Inches to Points Converter

Convert between inches (in) and points (pt) instantly. Essential for typography, print design, and desktop publishing applications.

Understanding Inches to Points Conversion

The conversion between inches and points is fundamental in typography and print design. Points are the standard unit for measuring font sizes and other typographic elements.

Conversion Formula

The conversion between inches and points is based on the following relationship:

  • 1 inch (in) = 72 points (pt)
  • 1 point (pt) = 1/72 inch ≈ 0.0138889 inches

Common Conversions

Inches (in) Points (pt)
0.125 in (1/8") 9 pt
0.25 in (1/4") 18 pt
0.5 in (1/2") 36 pt
1 in 72 pt
2 in 144 pt
3 in 216 pt
6 in 432 pt

When to Use Inches vs. Points

Inches (in) are typically used for physical measurements in print design, page sizes, and margins.

Points (pt) are used for typographic measurements including font sizes, line spacing, and other text-related dimensions.

Applications

  • Typography and font sizing
  • Print design and layout
  • Desktop publishing
  • Document formatting (Word, InDesign, etc.)
  • CSS measurements (when using absolute units)

Historical Context

The point system has evolved over time with different standards:

  • PostScript point: 1/72 inch (standard in digital systems today)
  • Traditional printer's point: Various standards ranging from 0.0135 to 0.0148 inches
  • Didot point: European standard of approximately 0.0148 inches

This converter uses the PostScript standard of 72 points per inch, which is the most widely used in digital systems.