PC to EM Converter

Convert Picas (pc) to EM.

2.5em

Assumes 16px parent font size by default.

About PC to EM Converter

The PC to EM Converter is designed for web developers and designers who need to convert picas (pc) to em units for CSS styling. While picas are absolute units from traditional typography, em is a relative unit based on the parent element's font size. This tool facilitates the transition from print-based measurements to flexible, scalable web typography that adapts to different contexts.

Formula

EM = (Picas × 16) ÷ Parent Font Size

Examples

1 pc (16px parent) = 1 em
2.5 pc (16px parent) = 2.5 em
1 pc (20px parent) = 0.8 em

Reference

  • Pica (pc): Absolute unit, 16 pixels per pica
  • EM: Relative unit based on parent font size
  • Cascading: EM values represent a multiplier of parent size
  • Use case: Component-level relative sizing

Frequency Asked Questions

What's the difference between em and rem?

EM is relative to the parent element's font-size and cascades through nesting, while REM is always relative to the root (html) element's font-size.

How do I convert pc to em if my parent font-size is different?

Calculate: EM = (Picas × 16) ÷ parent font-size. For example, if parent is 20px: EM = (1 pc × 16) ÷ 20 = 0.8 em.

When should I use em instead of rem?

Use em when you want sizing to scale relative to a parent element, such as for padding/margin in components or for creating self-contained scalable modules.

Do em units compound in nested elements?

Yes, em units cascade and compound through nested elements, which can lead to unexpected results if not carefully managed.