A pica is 12 points.
Picas to Hands Converter — pc to hh
Convert Pica (pc) to Hand (hh) using the exact conversion factor (1 pica = 0.0416666667 hand). See the formula, worked examples, and conversion table.
Picas to Hands 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 hand is four inches, often used for horse height.
Result = input x 0.004233333333 / 0.1016.
Length uses the meter as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Picas to Hands
Pica and Hand both measure length. Specifically: A pica is 12 points, and a hand is four inches, often used for horse height.
Formula
hands = picas × 0.0416666666634
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 pica equals 0.004233333333 base units, and 1 hand equals 0.1016 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct pica-to-hand factor of 0.0416666666634.
Simple example
1 pc × 0.04166666666 = 0.0416666667 hh
1 pica = 0.0416666667 hands.
Real-world example
10 pc × 0.04166666666 = 0.4166666666 hh
10 picas = 0.4166666666 hands.
Conversion table
| Pica (pc) | Hand (hh) |
|---|---|
| 1 pc | 0.0416666667 hh |
| 5 pc | 0.2083333333 hh |
| 10 pc | 0.4166666666 hh |
| 21.0975 pc | 0.8790624999 hh |
| 42.195 pc | 1.758125 hh |
| 100 pc | 4.166666666 hh |
Reverse conversion: Hand to Pica
0.0416666667 hh × 24 = 1.000000001 pc
0.0416666667 hands = 1.000000001 picas.
picas = hands × 24.0000000019
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Hand to Pica.
Understanding the Pica (pc)
A pica is 12 points.
Understanding the Hand (hh)
A hand is four inches, often used for horse height.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many hands are in 1 pica?
1 pica equals 0.0416666667 hands, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert pica to hand?
Multiply the pica value by 0.04166666666. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert hand back to pica?
Use the reverse factor: 1 hand equals 24 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 hand?
Hand (hh) is a unit of length.
Is the pica to hand conversion exact?
Yes. Both pica and hand are defined by fixed standards rather than physical artifacts, so the factor of 0.04166666666 used above is exact to as many digits as you choose to display.