web: 96 DPI • Screen: 72 DPI
📐 Consider Print Standards
Use standard print font sizes when possible.
9pt, 10pt, 11pt, 12pt, 14pt, 16pt, 18pt, 24pt
🎨 Maintain Hierarchy
Preserve typography hierarchy when converting.
📱 Test Across Mediums
Verify typography in both digital and print.