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.
Units explained
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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
- Write down the value in points (pt).
- Multiply that value by the factor 0.03527778.
- The product is the equivalent value in centimeters (cm).
- 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] |
|---|---|
| 0.01 | 0.0003527778 |
| 0.1 | 0.003527778 |
| 1 | 0.03527778 |
| 2 | 0.07055556 |
| 3 | 0.10583334 |
| 4 | 0.14111112 |
| 5 | 0.1763889 |
| 10 | 0.3527778 |
| 20 | 0.7055556 |
| 30 | 1.0583334 |
| 40 | 1.4111112 |
| 50 | 1.763889 |
| 100 | 3.527778 |
| 500 | 17.63889 |
| 1000 | 35.27778 |
Frequently asked questions
How many centimeters is 1 point?
How do I convert points to centimeters?
How do I convert centimeters back to points?
How many centimeters is 100 points?
Popular length unit conversions
Convert Point to other length units
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Metric / SI (4 units)
Imperial / US Customary (4 units)
Typographic (2 units)
Sources & references
Conversion factor (1 pt = 0.03527778 cm) verified against the following authoritative sources:
- BIPM — The International System of Units (SI Brochure 9th ed.)
Official BIPM publication defining the seven SI base units (including the meter) and the rules for their use. The global authority on units of measurement.
- NIST — Guide to the SI
US National Institute of Standards and Technology reference covering the SI base and derived units with definitions and usage rules for US technical practice.
- NIST Special Publication 811 — Guide for the Use of the International System of Units
Detailed NIST guide covering exact conversion factors between SI and US customary units along with formatting and rounding conventions.
- NIST — Refinement of values for the yard and pound (Federal Register 1959)
The treaty (signed by US
- International Hydrographic Organization — Resolution on the Nautical Mile
International authority that standardised the nautical mile at exactly 1852 m in 1929 — the value adopted worldwide for sea and air navigation.