Convert Point to Pica
Convert points to picas instantly. 1 point = 0.0833333392 pica — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Pica to Point converter for the reverse conversion.
Units explained
Point
A point is a typographic unit equal to 1/72 of an inch (about 0.353 mm) in the PostScript point system. It is the standard unit for font sizes and typographic measurements in modern digital publishing.
The PostScript/Adobe point of exactly 1/72 inch was adopted in 1984 with the release of PostScript. This replaced earlier, slightly different typographic points (Didot, Truchet, Pica points) that had varied across regional printing traditions.
Points are used throughout typesetting, word processing, and design software for font sizes (typical body text is 10–12 pt) and small typographic dimensions. The web's standard typography unit, even when expressed in CSS as 1pt = 1.333px.
PostScript point of 1/72 inch defined by Adobe in 1984; predecessors include the Didot point (France, ~0.376 mm) and the Truchet/Pica systems.
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.
Point to Pica conversion formula
The relationship between points and picas:
To convert points to picas, multiply the value in points by 0.0833333392. To reverse, multiply picas by 11.9999991496.
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 Point converter for the reverse direction.
Step-by-step: convert points to picas
- Write down the value in points (pt).
- Multiply that value by the factor 0.0833333392.
- The product is the equivalent value in picas (pc).
- To reverse, multiply the pica value by 11.9999991496.
Worked examples
Example 1 — Convert 1 pt to pc:
1 × 0.0833333392 = 0.0833333392 pc
Example 2 — Convert 100 pt to pc:
100 × 0.0833333392 = 8.3333339239 pc
Real-world example — Plastic film and laminate thickness
A 500-point sheet is a typical spec for ID-card laminates and film overlays. Converting to picas aligns the value with the unit most CAD systems and material datasheets prefer.
500 pt × 0.0833333392 = 41.6666696194 pc
Real-world example — Packaging gauge
A 4-point plastic bag thickness is a common spec for grocery and freezer bags. Converting from points to picas is what packaging buyers do whenever they bridge US and metric supplier quotes.
4 pt × 0.0833333392 = 0.333333357 pc
Point to Pica conversion table
Standard reference values for converting points to picas:
| Point [pt] | Pica [pc] |
|---|---|
| 0.01 | 0.0008333334 |
| 0.1 | 0.0083333339 |
| 1 | 0.0833333392 |
| 2 | 0.1666666785 |
| 3 | 0.2500000177 |
| 4 | 0.333333357 |
| 5 | 0.4166666962 |
| 10 | 0.8333333924 |
| 20 | 1.6666667848 |
| 30 | 2.5000001772 |
| 40 | 3.3333335696 |
| 50 | 4.1666669619 |
| 100 | 8.3333339239 |
| 500 | 41.6666696194 |
| 1000 | 83.3333392388 |
Frequently asked questions
How many picas is 1 point?
How do I convert points to picas?
How do I convert picas back to points?
How many picas is 100 points?
Popular length unit conversions
Convert Point 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 pt = 0.0833333392 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 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.