Points to Centimeters Converter
Enter the length in points below to convert it to centimeters.
Convert Points to Centimeters
Enter a value in points (pt) to convert to centimeters (cm).
Points to Centimeters Conversion Chart (1–40 Continuous)
Continuous 1 to 40 points lookup table with exact decimals and reduced nearest 1/64 fractions. Highlighted rows mark common shop and ruler values.
| Points (pt) | Decimal (cm) | Fraction — Nearest 1/64 (Reduced) | Nearest 1/16 (Tape) |
|---|---|---|---|
1 pt★ Common | 0.035278 cm | 1/32 cm | 1/16 cm |
2 pt★ Common | 0.070556 cm | 5/64 cm | 1/16 cm |
3 pt★ Common | 0.105833 cm | 7/64 cm | 1/8 cm |
4 pt | 0.141111 cm | 9/64 cm | 1/8 cm |
5 pt★ Common | 0.176389 cm | 11/64 cm | 3/16 cm |
6 pt★ Common | 0.211667 cm | 7/32 cm | 3/16 cm |
7 pt | 0.246944 cm | 1/4 cm | 1/4 cm |
8 pt★ Common | 0.282222 cm | 9/32 cm | 5/16 cm |
9 pt | 0.3175 cm | 5/16 cm | 5/16 cm |
10 pt★ Common | 0.352778 cm | 23/64 cm | 3/8 cm |
11 pt | 0.388056 cm | 25/64 cm | 3/8 cm |
12 pt★ Common | 0.423333 cm | 27/64 cm | 7/16 cm |
How to Convert Points to Centimeters
To convert points to centimeters, multiply the length by the following conversion ratio: 0.0352778 centimeters/point.
Since one point is equal to 0.0352778 centimeters, you can use this simple formula to convert:
The length in centimeters is equal to the length in points multiplied by 0.0352778.
For example, here's how to convert 5 points to centimeters using the formula above.
How Many Centimeters Are in a Point?
There are 0.0352778 centimeters in a point, which is why we use this value in the formula above.
Our point fraction and decimal calculator can convert points and centimeters, and it automatically converts the results to US customary, imperial, and SI metric values.
Points and centimeters are both units used to measure length. Keep reading to learn more about each unit.
How to Convert Points 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 0.069444 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 points (pt) into fractional inches:
- Find the decimal inches result: Convert 5 pt to inches to get 0.069444 in.
- Separate the whole inches from the decimal part: Keep the whole number 0 aside, leaving the decimal remainder 0.069444.
- Multiply the decimal part by your desired fraction denominator (16, 32, or 64) and round half up: Multiply 0.069444 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 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). [1]
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.
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 points (pt) and centimeters (cm), keep full floating-point precision (1 pt = 0.0352778 cm; 1 cm = 28.3464567 pt) during intermediate calculations and round only the final centimeter figure to match your instrument tolerance.
More Point & Centimeter Conversions
Need to calculate in the opposite direction? Use our centimeters to points calculator to switch your starting unit immediately. You can also explore related tools such as converting centimeters to points, converting inches to centimeters, or converting feet to centimeters.
Convert from Points
Frequently Asked Questions
References
- [1]NIST OWM StandardNIST OWM (SI Units — Length)·Length Metrology Standard — Points (pt) to Centimeters (cm)
- [2]BIPM SpecificationBIPM (SI Base Unit: Metre (m))·Unit Specifications: Point (Typography) (pt) & Centimeter (cm)
- [3]NIST HB 133 ReferenceNIST HB 133 (NIST Handbook 133 (2019 Ed.))·Conversion Factors & Mathematical Basis (pt to cm)