A desktop publishing point is 1/72 inch.
Points to Hands Converter — pt to hh
Convert Point (pt) to Hand (hh) using the exact conversion factor (1 point = 0.0034722222 hand). See the formula, worked examples, and conversion table.
Points 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 0.0003527777778 / 0.1016.
Length uses the meter as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Points to Hands
Point and Hand both measure length. Specifically: A desktop publishing point is 1/72 inch, and a hand is four inches, often used for horse height.
Formula
hands = points × 0.00347222222244
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 point equals 0.0003527777778 base units, and 1 hand equals 0.1016 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct point-to-hand factor of 0.00347222222244.
Simple example
1 pt × 0.003472222222 = 0.0034722222 hh
1 point = 0.0034722222 hands.
Real-world example
10 pt × 0.003472222222 = 0.0347222222 hh
10 points = 0.0347222222 hands.
Conversion table
| Point (pt) | Hand (hh) |
|---|---|
| 1 pt | 0.0034722222 hh |
| 5 pt | 0.0173611111 hh |
| 10 pt | 0.0347222222 hh |
| 21.0975 pt | 0.0732552083 hh |
| 42.195 pt | 0.1465104167 hh |
| 100 pt | 0.3472222222 hh |
Reverse conversion: Hand to Point
0.0034722222 hh × 288 = 0.9999999935 pt
0.0034722222 hands = 0.9999999935 points.
points = hands × 287.999999982
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Hand to Point.
Understanding the Point (pt)
A desktop publishing point is 1/72 inch.
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 point?
1 point equals 0.0034722222 hands, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert point to hand?
Multiply the point value by 0.003472222222. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert hand back to point?
Use the reverse factor: 1 hand equals 288 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 hand?
Hand (hh) is a unit of length.
Is the point to hand conversion exact?
Yes. Both point and hand are defined by fixed standards rather than physical artifacts, so the factor of 0.003472222222 used above is exact to as many digits as you choose to display.