PT to MM Converter
Convert points (pt) to millimeters (mm) instantly with our free online tool. Essential for international designers, printers, and anyone working with metric typography measurements.
Conversion Result
Understanding PT to MM Conversion
Points (pt) and millimeters (mm) are both units of measurement used in design and printing, with millimeters being the standard metric unit for precise measurements.
What is a Point (pt)?
A point is a unit of measurement commonly used in typography and print design. The modern PostScript point is defined as exactly 1/72 of an inch (about 0.3528 mm). This standardization makes conversion between points and metric units straightforward.
What is a Millimeter (mm)?
A millimeter is a metric unit of length equal to one thousandth of a meter. It's the standard unit for precise measurements in most countries outside the United States and is widely used in engineering, manufacturing, and design.
How to Convert PT to MM
The conversion from points to millimeters is based on the standardized definition that 1 inch equals 25.4 millimeters and 72 points equal 1 inch:
Formula: millimeters = points × (25.4 / 72) ≈ points × 0.352777778
This means that to convert any point measurement to millimeters, you multiply the point value by approximately 0.3528.
Common Conversion Values
| Points (pt) | Millimeters (mm) | Common Usage |
|---|---|---|
| 6pt | 2.12 mm | Very small text |
| 8pt | 2.82 mm | Footnote text |
| 10pt | 3.53 mm | Small text |
| 12pt | 4.23 mm | Standard body text |
| 14pt | 4.94 mm | Subheadings |
| 18pt | 6.35 mm | Headings |
| 24pt | 8.47 mm | Large headings |
| 36pt | 12.7 mm | Display text |
| 72pt | 25.4 mm | Very large display text |
| 144pt | 50.8 mm | Poster text |
When to Use PT vs MM
Use points (pt) when:
- Specifying font sizes in print design
- Working with typography measurements
- Creating documents in desktop publishing software
- Designing for print media where point sizes are standard
Use millimeters (mm) when:
- Working with metric measurements in international projects
- Precise physical dimensions are required
- Manufacturing or engineering specifications
- When working with colleagues or clients in metric countries
International Standards
While points are still widely used in typography, most countries outside the United States use metric measurements for all design and printing specifications. Understanding the conversion between points and millimeters is essential for:
- International design collaborations
- Printing specifications in metric countries
- Technical documentation requiring metric units
- Packaging design for global markets
Conversion Tips
- For quick mental calculations, remember that 1pt ≈ 0.35mm
- 3pt ≈ 1mm (actual 1mm = 2.8346pt)
- Standard A4 paper (210×297mm) is approximately 595×842pt
- When precision matters, always use the exact conversion factor