Why do print designers use picas instead of just using points?

Picas keep larger measurements short. A 30-pica column is 360 points, so picas are easier to think in for column widths and margins, while points handle type size and leading.

Adobe InDesign shows measurements in picas. How do I quickly convert?

If InDesign shows 3p6, that's 3 picas and 6 points = (3 × 12) + 6 = 42 points. To go the other way: divide by 12. 42pt ÷ 12 = 3.5p = 3p6.

I'm setting up a book layout with 9-point body text and 14-point headlines. How many picas wide should my columns be?

Depends on your line length target, but a common guide is 45-75 characters per line. A typical 9pt text face fits about 3 characters per pica, so that is roughly 15-25 picas. Always preview at actual print size.

Points to Picas Converter

Enter a value to instantly convert between typography units.

From

Precision4 dp

1 Point = 0.0833 Pica

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

picas = points ÷ 12

Points and picas are the backbone of print typography. A pica is exactly 12 points — this isn't an approximation, it's defined that way. If you're setting type in InDesign, QuarkXPress, or any professional layout software, you'll work with both. Picas help when you need to measure line lengths (column widths, captions) and want whole numbers instead of decimals.

Source: W3C CSS Values and Units Module Level 4, Section 6.2

Reviewed by the Convert Calc editorial team · Last reviewed: 2026-10-06 · see our methodology

Frequently Asked Questions

Real-World Examples

One pica. Classic leading for 10 pt body text.

12 pt = 1 pc

Half a pica, or 6 points.

6 pt = 0.5 pc

Two picas, or one third of an inch.

24 pt = 2 pc

One inch. Many designers use picas instead of inches for fine control.

72 pt = 6 pc

points to type inches picas to type inches points to millimeters pixels to points ems to rems

Points to Picas Converter

Key Formulas

Formula

Frequently Asked Questions

Real-World Examples

Related Converters