A pica is 12 points.
Picas to Points Converter — pc to pt
Convert Pica (pc) to Point (pt) using the exact conversion factor (1 pica = 12 point). See the formula, worked examples, and conversion table.
Picas 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 0.004233333333 / 0.0003527777778.
Length uses the meter as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Picas to Points
Pica and Point both measure length. Specifically: A pica is 12 points, and a desktop publishing point is 1/72 inch.
Formula
points = picas × 11.9999999983
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 pica equals 0.004233333333 base units, and 1 point equals 0.0003527777778 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct pica-to-point factor of 11.9999999983.
Simple example
1 pc × 12 = 12 pt
1 pica = 12 points.
Real-world example
10 pc × 12 = 120 pt
10 picas = 120 points.
Conversion table
| Pica (pc) | Point (pt) |
|---|---|
| 1 pc | 12 pt |
| 5 pc | 59.99999999 pt |
| 10 pc | 120 pt |
| 21.0975 pc | 253.17 pt |
| 42.195 pc | 506.3399999 pt |
| 100 pc | 1,200 pt |
Reverse conversion: Point to Pica
12 pt × 0.08333333335 = 1 pc
12 points = 1 picas.
picas = points × 0.0833333333451
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Point to Pica.
Understanding the Pica (pc)
A pica is 12 points.
Understanding the Point (pt)
A desktop publishing point is 1/72 inch.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many points are in 1 pica?
1 pica equals 12 points, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert pica to point?
Multiply the pica value by 12. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert point back to pica?
Use the reverse factor: 1 point equals 0.0833333334 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 point?
Point (pt) is a unit of length.
Is the pica to point conversion exact?
Yes. Both pica and point are defined by fixed standards rather than physical artifacts, so the factor of 12 used above is exact to as many digits as you choose to display.