Centimeters to Points Converter
Enter the length in centimeters below to convert it to points.
Convert Centimeters to Points
Enter a value in centimeters (cm) to convert to points (pt).
Centimeters to Points Conversion Chart (1–40 Continuous)
Continuous 1 to 40 centimeters lookup table with exact decimals and reduced nearest 1/64 fractions. Highlighted rows mark common shop and ruler values.
| Centimeters (cm) | Decimal (pt) | Fraction — Nearest 1/64 (Reduced) | Nearest 1/16 (Tape) |
|---|---|---|---|
1 cm★ Common | 28.346457 pt | 28 11/32 pt | 28 3/8 pt |
2 cm★ Common | 56.692913 pt | 56 11/16 pt | 56 11/16 pt |
3 cm★ Common | 85.03937 pt | 85 3/64 pt | 85 1/16 pt |
4 cm | 113.385827 pt | 113 25/64 pt | 113 3/8 pt |
5 cm★ Common | 141.732283 pt | 141 47/64 pt | 141 3/4 pt |
6 cm★ Common | 170.07874 pt | 170 5/64 pt | 170 1/16 pt |
7 cm | 198.425197 pt | 198 27/64 pt | 198 7/16 pt |
8 cm★ Common | 226.771654 pt | 226 49/64 pt | 226 3/4 pt |
9 cm | 255.11811 pt | 255 1/8 pt | 255 1/8 pt |
10 cm★ Common | 283.464567 pt | 283 15/32 pt | 283 7/16 pt |
11 cm | 311.811024 pt | 311 13/16 pt | 311 13/16 pt |
12 cm★ Common | 340.15748 pt | 340 5/32 pt | 340 3/16 pt |
How to Convert Centimeters to Points
To convert centimeters to points, multiply the length by the following conversion ratio: 28.3464567 points/centimeter.
Since one centimeter is equal to 28.3464567 points, you can use this simple formula to convert:
The length in points is equal to the length in centimeters multiplied by 28.3464567.
For example, here's how to convert 5 centimeters to points using the formula above.
How Many Points Are in a Centimeter?
There are 28.3464567 points in a centimeter, which is why we use this value in the formula above.
Our centimeter fraction and decimal calculator can convert centimeters and points, and it automatically converts the results to US customary, imperial, and SI metric values.
Centimeters and points are both units used to measure length. Keep reading to learn more about each unit.
How to Convert Centimeters to Fractional Inches (1/16″, 1/32″ & 1/64″)
Plain-language method for turning decimal inches into a standard tape-measure or machinist ruler fraction
Calculators give you a decimal number (such as 1.968504 in), but tape measures and woodworking rulers are marked in binary fractions of an inch—most commonly 1/16″ on carpenter tapes, 1/32″ on fine woodworking rules, and 1/64″ on machinist scales.
Here is the step-by-step worked example for converting 5 centimeters (cm) into fractional inches:
- Find the decimal inches result: Convert 5 cm to inches to get 1.968504 in.
- Separate the whole inches from the decimal part: Keep the whole number 1 aside, leaving the decimal remainder 0.968504.
- Multiply the decimal part by your desired fraction denominator (16, 32, or 64) and round half up: Multiply 0.968504 by 16, 32, or 64, then round to the nearest whole number (values ending in .5 round up).
- Reduce the fraction to lowest terms: If the rounded top number (numerator) is even, divide both top and bottom by 2 (or their Greatest Common Divisor) until the top number is odd, then combine with your whole inches.
What Is a Centimeter?
A centimeter is a metric unit of length equal to one-hundredth (1/100) of a meter, which is the International System of Units (SI) base unit of length. One centimeter is also equal to 10 millimeters or approximately 0.39370079 inches. [1]
The centimeter, or centimetre, is part of the SI metric system used worldwide for everyday, scientific, and clinical measurements. Centimeters can be abbreviated as cm; for example, 1 centimeter can be written as 1 cm.
In the metric system, "centi" is the Latin-derived prefix for hundredths, or 10⁻². Because 1 international inch is legally defined as 2.54 centimeters, converting between centimeters and inches is anchored by an exact mathematical constant.
Centimeters are measured using metric rulers, tailor's measuring tapes, stadiometers (for human height), and vernier calipers across carpentry, apparel sizing, school science, and medical charts.
What Is a Point?
A point is a unit of length equal to 0.000352778 meters (m), the base unit for length. Desktop publishing point equal to 1/72 of an international inch (0.35278 mm). [2]
The point is classified as a standard unit of length. Points can be abbreviated as pt; for example, 1 point can be written as 1 pt.
When working with points (pt) in formulas or technical specifications, always verify whether your target system uses SI metric, US customary, or British imperial standards.
In practice, points (pt) are widely used across fine-tolerance laboratory, analytical, and micro-scale length measurements within international standard workflows, engineering documentation, and technical data sheets.
When converting length between centimeters (cm) and points (pt), keep full floating-point precision (1 cm = 28.3464567 pt; 1 pt = 0.0352778 cm) during intermediate calculations and round only the final point figure to match your instrument tolerance.
More Centimeter & Point Conversions
Need to calculate in the opposite direction? Use our points to centimeters calculator to switch your starting unit immediately. You can also explore related tools such as converting points to centimeters, converting centimeters to inches, or converting centimeters to feet.
Convert from Centimeters
Frequently Asked Questions
References
- [1]NIST OWM StandardNIST OWM (SI Units — Length)·Length Metrology Standard — Centimeters (cm) to Points (pt)
- [2]BIPM SpecificationBIPM (SI Base Unit: Metre (m))·Unit Specifications: Centimeter (cm) & Point (Typography) (pt)
- [3]NIST HB 133 ReferenceNIST HB 133 (NIST Handbook 133 (2019 Ed.))·Conversion Factors & Mathematical Basis (cm to pt)