A desktop publishing point is 1/72 inch.
Points to Millimeters Converter — pt to mm
Convert Point (pt) to Millimeter (mm) using the exact conversion factor (1 point = 0.3527777778 millimeter). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, history, and common uses.
Points to Millimeters 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.
Millimeter is 0.001 meter units.
Result = input x 0.0003527777778 / 0.001.
Length uses the meter as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Points to Millimeters
Point and Millimeter both measure length. Specifically: A desktop publishing point is 1/72 inch, and millimeter is 0.001 meter units.
Formula
millimeters = points × 0.3527777778
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 point equals 0.0003527777778 base units, and 1 millimeter equals 0.001 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct point-to-millimeter factor of 0.3527777778.
Simple example
1 pt × 0.3527777778 = 0.3527777778 mm
1 point = 0.3527777778 millimeters.
Real-world example
10 pt × 0.3527777778 = 3.527777778 mm
10 points = 3.527777778 millimeters.
Conversion table
| Point (pt) | Millimeter (mm) |
|---|---|
| 1 pt | 0.3527777778 mm |
| 5 pt | 1.763888889 mm |
| 10 pt | 3.527777778 mm |
| 21.0975 pt | 7.442729167 mm |
| 42.195 pt | 14.88545833 mm |
| 100 pt | 35.27777778 mm |
Reverse conversion: Millimeter to Point
0.3527777778 mm × 2.834645669 = 1 pt
0.3527777778 millimeters = 1 points.
points = millimeters × 2.83464566911
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Millimeter to Point.
Understanding the Point (pt)
A desktop publishing point is 1/72 inch.
Understanding the Millimeter
Millimeter (mm) measures distance. A millimeter is one-thousandth of a meter. It is classified as a SI derived (metric prefix) unit.
Where it's used: Standard small/precision length unit worldwide, including in US engineering and manufacturing
Uses of the Millimeter today
- Engineering drawings and manufacturing tolerances worldwide (including in the US)
- Rainfall measurement in most countries
- Small-scale everyday measurement (screen sizes, hardware)
History of the Millimeter
The millimeter follows from the meter via the 'milli-' SI prefix (10⁻³). It is notable as one of the few metric units in routine US technical/engineering use, since precision manufacturing and electronics are often specified in millimeters even in the US.
Historical origin. Millimeter was not the invention of a single named person; it developed through the process described above.
Millimeter — sources
- BIPM SI Brochure — SI prefixes — Defines 'milli-' as the prefix for 10⁻³.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many millimeters are in 1 point?
1 point equals 0.3527777778 millimeters, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert point to millimeter?
Multiply the point value by 0.3527777778. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert millimeter back to point?
Use the reverse factor: 1 millimeter equals 2.834645669 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 millimeter?
Millimeter (mm) measures distance. A millimeter is one-thousandth of a meter. It is classified as a SI derived (metric prefix) unit.
Is the point to millimeter conversion exact?
Yes. Both point and millimeter are defined by fixed standards rather than physical artifacts, so the factor of 0.3527777778 used above is exact to as many digits as you choose to display.