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Pica Conversion Table
This comprehensive pica conversion table shows how various units relate to picas, a standard unit for typography. Use this reference for quick conversions between picas and other common typography units.
| Conversion | To Unit | Multiplier |
|---|---|---|
| Picas to points | Points | 12 |
| Picas to ems | Ems | Depends on font size |
| Picas to ens | Ens | Depends on font size |
| Picas to pixels | Pixels | ~16 (at 96 DPI) |
| Picas to rems | Rems | Depends on root font size |
| Picas to ex | Ex | Depends on font x-height |
| Picas to ch | Ch | Depends on font zero width |
| Picas to viewport width | Viewport Width | Depends on screen width |
| Picas to viewport height | Viewport Height | Depends on screen height |
| Picas to millimeters | Millimeters | 4.23333 |
| Picas to centimeters | Centimeters | 0.423333 |
| Picas to inches | Inches | 0.166667 |
This pica conversion reference table provides accurate conversion factors for both typography and absolute units. All values are based on standard typographic conventions and common screen densities (96 DPI).
What is a Pica?
The pica is a unit of length used in typography and printing. In digital typography, the pica is defined as exactly 1/6 of an inch, which is approximately 4.23333 millimeters. This definition is the standard used in most modern computer applications and CSS. One pica equals exactly 12 points.
The pica is used for specifying larger typographic measurements such as column widths, margins, and leading. Our pica conversion tool helps you easily convert between picas and other units. For example, 6 picas equals 1 inch or approximately 25.4 millimeters.
What is the Standard of Pica?
The pica is a specialized unit for typography, with a precise definition in modern usage. The current standard is that 1 pica equals exactly 1/6 of an inch. This provides a precise relationship to absolute units:
- 1 pica = 1/6 inch = 0.166667 inches
- 1 pica = 4.23333 millimeters
- 1 pica = 0.423333 centimeters
- 1 pica = 12 points (pt)
- 6 picas = 1 inch
What are Picas Used For?
Picas are used in a wide range of applications in typography and design. As a standard unit for larger typographic measurements, picas provide a consistent measure for all typographic conversions:
Page Layout & Design
Setting column widths, margins, and other page layout dimensions. For example, a newspaper column might be 20 picas wide.
Print Design
Specifying leading (line spacing) and other layout measurements. For example, 15-point leading might be specified as 1.25 picas.
Digital Publishing
Creating e-books, PDFs, and other digital documents with consistent sizing. For example, a PDF document might specify 36-pica page margins.
Web Design
In CSS, picas can be used for print stylesheets. For example, specifying a 3-pica left margin in a print stylesheet.
Etymology and History
The word "pica" comes from the Latin "pica," meaning "magpie." In typography, the pica system was developed in the 18th century by Pierre Simon Fournier and later refined by François-Ambroise Didot. These early systems defined the pica as approximately 4.51 millimeters.
In the 20th century, the American Type Founders Association standardized the pica at 0.16604 inches. With the advent of desktop publishing in the 1980s, the DTP pica was defined as exactly 1/6 inch (4.23333 mm) to simplify digital typography calculations. This definition is now used in all major design software and typography systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the pica used in typography?
The pica is used for larger typographic measurements because it provides a standardized, precise unit that's convenient for layout work. Its relationship to inches (6 picas = 1 inch) makes it mathematically convenient for designers and printers. This standardization ensures consistent typography across different systems and applications.
How accurate is the pica definition?
The DTP pica is exactly defined as 1/6 of an inch, which is 4.23333 millimeters. This precise mathematical definition ensures complete reproducibility across all digital systems. For typographic conversions, this accuracy is essential for maintaining consistent design across different media.
What's the difference between pica and point?
A pica is a larger unit used in typography, equal to 12 points. Points are used for finer measurements like font sizes, while picas are often used for larger layout dimensions. For example, you might specify a 12-point font size but measure column widths in picas.
How do I convert picas to other units?
Use our pica conversion calculators above, or multiply by the appropriate conversion factor. For example, to convert picas to inches, divide by 6; to convert picas to millimeters, multiply by 4.23333. For detailed instructions on converting picas to points, visit our pica to point converter.
What are common uses for pica conversion?
Pica conversion is essential in graphic design (setting column widths), publishing (creating print layouts), web development (print stylesheets), and education (teaching typography). Whether calculating margins for a brochure or converting design specifications, our pica converter tool simplifies these everyday tasks.
How does pica conversion differ from other length units?
Picas are specifically designed for typography and have a fixed relationship to inches (6 picas = 1 inch). This makes pica conversion particularly straightforward for design work, compared to converting between unrelated units like pixels and centimeters which depend on screen resolution.
Can I convert very small or very large measurements in picas?
Yes, our pica converter handles both extremely small and large measurements with precision. For very fine typography work, you might convert points to picas. For large format printing, you might convert picas to inches or millimeters. Our smart rounding feature ensures readable results for all scales.
Is your pica conversion tool free to use?
Yes, our pica conversion calculator is completely free with no registration required. Simply enter your value, select your target unit, and get instant, accurate results. We believe precise typographic conversion should be accessible to everyone, from students learning typography to professionals working on complex design projects.