What is the difference between pica (printer's) and pica (computer)?

The printer's pica is a traditional typographic unit equal to 12 points or 1/6 inch, while the computer pica is defined based on the PostScript point and equals slightly less than the printer's pica by a factor of approximately 0.996264.

Why should I convert from pica (printer's) to pica (computer)?

Conversion ensures accuracy and consistency when translating print layouts into digital typography environments that use the computer pica definition.

Can small differences in pica units affect my layout?

Yes, tiny discrepancies may cause issues in high-precision layouts, so it is advisable to review and adjust your design accordingly after conversion.

How to Convert from Pica (Printer's) to Pica (Computer)?

Learn how to convert pica measurements from the traditional printer's pica to the digital computer pica used in desktop typography. Understand the conversion rate, use cases, and considerations for accurate layout design.

Pica (printer's)

Pica (computer)

Please check your input. It must be a valid numeric value.

Pica (printer's) to Pica (computer) Conversion Table

Pica (printer's)	Pica (computer)

Custom Unit Conversion Table Generator – Instant Printable Conversion Tables

Start Value

Enter the starting number (positive decimal or integer ≥ 0). Example: 0.1, 1, 5.

End Value

Enter the ending number (positive decimal or integer > Start Value). Example: 10, 50, 100.

Interval

Enter the step size (positive decimal > 0 and < End Value – Start Value). Example: 1.0, 2.5.

Pica (printer's) to Pica (computer) Conversion Table
Pica (printer's)	Pica (computer)

Explore More Typography Units Converter

What Is This Tool?

This converter allows you to transform measurements from the printer's pica, a traditional typographic unit, into the computer pica used in digital typography. It helps maintain consistency when adapting layouts between print and screen environments.

How to Use This Tool?

Enter the value in picas (printer's) that you want to convert.
Select the target unit as pica (computer).
Click the convert button to get the equivalent measurement.
Use the result to ensure layout consistency in your digital projects.

Key Features

Converts pica measurements between printer's and computer units.
Utilizes the official conversion rate for accurate transformation.
Supports applications in desktop publishing, print layout, and web design.
Browser-based, easy-to-use interface for quick conversions.

Examples

10 picas (printer's) equals approximately 9.96264 picas (computer).
5 picas (printer's) equals approximately 4.98132 picas (computer).

Common Use Cases

Adapting newspaper or magazine layouts from print to digital formats.
Setting up columns, grids, margins, and gutters in desktop publishing software.
Translating traditional print measurements for web design using CSS 'pc' units.

Tips & Best Practices

Verify measurements after conversion to handle small discrepancies.
Manually adjust layouts when precise alignment is critical.
Be aware that different software might interpret these units slightly differently.

Limitations

Pica (printer's) and pica (computer) units differ slightly, which may affect precision.
Minor rounding differences can accumulate in large-scale layouts.
Variations in hardware and software interpretation might impact final results.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between pica (printer's) and pica (computer)?: The printer's pica is a traditional typographic unit equal to 12 points or 1/6 inch, while the computer pica is defined based on the PostScript point and equals slightly less than the printer's pica by a factor of approximately 0.996264.
Why should I convert from pica (printer's) to pica (computer)?: Conversion ensures accuracy and consistency when translating print layouts into digital typography environments that use the computer pica definition.
Can small differences in pica units affect my layout?: Yes, tiny discrepancies may cause issues in high-precision layouts, so it is advisable to review and adjust your design accordingly after conversion.

Key Terminology

Pica (printer's): A traditional typographic unit equal to 12 points or 1/6 inch, used in print and digital page layout for column widths and spacing.
Pica (computer): A digital typography unit equal to 12 PostScript points (1/6 inch), used in desktop publishing to measure page dimensions and spacing.
Conversion Rate: The factor used to convert between printer's picas and computer picas, approximately 0.996264 pica (computer) per 1 pica (printer's).

Quick Knowledge Check

What does 1 pica (printer's) equal in pica (computer)?

Exactly 1 pica (computer)

Approximately 0.996264 pica (computer)

Approximately 1.0037 pica (computer)

Which of the following is a common use of pica conversion?

Converting length in meters to feet

Adapting print layouts to digital typography

Changing font sizes in pixels

What should designers be cautious about when converting picas?

That the two units are identical

Minor rounding differences affecting alignment

Units apply only to web design

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