An inch is exactly 0.0254 meters.
Inches to Points Converter — in to pt
Convert Inch (in) to Point (pt) using the exact conversion factor (1 inch = 72 point). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, history, and common uses.
Inches to Points converter
Converter
Length Converter
Convert SI, imperial, US customary, astronomical, scientific, and historical length units.
Context values
Some unit families need one extra value for a physically accurate result.
A desktop publishing point is 1/72 inch.
Result = input x 0.0254 / 0.0003527777778.
Length uses the meter as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Inches to Points
Inch and Point both measure length. Inch is most often used for screen and display size measurement worldwide (even in metric countries).
Formula
points = inches × 71.9999999955
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 inch equals 0.0254 base units, and 1 point equals 0.0003527777778 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct inch-to-point factor of 71.9999999955.
Simple example
1 in × 72 = 72 pt
1 inch = 72 points.
Real-world example
10 in × 72 = 720 pt
10 inches = 720 points.
Conversion table
| Inch (in) | Point (pt) |
|---|---|
| 1 in | 72 pt |
| 5 in | 360 pt |
| 10 in | 720 pt |
| 21.0975 in | 1,519.02 pt |
| 42.195 in | 3,038.04 pt |
| 100 in | 7,200 pt |
Reverse conversion: Point to Inch
72 pt × 0.01388888889 = 1 in
72 points = 1 inches.
inches = points × 0.0138888888898
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Point to Inch.
Understanding the Inch
Inch (in) measures distance. The international inch is defined as exactly 25.4 millimeters. It is classified as a US/imperial customary unit.
Where it's used: United States and United Kingdom (small measurements, screen sizes, hardware)
Uses of the Inch today
- Screen and display size measurement worldwide (even in metric countries)
- US/UK small-object and body measurement
- Hardware, tools, and pipe fittings (US)
History of the Inch
The inch traces to medieval England, traditionally defined as the length of three barleycorns, later standardized as 1/12 of a foot. The international inch (exactly 25.4 mm) was fixed by the same 1959 agreement that standardized the foot and yard.
Historical origin. Inch was not the invention of a single named person; it developed through the process described above.
Understanding the Point (pt)
A desktop publishing point is 1/72 inch.
Inch — sources
- NIST — International yard and pound (1959) — Fixes the modern inch at exactly 25.4 millimeters.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many points are in 1 inch?
1 inch equals 72 points, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert inch to point?
Multiply the inch value by 72. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert point back to inch?
Use the reverse factor: 1 point equals 0.0138888889 inches. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a inch?
Inch (in) measures distance. The international inch is defined as exactly 25.4 millimeters. It is classified as a US/imperial customary unit.
What is a point?
Point (pt) is a unit of length.
Is the inch to point conversion exact?
Yes. The international inch is defined as exactly 25.4 millimeters. That fixed definition is what the converter above uses, so any rounding you see is a display choice, not a limitation of the math.
Where is the inch still used today?
United States and United Kingdom (small measurements, screen sizes, hardware)