Picas to Centimeters Converter
Enter the length in picas below to convert it to centimeters.
Convert Picas to Centimeters
Enter a value in picas (pc) to convert to centimeters (cm).
Picas to Centimeters Conversion Chart (1–40 Continuous)
Continuous 1 to 40 picas lookup table with exact decimals and reduced nearest 1/64 fractions. Highlighted rows mark common shop and ruler values.
| Picas (pc) | Decimal (cm) | Fraction — Nearest 1/64 (Reduced) | Nearest 1/16 (Tape) |
|---|---|---|---|
1 pc★ Common | 0.423333 cm | 27/64 cm | 7/16 cm |
2 pc★ Common | 0.846667 cm | 27/32 cm | 7/8 cm |
3 pc★ Common | 1.27 cm | 1 17/64 cm | 1 1/4 cm |
4 pc | 1.693333 cm | 1 11/16 cm | 1 11/16 cm |
5 pc★ Common | 2.116667 cm | 2 7/64 cm | 2 1/8 cm |
6 pc★ Common | 2.54 cm | 2 35/64 cm | 2 9/16 cm |
7 pc | 2.963333 cm | 2 31/32 cm | 2 15/16 cm |
8 pc★ Common | 3.386667 cm | 3 25/64 cm | 3 3/8 cm |
9 pc | 3.81 cm | 3 13/16 cm | 3 13/16 cm |
10 pc★ Common | 4.233333 cm | 4 15/64 cm | 4 1/4 cm |
11 pc | 4.656667 cm | 4 21/32 cm | 4 11/16 cm |
12 pc★ Common | 5.08 cm | 5 5/64 cm | 5 1/16 cm |
How to Convert Picas to Centimeters
To convert picas to centimeters, multiply the length by the following conversion ratio: 0.4233333 centimeters/pica.
Since one pica is equal to 0.4233333 centimeters, you can use this simple formula to convert:
The length in centimeters is equal to the length in picas multiplied by 0.4233333.
For example, here's how to convert 5 picas to centimeters using the formula above.
How Many Centimeters Are in a Pica?
There are 0.4233333 centimeters in a pica, which is why we use this value in the formula above.
Our pica fraction and decimal calculator can convert picas and centimeters, and it automatically converts the results to US customary, imperial, and SI metric values.
Picas and centimeters are both units used to measure length. Keep reading to learn more about each unit.
How to Convert Picas 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 0.833333 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 picas (pc) into fractional inches:
- Find the decimal inches result: Convert 5 pc to inches to get 0.833333 in.
- Separate the whole inches from the decimal part: Keep the whole number 0 aside, leaving the decimal remainder 0.833333.
- Multiply the decimal part by your desired fraction denominator (16, 32, or 64) and round half up: Multiply 0.833333 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 Pica?
A pica is a unit of length equal to 0.0042333 meters (m), the base unit for length. Typographical unit equal to 12 points or 1/6 of an inch (4.2333 mm). [1]
The pica is classified as a standard unit of length. Picas can be abbreviated as pc; for example, 1 pica can be written as 1 pc.
When working with picas (pc) in formulas or technical specifications, always verify whether your target system uses SI metric, US customary, or British imperial standards.
In practice, picas (pc) are widely used across fine-tolerance laboratory, analytical, and micro-scale length measurements within international standard workflows, engineering documentation, and technical data sheets.
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. [2]
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.
When converting length between picas (pc) and centimeters (cm), keep full floating-point precision (1 pc = 0.4233333 cm; 1 cm = 2.3622047 pc) during intermediate calculations and round only the final centimeter figure to match your instrument tolerance.
More Pica & Centimeter Conversions
Need to calculate in the opposite direction? Use our centimeters to picas calculator to switch your starting unit immediately. You can also explore related tools such as converting centimeters to picas, converting inches to centimeters, or converting feet to centimeters.
Convert from Picas
Frequently Asked Questions
References
- [1]NIST OWM StandardNIST OWM (SI Units — Length)·Length Metrology Standard — Picas (pc) to Centimeters (cm)
- [2]BIPM SpecificationBIPM (SI Base Unit: Metre (m))·Unit Specifications: Pica (Typography) (pc) & Centimeter (cm)
- [3]NIST HB 133 ReferenceNIST HB 133 (NIST Handbook 133 (2019 Ed.))·Conversion Factors & Mathematical Basis (pc to cm)