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.