Point (Computer) to Character (Y) Conversion

Convert between Point (Computer) and Character (Y) quickly and accurately.

From Point (Computer)

To Character (Y)

char

How to Convert Point (Computer) to Character (Y)

Conversion Formula

1 pt = 0.083 char

1 char = 12 pt

Example

Convert 15 pt to char:

15 pt = 15 × 0.083 char = 1.25 char

Unit Information

Learn about the typography units you're converting between

Point (Computer)

Definition

A computer point is a digital typography unit equivalent to the PostScript point, used in computer-based design applications. One computer point equals 20 twips, providing consistent font sizing across digital platforms.

History/Origin

The computer point was developed to standardize point measurements in digital typography, ensuring consistency between different computer systems and design applications in the digital publishing industry.

Current Use

Computer points are used in digital design software, web browsers, and computer-based publishing for font sizing, text layout, and typographic measurements that maintain consistency across digital platforms.

Multiplier

Offset

Character (Y)

char

Definition

Character (Y) represents the average height of characters in a font, used for vertical measurements in typography. One character (Y) equals 240 twips, providing a font-relative unit for vertical text layout.

History/Origin

Character (Y) measurements were developed alongside Character (X) to provide complete font-relative dimensional control in computer typography, enabling proportional vertical spacing and layout calculations.

Current Use

Character (Y) units are used in programming and typography for calculating line height, vertical spacing, and text positioning that maintains proportional relationships with font size changes.

Multiplier

240

Offset