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Em to Rem Converter

Enter a value to instantly convert between typography units.

Precision4 dp

1 Em = 1 Rem

Key Formulas

Point → Pica

pc = pt × 0.0833333

Point → Inch

in = pt × 0.0138889

Pica → Inch

in = pc × 0.166667

Point → Millimeter

mm = pt × 0.352778

Formula

rem = em × 1

For most websites, the root font size is 16px, so 1rem = 16px, and 1em is also 16px wherever the font size has not been changed from the root. They cancel out. The difference matters in nested elements: an em inside a element with 1.5em font-size is relative to that parent's size, while a rem is always relative to the root. So 1rem gives you one consistent step from a known baseline, while 1em gives you one step from wherever you happen to be in the document tree.

Source: W3C CSS Values and Units Module Level 3

Reviewed by the Convert Calc editorial team · Last reviewed: · see our methodology

Frequently Asked Questions

Real-World Examples

At 16px root, 1em = 1rem. Most sites never need to convert these.

1 em = 1 rem

Bumped up a level — 24px when root is 16px. 1.5rem stays 24px everywhere, while 1.5em changes with the parent's font size.

1.5 em = 1.5 rem

Slightly smaller — 14px when root is 16px.

0.875 em = 0.875 rem

Double root — 32px. Large display headings.

2 em = 2 rem

Related Converters

points to picas points to type inches picas to type inches points to millimeters pixels to points