What is a rem unit in CSS?

A rem (root em) is a CSS unit relative to the root element font size (set on html {}). Unlike em, rem is always relative to the root, not the parent element. If html { font-size: 16px }, then 1rem = 16px everywhere.

What is a typographic point?

A point (pt) is a unit from print typography. In CSS and modern computing, 1 point = 1/72 of an inch, and 1 inch = 96 CSS pixels, so 1pt ≈ 1.3333px.

What is the formula for rem to points?

pt = rem × rootFontSizePx × (72 / 96). For example, 1rem with a 16px root = 1 × 16 × (72/96) = 12pt.

Why does 1rem equal 12pt at 16px root?

1rem = 16px (at 16px root). 16px × (72/96) = 12pt. So the standard browser body text of 1rem corresponds exactly to 12pt in print.

What root font size should I use?

Most browsers default to 16px. Use 16px unless your CSS sets a different root font size, such as html { font-size: 18px } or html { font-size: 62.5% } (which equals 10px, making 1rem = 10px).

How is rem different from em for this conversion?

Both rem and em convert to points using the same formula, but rem always uses the root (html) font size, while em uses the current element's font size. For most body text at default settings they are equal, but nested elements differ.

rem to Points Converter

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

Enter a rem value and root font size to get the equivalent typographic point value instantly.

rem → Points Converter

Root Font Size (px)

Default browser root is 16px.

Value (rem)

rem

Enter a rem value above to see the point equivalent.

Common rem Sizes

Click a row to load it

Description	rem	px	pt (16px root)

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Summary

Enter a rem value and root font size to get the equivalent typographic point value instantly.

How it works

Enter a value in the "rem" field.
Adjust "Root Font Size" if your CSS html font size differs from 16px.
The point (pt) result updates immediately with the formula shown.
Click any row in the reference table to load that rem value.
Click "Clear" to reset all fields.

Use cases

Convert CSS rem values to print-ready point sizes for design handoffs.
Match a web type scale to a print document using the same visual size.
Verify point equivalents when bridging web and print stylesheets.
Quickly look up common rem sizes like 0.75rem, 1rem, or 1.5rem in points.
Adjust point values when working with a non-16px root font size (e.g. 10px from 62.5%).

Frequently Asked Questions

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