How many pixels is 1 point at 96 DPI?

At 96 DPI (the CSS reference pixel standard), 1 pt = 96 ÷ 72 ≈ 1.3333 px. So 12 pt = 16 px, which is the default browser font size.

Why is 72 used in the formula?

A typographic point is defined as 1/72 of an inch. So to find how many pixels fit in one point at a given DPI, divide DPI by 72: px = pt × (DPI ÷ 72).

What DPI should I use for screen design?

Use 96 DPI for standard CSS/web design. For print at standard quality use 150 DPI, and for high-quality print use 300 DPI. Apple Retina displays use 2× logical pixels, so the CSS DPI remains 96.

Is 1 pt = 1 px the same thing?

Only at 72 DPI (the old Mac screen standard). On modern 96 DPI screens, 1 pt ≠ 1 px — 1 pt equals 1.333 px. The CSS unit "pt" is an absolute unit tied to physical inches, not screen pixels.

What is the difference between pt, px, em, and rem?

px is a screen pixel (absolute at a given resolution). pt is a physical unit: 1/72 inch. em is relative to the current font size. rem is relative to the root font size. For web layouts, px, em, and rem are most common; pt is mainly for print stylesheets.

Points to Pixels Converter

Name: Points to Pixels Converter
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Enter a point value and a DPI to get the exact pixel equivalent instantly.

Convert Points to Pixels

Points (pt)

DPI (dots per inch)

DPI Presets

Result

16 px

12 pt × (96 ÷ 72) = 16.000 px

Common Font Sizes at 96 DPI

Reference: pt → px conversion at the standard CSS screen DPI of 96.

Points (pt)	Pixels (px)	Common use

Formula

px = pt × (DPI ÷ 72)

One typographic point is exactly 1/72 of an inch. At 96 DPI, 1 pt = 96/72 = 1.3̅ px.

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Summary

Enter a point value and a DPI to get the exact pixel equivalent instantly.

How it works

Enter the number of points (pt) you want to convert.
Set the DPI (dots per inch) — default is 96 for standard screens.
The pixel value is calculated using: px = pt × (DPI ÷ 72).
Use the DPI presets for common scenarios: 96 (screen), 72 (legacy Mac), 150/300 (print).
Copy the result or use the reference table for common point sizes.

Use cases

Convert font sizes from print stylesheets (pt) to screen CSS (px).
Calculate pixel equivalents when working with design tools that use points.
Verify point-to-pixel ratios for high-DPI (Retina) display work.
Convert print layout measurements to web pixel values.
Check pixel sizes for PDF and document typography at various print DPIs.
Translate design specs given in points to CSS pixel values.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-07-23 · Reviewed by Nham Vu