A pica is 12 points.
Picas to Centimeters Converter — pc to cm
Convert Pica (pc) to Centimeter (cm) using the exact conversion factor (1 pica = 0.4233333333 centimeter). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, history, and common uses.
Picas to Centimeters 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.
Centimeter is 0.01 meter units.
Result = input x 0.004233333333 / 0.01.
Length uses the meter as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Picas to Centimeters
Pica and Centimeter both measure length. Specifically: A pica is 12 points, and centimeter is 0.01 meter units.
Formula
centimeters = picas × 0.4233333333
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 pica equals 0.004233333333 base units, and 1 centimeter equals 0.01 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct pica-to-centimeter factor of 0.4233333333.
Simple example
1 pc × 0.4233333333 = 0.4233333333 cm
1 pica = 0.4233333333 centimeters.
Real-world example
10 pc × 0.4233333333 = 4.233333333 cm
10 picas = 4.233333333 centimeters.
Conversion table
| Pica (pc) | Centimeter (cm) |
|---|---|
| 1 pc | 0.4233333333 cm |
| 5 pc | 2.116666667 cm |
| 10 pc | 4.233333333 cm |
| 21.0975 pc | 8.931274999 cm |
| 42.195 pc | 17.86255 cm |
| 100 pc | 42.33333333 cm |
Reverse conversion: Centimeter to Pica
0.4233333333 cm × 2.362204725 = 1 pc
0.4233333333 centimeters = 1 picas.
picas = centimeters × 2.3622047246
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Centimeter to Pica.
Understanding the Pica (pc)
A pica is 12 points.
Understanding the Centimeter
Centimeter (cm) measures distance. A centimeter is one-hundredth of a meter. It is classified as a SI derived (metric prefix) unit.
Where it's used: Standard small-length unit worldwide except the US
Uses of the Centimeter today
- Everyday small-object and body measurement (height, clothing sizes) outside the US
- Construction and manufacturing tolerances internationally
History of the Centimeter
The centimeter follows directly from the meter via the 'centi-' SI prefix (10⁻²), introduced with the metric system in the 1790s.
Historical origin. Centimeter was not the invention of a single named person; it developed through the process described above.
Centimeter — sources
- BIPM SI Brochure — SI prefixes — Defines 'centi-' as the prefix for 10⁻².
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many centimeters are in 1 pica?
1 pica equals 0.4233333333 centimeters, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert pica to centimeter?
Multiply the pica value by 0.4233333333. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert centimeter back to pica?
Use the reverse factor: 1 centimeter equals 2.362204725 picas. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a pica?
Pica (pc) is a unit of length.
What is a centimeter?
Centimeter (cm) measures distance. A centimeter is one-hundredth of a meter. It is classified as a SI derived (metric prefix) unit.
Is the pica to centimeter conversion exact?
Yes. Both pica and centimeter are defined by fixed standards rather than physical artifacts, so the factor of 0.4233333333 used above is exact to as many digits as you choose to display.