1 rem is equal to 12 pt.
The conversion from rem to pt is based on the fact that 1 rem equals 16 pixels by default in browsers, and 1 pixel corresponds to 0.75 points. Multiplying these values gives the equivalent points for 1 rem.
Conversion Tool
Result in pt:
Conversion Formula
The conversion from rem to pt relies on the relationship between pixels and points in digital measurements. By default, 1 rem is equal to 16 pixels, since rem is based on the root element’s font size which often is 16px. Next, 1 pixel equals 0.75 points, because 1 point is 1/72 of an inch and 1 pixel is 1/96 of an inch, so 72/96 equals 0.75.
The formula to convert rem to pt is:
pt = rem × 16 × 0.75
This works because:
- 1 rem = 16 px (default browser font size)
- 1 px = 0.75 pt
- Therefore, 1 rem = 16 × 0.75 = 12 pt
Example calculation:
If you have 2 rem, then:
2 rem × 16 = 32 px
32 px × 0.75 = 24 pt
Conversion Example
- 3 rem to pt:
- 3 rem × 16 = 48 px
- 48 px × 0.75 = 36 pt
- Result: 3 rem = 36 pt
- 0.5 rem to pt:
- 0.5 rem × 16 = 8 px
- 8 px × 0.75 = 6 pt
- Result: 0.5 rem = 6 pt
- 4.25 rem to pt:
- 4.25 rem × 16 = 68 px
- 68 px × 0.75 = 51 pt
- Result: 4.25 rem = 51 pt
- 10 rem to pt:
- 10 rem × 16 = 160 px
- 160 px × 0.75 = 120 pt
- Result: 10 rem = 120 pt
Conversion Chart
This chart shows rem values from -24.0 to 26.0 and their equivalent in points (pt). Use this to quickly find the pt value for a rem measurement by locating the rem in the first column and reading across to the pt value.
| Rem | Pt |
|---|---|
| -24.0 | -288.0000 |
| -20.0 | -240.0000 |
| -15.0 | -180.0000 |
| -10.0 | -120.0000 |
| -5.0 | -60.0000 |
| -1.0 | -12.0000 |
| 0.0 | 0.0000 |
| 1.0 | 12.0000 |
| 2.0 | 24.0000 |
| 3.0 | 36.0000 |
| 5.0 | 60.0000 |
| 10.0 | 120.0000 |
| 15.0 | 180.0000 |
| 20.0 | 240.0000 |
| 26.0 | 312.0000 |
Related Conversion Questions
- How many points equal 1 rem in typography?
- If I set font size in rem, what is the pt equivalent for 1 rem?
- What is the exact conversion from 1 rem to points in CSS?
- Can 1 rem be converted directly to pt without browser scaling?
- How does 1 rem translate into pt for print design?
- Why does 1 rem equal 12 pt in most browsers?
- Is 1 rem always the same as 12 pt in digital layouts?
Conversion Definitions
rem: A CSS unit that stands for “root em”, rem is relative to the root element’s font size, allowing consistent scaling of text and elements across a webpage. Unlike em, rem does not compound with nested elements, providing predictable sizing relative to the root.
pt: A point (pt) is a physical unit of measurement used in typography equal to 1/72 of an inch. Points are commonly used in print and digital design to specify font sizes and spacing with precise, fixed dimensions.
Conversion FAQs
Why does 1 rem equal 12 pt instead of 16 pt?
This is because rem units are based on pixels, with 1 rem usually set to 16 pixels in browsers. Since 1 point is equal to 1/72 inch and 1 pixel is 1/96 inch, converting pixels to points requires multiplying by 0.75 (72/96). So, 16 px × 0.75 = 12 pt.
Can the conversion of rem to pt change across different devices?
Yes, the conversion can vary if the root font size changes or the display settings affect pixel density. However, the default assumption is 16 pixels per rem, so conversion remains consistent unless root font size or pixel density changes.
Is it better to use rem or pt for web typography?
Rem units are generally better for responsive web design because they scale relative to the root font size, adapting to user preferences and accessibility settings. Points are fixed units and more relevant for print or static layouts.
Does browser zoom affect rem to pt conversion?
Browser zoom can affect how rem units appear visually, but the underlying conversion remains the same. Zoom changes pixel density and scaling, which can make rem sizes look bigger or smaller on the screen.
How to convert rem to pt for a customized root font size?
If the root font size differs from 16 px, multiply the rem value by that root font size in pixels, then multiply by 0.75 to get points. For example, if root font size is 20 px, then 1 rem = 20 px × 0.75 = 15 pt.