A desktop publishing point is 1/72 inch.
Points to Inches Converter — pt to in
Convert Point (pt) to Inch (in) using the exact conversion factor (1 point = 0.0138888889 inch). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, history, and common uses.
Points to Inches 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.
An inch is exactly 0.0254 meters.
Result = input x 0.0003527777778 / 0.0254.
Length uses the meter as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Points to Inches
Point and Inch both measure length. Specifically: A desktop publishing point is 1/72 inch, and an inch is exactly 0.0254 meters.
Formula
inches = points × 0.0138888888898
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 point equals 0.0003527777778 base units, and 1 inch equals 0.0254 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct point-to-inch factor of 0.0138888888898.
Simple example
1 pt × 0.01388888889 = 0.0138888889 in
1 point = 0.0138888889 inches.
Real-world example
10 pt × 0.01388888889 = 0.1388888889 in
10 points = 0.1388888889 inches.
Conversion table
| Point (pt) | Inch (in) |
|---|---|
| 1 pt | 0.0138888889 in |
| 5 pt | 0.0694444445 in |
| 10 pt | 0.1388888889 in |
| 21.0975 pt | 0.2930208334 in |
| 42.195 pt | 0.5860416667 in |
| 100 pt | 1.388888889 in |
Reverse conversion: Inch to Point
0.0138888889 in × 72 = 1.000000001 pt
0.0138888889 inches = 1.000000001 points.
points = inches × 71.9999999955
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Inch to Point.
Understanding the Point (pt)
A desktop publishing point is 1/72 inch.
Understanding the Inch
Inch (in) measures distance. The international inch is defined as exactly 25.4 millimeters. It is classified as a US/imperial customary unit.
Where it's used: United States and United Kingdom (small measurements, screen sizes, hardware)
Uses of the Inch today
- Screen and display size measurement worldwide (even in metric countries)
- US/UK small-object and body measurement
- Hardware, tools, and pipe fittings (US)
History of the Inch
The inch traces to medieval England, traditionally defined as the length of three barleycorns, later standardized as 1/12 of a foot. The international inch (exactly 25.4 mm) was fixed by the same 1959 agreement that standardized the foot and yard.
Historical origin. Inch was not the invention of a single named person; it developed through the process described above.
Inch — sources
- NIST — International yard and pound (1959) — Fixes the modern inch at exactly 25.4 millimeters.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many inches are in 1 point?
1 point equals 0.0138888889 inches, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert point to inch?
Multiply the point value by 0.01388888889. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert inch back to point?
Use the reverse factor: 1 inch equals 72 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 inch?
Inch (in) measures distance. The international inch is defined as exactly 25.4 millimeters. It is classified as a US/imperial customary unit.
Is the point to inch conversion exact?
Yes. The international inch is defined as exactly 25.4 millimeters. That fixed definition is what the converter above uses, so any rounding you see is a display choice, not a limitation of the math.