Picas to Inches Converter
Enter the length in picas below to convert it to inches.
Convert Picas to Inches
Enter a value in picas (pc) to convert to inches (in).
Picas to Inches 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 (in) | Fraction — Nearest 1/64 (Reduced) | Nearest 1/16 (Tape) |
|---|---|---|---|
1 pc★ Common | 0.166667 in | 11/64 in | 3/16 in |
2 pc★ Common | 0.333333 in | 21/64 in | 5/16 in |
3 pc★ Common | 0.5 in | 1/2 in | 1/2 in |
4 pc | 0.666667 in | 43/64 in | 11/16 in |
5 pc★ Common | 0.833333 in | 53/64 in | 13/16 in |
6 pc★ Common | 1 in | 1 in | 1 in |
7 pc | 1.166667 in | 1 11/64 in | 1 3/16 in |
8 pc★ Common | 1.333333 in | 1 21/64 in | 1 5/16 in |
9 pc | 1.5 in | 1 1/2 in | 1 1/2 in |
10 pc★ Common | 1.666667 in | 1 43/64 in | 1 11/16 in |
11 pc | 1.833333 in | 1 53/64 in | 1 13/16 in |
12 pc★ Common | 2 in | 2 in | 2 in |
How to Convert Picas to Inches
To convert picas to inches, multiply the length by the following conversion ratio: 0.1666667 inches/pica.
Since one pica is equal to 0.1666667 inches, you can use this simple formula to convert:
The length in inches is equal to the length in picas multiplied by 0.1666667.
For example, here's how to convert 5 picas to inches using the formula above.
How Many Inches Are in a Pica?
There are 0.1666667 inches in a pica, which is why we use this value in the formula above.
Our pica fraction and decimal calculator can convert picas and inches, and it automatically converts the results to US customary, imperial, and SI metric values.
Picas and inches 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 an Inch?
An inch is a unit of length equal to 1/12 of a foot or 1/36 of a yard. Because the international yard is legally defined as exactly 0.9144 meters under the 1959 International Yard and Pound Agreement, one inch equals exactly 2.54 centimeters (25.4 millimeters or 25,400,000 nanometers). [2]
The inch is a US customary and imperial unit of length. Inches can be abbreviated as in; for example, 1 inch can be written as 1 in.
Inches can also be denoted using the ″ symbol, otherwise known as a double prime. Often a double quote (") is used instead of a double prime for convenience. A double prime is commonly used to express 1 in as 1″.
The standard ruler is 12 inches long and is a common tool for measuring a length in inches. Another frequently used tool to perform measurements in inches is a tape measure, which commonly comes in lengths from 6' to 35'. Other devices used to measure in inches include scales, calipers, measuring wheels, micrometers, yardsticks, and even lasers.
When converting length between picas (pc) and inches (in), keep full floating-point precision (1 pc = 0.1666667 in; 1 in = 6 pc) during intermediate calculations and round only the final inch figure to match your instrument tolerance.
More Pica & Inch Conversions
Need to calculate in the opposite direction? Use our inches to picas calculator to switch your starting unit immediately. You can also explore related tools such as converting inches to picas, converting centimeters to inches, or converting millimeters to inches.
Frequently Asked Questions
References
- [1]NIST OWM StandardNIST OWM (SI Units — Length)·Length Metrology Standard — Picas (pc) to Inches (in)
- [2]BIPM SpecificationBIPM (SI Base Unit: Metre (m))·Unit Specifications: Pica (Typography) (pc) & Inch (in)
- [3]NIST HB 133 ReferenceNIST HB 133 (NIST Handbook 133 (2019 Ed.))·Conversion Factors & Mathematical Basis (pc to in)