A desktop publishing point is 1/72 inch.
Points to Centimeters Converter — pt to cm
Convert Point (pt) to Centimeter (cm) using the exact conversion factor (1 point = 0.0352777778 centimeter). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, history, and common uses.
Points 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 0.0003527777778 / 0.01.
Length uses the meter as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Points to Centimeters
Point and Centimeter both measure length. Specifically: A desktop publishing point is 1/72 inch, and centimeter is 0.01 meter units.
Formula
centimeters = points × 0.03527777778
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 point equals 0.0003527777778 base units, and 1 centimeter equals 0.01 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct point-to-centimeter factor of 0.03527777778.
Simple example
1 pt × 0.03527777778 = 0.0352777778 cm
1 point = 0.0352777778 centimeters.
Real-world example
10 pt × 0.03527777778 = 0.3527777778 cm
10 points = 0.3527777778 centimeters.
Conversion table
| Point (pt) | Centimeter (cm) |
|---|---|
| 1 pt | 0.0352777778 cm |
| 5 pt | 0.1763888889 cm |
| 10 pt | 0.3527777778 cm |
| 21.0975 pt | 0.7442729167 cm |
| 42.195 pt | 1.488545833 cm |
| 100 pt | 3.527777778 cm |
Reverse conversion: Centimeter to Point
0.0352777778 cm × 28.34645669 = 1.000000001 pt
0.0352777778 centimeters = 1.000000001 points.
points = centimeters × 28.3464566911
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Centimeter to Point.
Understanding the Point (pt)
A desktop publishing point is 1/72 inch.
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 point?
1 point equals 0.0352777778 centimeters, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert point to centimeter?
Multiply the point value by 0.03527777778. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert centimeter back to point?
Use the reverse factor: 1 centimeter equals 28.34645669 points. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a point?
Point (pt) 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 point to centimeter conversion exact?
Yes. Both point and centimeter are defined by fixed standards rather than physical artifacts, so the factor of 0.03527777778 used above is exact to as many digits as you choose to display.