Length · Unit Converter

Convert Point to Centimeter

Convert points to centimeters instantly. 1 point = 0.03527778 centimeter — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a conversion table and worked examples. Also check the Centimeter to Point converter for the reverse conversion.

Written by Sunith Babu L, Ph.D., Lead Engineer Reviewed by Girish V Kulkarni Ph.D.
Length category 2 min read Published Last reviewed Updated

Units explained

Typographic

Point

What is a point?

A point is a typographic unit equal to 1/72 of an inch (about 0.353 mm) in the PostScript point system. It is the standard unit for font sizes and typographic measurements in modern digital publishing.

Origin of the point

The PostScript/Adobe point of exactly 1/72 inch was adopted in 1984 with the release of PostScript. This replaced earlier, slightly different typographic points (Didot, Truchet, Pica points) that had varied across regional printing traditions.

Where it is used

Points are used throughout typesetting, word processing, and design software for font sizes (typical body text is 10–12 pt) and small typographic dimensions. The web's standard typography unit, even when expressed in CSS as 1pt = 1.333px.

When and where it was developed

PostScript point of 1/72 inch defined by Adobe in 1984; predecessors include the Didot point (France, ~0.376 mm) and the Truchet/Pica systems.

Metric / SI

Centimeter

What is a centimeter?

A centimeter is a metric unit of length equal to one hundredth of a meter (1/100 m). It is one of the most commonly used SI sub-units in daily life, especially for measuring small objects, body dimensions, paper sizes, and short distances.

Origin of the centimeter

The centimeter emerged from the French metric system established by the French Academy of Sciences in 1793. The metric system introduced decimal-based prefixes (milli-, centi-, deci-, deca-, hecto-, kilo-) to create proportional sub-units of the meter.

Where it is used

Centimeters are the standard unit for everyday measurement in nearly every country outside the United States. They are used for body height, clothing sizes, rainfall, paper formats (A4 is 21 × 29.7 cm), screen dimensions, and most consumer product specifications.

When and where it was developed

Developed in France during the late 18th century as part of the metric system designed by the French Academy of Sciences. Formally adopted in France in 1795 and ratified internationally through the Metre Convention signed in Paris in 1875.

Point to Centimeter conversion formula

The relationship between points and centimeters:

1 pt = 0.03527778 cm
1 cm = 28.3464549073 pt

To convert points to centimeters, multiply the value in points by 0.03527778. To reverse, multiply centimeters by 28.3464549073.

How to use this converter

Type a value into the calculator. The result in centimeters updates as you type. Tap a quick value, copy the result with one click, or use the swap arrow to jump straight to the Centimeter to Point converter for the reverse direction.

Step-by-step: convert points to centimeters

  1. Write down the value in points (pt).
  2. Multiply that value by the factor 0.03527778.
  3. The product is the equivalent value in centimeters (cm).
  4. To reverse, multiply the centimeter value by 28.3464549073.

Worked examples

Example 1 — Convert 1 pt to cm:
1 × 0.03527778 = 0.03527778 cm

Example 2 — Convert 100 pt to cm:
100 × 0.03527778 = 3.527778 cm

Real-world example — Plastic film and laminate thickness

A 500-point sheet is a typical spec for ID-card laminates and film overlays. Converting to centimeters aligns the value with the unit most CAD systems and material datasheets prefer.

500 pt × 0.03527778 = 17.63889 cm

Real-world example — Packaging gauge

A 4-point plastic bag thickness is a common spec for grocery and freezer bags. Converting from points to centimeters is what packaging buyers do whenever they bridge US and metric supplier quotes.

4 pt × 0.03527778 = 0.14111112 cm

Point to Centimeter conversion table

Standard reference values for converting points to centimeters:

Point [pt]Centimeter [cm]
0.010.0003527778
0.10.003527778
10.03527778
20.07055556
30.10583334
40.14111112
50.1763889
100.3527778
200.7055556
301.0583334
401.4111112
501.763889
1003.527778
50017.63889
100035.27778

Frequently asked questions

How many centimeters is 1 point?
1 point equals 0.03527778 centimeter.
How do I convert points to centimeters?
Multiply the value in points by 0.03527778 to get centimeters.
How do I convert centimeters back to points?
Multiply the value in centimeters by 28.3464549073, or use the Centimeter to Point converter.
How many centimeters is 100 points?
100 points equals 3.527778 centimeters, because 100 × 0.03527778 = 3.527778.

Convert Point to other length units

Show all Point conversions

Sources & references

Conversion factor (1 pt = 0.03527778 cm) verified against the following authoritative sources:

Results are provided for general reference. Verify critical measurements against an authoritative standard.