A pica is 12 points.
Picas to Millimeters Converter — pc to mm
Convert Pica (pc) to Millimeter (mm) using the exact conversion factor (1 pica = 4.233333333 millimeter). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, history, and common uses.
Picas to Millimeters 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.
Millimeter is 0.001 meter units.
Result = input x 0.004233333333 / 0.001.
Length uses the meter as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Picas to Millimeters
Pica and Millimeter both measure length. Specifically: A pica is 12 points, and millimeter is 0.001 meter units.
Formula
millimeters = picas × 4.233333333
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 pica equals 0.004233333333 base units, and 1 millimeter equals 0.001 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct pica-to-millimeter factor of 4.233333333.
Simple example
1 pc × 4.233333333 = 4.233333333 mm
1 pica = 4.233333333 millimeters.
Real-world example
10 pc × 4.233333333 = 42.33333333 mm
10 picas = 42.33333333 millimeters.
Conversion table
| Pica (pc) | Millimeter (mm) |
|---|---|
| 1 pc | 4.233333333 mm |
| 5 pc | 21.16666667 mm |
| 10 pc | 42.33333333 mm |
| 21.0975 pc | 89.31274999 mm |
| 42.195 pc | 178.6255 mm |
| 100 pc | 423.3333333 mm |
Reverse conversion: Millimeter to Pica
4.233333333 mm × 0.2362204725 = 1 pc
4.233333333 millimeters = 1 picas.
picas = millimeters × 0.23622047246
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Millimeter to Pica.
Understanding the Pica (pc)
A pica is 12 points.
Understanding the Millimeter
Millimeter (mm) measures distance. A millimeter is one-thousandth of a meter. It is classified as a SI derived (metric prefix) unit.
Where it's used: Standard small/precision length unit worldwide, including in US engineering and manufacturing
Uses of the Millimeter today
- Engineering drawings and manufacturing tolerances worldwide (including in the US)
- Rainfall measurement in most countries
- Small-scale everyday measurement (screen sizes, hardware)
History of the Millimeter
The millimeter follows from the meter via the 'milli-' SI prefix (10⁻³). It is notable as one of the few metric units in routine US technical/engineering use, since precision manufacturing and electronics are often specified in millimeters even in the US.
Historical origin. Millimeter was not the invention of a single named person; it developed through the process described above.
Millimeter — sources
- BIPM SI Brochure — SI prefixes — Defines 'milli-' as the prefix for 10⁻³.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many millimeters are in 1 pica?
1 pica equals 4.233333333 millimeters, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert pica to millimeter?
Multiply the pica value by 4.233333333. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert millimeter back to pica?
Use the reverse factor: 1 millimeter equals 0.2362204725 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 millimeter?
Millimeter (mm) measures distance. A millimeter is one-thousandth of a meter. It is classified as a SI derived (metric prefix) unit.
Is the pica to millimeter conversion exact?
Yes. Both pica and millimeter are defined by fixed standards rather than physical artifacts, so the factor of 4.233333333 used above is exact to as many digits as you choose to display.