Convert Centimeter to Pica
Convert centimeters to picas instantly. 1 centimeter = 2.362204743 pica — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Pica to Centimeter converter for the reverse conversion.
Units explained
Centimeter
A centimeter is a metric unit of length equal to one hundredth of a meter (1/100 m). It is one of the most commonly used SI sub-units in daily life, especially for measuring small objects, body dimensions, paper sizes, and short distances.
The centimeter emerged from the French metric system established by the French Academy of Sciences in 1793. The metric system introduced decimal-based prefixes (milli-, centi-, deci-, deca-, hecto-, kilo-) to create proportional sub-units of the meter.
Centimeters are the standard unit for everyday measurement in nearly every country outside the United States. They are used for body height, clothing sizes, rainfall, paper formats (A4 is 21 × 29.7 cm), screen dimensions, and most consumer product specifications.
Developed in France during the late 18th century as part of the metric system designed by the French Academy of Sciences. Formally adopted in France in 1795 and ratified internationally through the Metre Convention signed in Paris in 1875.
Pica
A pica is a typographic unit equal to exactly 12 points, or 1/6 inch (about 4.233 mm). It is used for measuring column widths and large typographic elements.
The PostScript pica of 12 points = 1/6 inch was standardised in 1984 alongside the PostScript point. Traditional pre-1984 picas varied slightly (e.g., the American pica was 0.166 inch, very close but not identical).
Picas are used for column widths in newspaper and magazine layout (typical column is 11–15 picas), line spacing in book design, and large typographic measurements. Mostly used by professional typesetters.
Modern PostScript pica defined in 1984 at 12 points = 1/6 inch; older typographic systems used slightly different pica values.
Centimeter to Pica conversion formula
The relationship between centimeters and picas:
To convert centimeters to picas, multiply the value in centimeters by 2.362204743. To reverse, multiply picas by 0.42333333.
How to use this converter
Type a value into the calculator. The result in picas updates as you type. Tap a quick value, copy the result with one click, or use the swap arrow to jump straight to the Pica to Centimeter converter for the reverse direction.
Step-by-step: convert centimeters to picas
- Write down the value in centimeters (cm).
- Multiply that value by the factor 2.362204743.
- The product is the equivalent value in picas (pc).
- To reverse, multiply the pica value by 0.42333333.
Worked examples
Example 1 — Convert 1 cm to pc:
1 × 2.362204743 = 2.362204743 pc
Example 2 — Convert 100 cm to pc:
100 × 2.362204743 = 236.2204743009 pc
Real-world example — Postcard and small-object dimensions
A postcard is about 5 centimeters wide. Converting to picas is essential for international postal addressing forms that ask for dimensions in different units across countries.
5 cm × 2.362204743 = 11.811023715 pc
Real-world example — Ruler-scale measurements
A 30-centimeter school ruler converts cleanly to picas — useful when buying a desk accessory from a retailer whose product specs use a different unit.
30 cm × 2.362204743 = 70.8661422903 pc
Real-world example — Hardware-scale dimensions
A 10-centimeter fastener or component is about as long as a thumbnail. Mechanics and DIY enthusiasts convert between centimeters and picas daily when mixing metric and imperial tools.
10 cm × 2.362204743 = 23.6220474301 pc
Centimeter to Pica conversion table
Standard reference values for converting centimeters to picas:
| Centimeter [cm] | Pica [pc] |
|---|---|
| 0.01 | 0.0236220474 |
| 0.1 | 0.2362204743 |
| 1 | 2.362204743 |
| 2 | 4.724409486 |
| 3 | 7.086614229 |
| 4 | 9.448818972 |
| 5 | 11.811023715 |
| 10 | 23.6220474301 |
| 20 | 47.2440948602 |
| 30 | 70.8661422903 |
| 40 | 94.4881897204 |
| 50 | 118.1102371505 |
| 100 | 236.2204743009 |
| 500 | 1181.1023715047 |
| 1000 | 2362.2047430095 |
Frequently asked questions
How many picas is 1 centimeter?
How do I convert centimeters to picas?
How do I convert picas back to centimeters?
How many picas is 100 centimeters?
Popular length unit conversions
Convert Centimeter to other length units
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Metric / SI (17 units)
Imperial / US Customary (27 units)
Nautical (1 units)
Astronomical (9 units)
Atomic / Physics (6 units)
Typographic (3 units)
Sources & references
Conversion factor (1 cm = 2.362204743 pc) verified against the following authoritative sources:
- BIPM — The International System of Units (SI Brochure 9th ed.)
Official BIPM publication defining the seven SI base units (including the meter) and the rules for their use. The global authority on units of measurement.
- NIST — Guide to the SI
US National Institute of Standards and Technology reference covering the SI base and derived units with definitions and usage rules for US technical practice.
- NIST Special Publication 811 — Guide for the Use of the International System of Units
Detailed NIST guide covering exact conversion factors between SI and US customary units along with formatting and rounding conventions.
- NIST — Refinement of values for the yard and pound (Federal Register 1959)
The treaty (signed by US
- International Astronomical Union — System of Astronomical Constants
The IAU defines astronomical units including the AU (149597870700 m exactly) light-year and parsec used in astronomy and astrophysics.