A pica is 12 points.
Picas to Nautical miles Converter — pc to nmi
Convert Pica (pc) to Nautical mile (nmi) using the exact conversion factor (1 pica = 0.0000022858 nautical mile). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, history, and common uses.
Picas to Nautical miles 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 nautical mile is exactly 1,852 meters.
Result = input x 0.004233333333 / 1852.
Length uses the meter as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Picas to Nautical miles
Pica and Nautical mile both measure length. Specifically: A pica is 12 points, and a nautical mile is exactly 1,852 meters.
Formula
nautical miles = picas × 0.00000228581713445
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 pica equals 0.004233333333 base units, and 1 nautical mile equals 1852 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct pica-to-nautical mile factor of 0.00000228581713445.
Simple example
1 pc × 0.000002285817134 = 0.0000022858 nmi
1 pica = 0.0000022858 nautical miles.
Real-world example
10 pc × 0.000002285817134 = 0.0000228582 nmi
10 picas = 0.0000228582 nautical miles.
Conversion table
| Pica (pc) | Nautical mile (nmi) |
|---|---|
| 1 pc | 0.0000022858 nmi |
| 5 pc | 0.0000114291 nmi |
| 10 pc | 0.0000228582 nmi |
| 21.0975 pc | 0.000048225 nmi |
| 42.195 pc | 0.0000964501 nmi |
| 100 pc | 0.0002285817 nmi |
Reverse conversion: Nautical mile to Pica
0.0000022858 nmi × 437480.315 = 0.999992504 pc
0.0000022858 nautical miles = 0.999992504 picas.
picas = nautical miles × 437480.314995
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Nautical mile to Pica.
Understanding the Pica (pc)
A pica is 12 points.
Understanding the Nautical mile
Nautical mile (nmi) measures distance. The international nautical mile is defined as exactly 1,852 meters, standardized in 1929. It is classified as a Non-SI unit accepted for use with SI (maritime/aviation).
Where it's used: Used internationally in maritime navigation and aviation.
Uses of the Nautical mile today
- Marine and aviation distance and navigation
- Basis for the knot (nautical miles per hour)
History of the Nautical mile
The nautical mile was historically defined as one minute of latitude along a meridian, directly tying sea navigation to the Earth's geometry, which made it practical for chart-based navigation using a ship's known latitude. The International Hydrographic Bureau standardized it at exactly 1,852 meters in 1929, a value close to the traditional latitude-based definitions used by different countries.
Historical origin. Nautical mile was not the invention of a single named person; it developed through the process described above.
Nautical mile — sources
- BIPM SI Brochure — Non-SI units accepted for use with SI — Lists the nautical mile among accepted non-SI units.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many nautical miles are in 1 pica?
1 pica equals 0.0000022858 nautical miles, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert pica to nautical mile?
Multiply the pica value by 0.000002285817134. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert nautical mile back to pica?
Use the reverse factor: 1 nautical mile equals 437,480.315 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 nautical mile?
Nautical mile (nmi) measures distance. The international nautical mile is defined as exactly 1,852 meters, standardized in 1929. It is classified as a Non-SI unit accepted for use with SI (maritime/aviation).
Is the pica to nautical mile conversion exact?
Yes. The international nautical mile is defined as exactly 1,852 meters, standardized in 1929. That fixed definition is what the converter above uses, so any rounding you see is a display choice, not a limitation of the math.