Convert Pica to Centimeter
Convert picas to centimeters instantly. 1 pica = 0.42333333 centimeter — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Centimeter to Pica converter for the reverse conversion.
Units explained
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
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 to Centimeter conversion formula
The relationship between picas and centimeters:
To convert picas to centimeters, multiply the value in picas by 0.42333333. To reverse, multiply centimeters by 2.362204743.
How to use this converter
Type a value into the calculator. The result in centimeters updates as you type. Tap a quick value, copy the result with one click, or use the swap arrow to jump straight to the Centimeter to Pica converter for the reverse direction.
Step-by-step: convert picas to centimeters
- Write down the value in picas (pc).
- Multiply that value by the factor 0.42333333.
- The product is the equivalent value in centimeters (cm).
- To reverse, multiply the centimeter value by 2.362204743.
Worked examples
Example 1 — Convert 1 pc to cm:
1 × 0.42333333 = 0.42333333 cm
Example 2 — Convert 100 pc to cm:
100 × 0.42333333 = 42.333333 cm
Real-world example — Ruler-scale measurements
A 30-pica school ruler converts cleanly to centimeters — useful when buying a desk accessory from a retailer whose product specs use a different unit.
30 pc × 0.42333333 = 12.6999999 cm
Real-world example — Hardware-scale dimensions
A 10-pica fastener or component is about as long as a thumbnail. Mechanics and DIY enthusiasts convert between picas and centimeters daily when mixing metric and imperial tools.
10 pc × 0.42333333 = 4.2333333 cm
Real-world example — Postcard and small-object dimensions
A postcard is about 5 picas wide. Converting to centimeters is essential for international postal addressing forms that ask for dimensions in different units across countries.
5 pc × 0.42333333 = 2.11666665 cm
Pica to Centimeter conversion table
Standard reference values for converting picas to centimeters:
| Pica [pc] | Centimeter [cm] |
|---|---|
| 0.01 | 0.0042333333 |
| 0.1 | 0.042333333 |
| 1 | 0.42333333 |
| 2 | 0.84666666 |
| 3 | 1.26999999 |
| 4 | 1.69333332 |
| 5 | 2.11666665 |
| 10 | 4.2333333 |
| 20 | 8.4666666 |
| 30 | 12.6999999 |
| 40 | 16.9333332 |
| 50 | 21.1666665 |
| 100 | 42.333333 |
| 500 | 211.666665 |
| 1000 | 423.33333 |
Frequently asked questions
How many centimeters is 1 pica?
How do I convert picas to centimeters?
How do I convert centimeters back to picas?
How many centimeters is 100 picas?
Popular length unit conversions
Convert Pica to other length units
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Metric / SI (4 units)
Imperial / US Customary (4 units)
Typographic (2 units)
Sources & references
Conversion factor (1 pc = 0.42333333 cm) 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 Hydrographic Organization — Resolution on the Nautical Mile
International authority that standardised the nautical mile at exactly 1852 m in 1929 — the value adopted worldwide for sea and air navigation.