CM to EM Converter
Convert Centimeters (cm) to EM.
About CM to EM Converter
The CM to EM converter is designed for web developers who need to convert physical measurements into EM units, which are relative to the parent element's font size. EM units are fundamental to responsive typography and scalable web design, allowing child elements to scale proportionally with their parent containers. Unlike REM units which reference the root element, EM units cascade through nested elements, making them powerful for component-based design.
Formula
Examples
Reference
- • 1 cm = 2.362204724 em (at 16px parent font, 96 DPI)
- • 1 em = current element's parent font size
- • EM units cascade and compound in nested elements
- • Useful for component-relative sizing
Frequency Asked Questions
How do I convert cm to EM?
Convert cm to pixels (cm × 37.795275591 at 96 DPI), then divide by the parent element's font size.
What's the difference between EM and REM?
EM is relative to the parent element's font size and cascades through nested elements, while REM is always relative to the root element.
Do EM values compound in nested elements?
Yes, EM units cascade. If a parent is 1.5em and a child is 2em, the child will be 3em relative to the grandparent.
When should I use EM instead of REM?
Use EM when you want elements to scale relative to their parent, such as padding within buttons or component-specific spacing.