PostScript Point to Character (X) Conversion

Convert between PostScript Point and Character (X) quickly and accurately.

pt
char

How to Convert PostScript Point to Character (X)

Conversion Formula

1 pt = 0.167 char
1 char = 6 pt

Example

Convert 15 pt to char:

15 pt = 15 × 0.167 char = 2.5 char

Unit Information

Learn about the typography units you're converting between

PostScript Point

pt

Definition

A PostScript point is the standard point unit defined by Adobe PostScript, widely used in digital typography. One PostScript point equals 20 twips, providing precise control over font sizes and text layout.

History/Origin

The PostScript point was defined by Adobe in the PostScript page description language, becoming the standard for digital typography. It standardized point measurements across digital publishing and design applications.

Current Use

PostScript points are extensively used in digital typography, web design, and desktop publishing for font sizing, line spacing, and precise text layout in both print and digital media.

Multiplier

20

Offset

0

Character (X)

char

Definition

Character (X) represents the average width of characters in a font, used for horizontal measurements in typography. One character (X) equals 120 twips, providing a font-relative unit for text layout calculations.

History/Origin

Character (X) measurements were developed in early computer typography to provide font-relative horizontal spacing. The unit allows for proportional text layout that adapts to different font sizes and families.

Current Use

Character (X) units are used in programming, document layout, and typography for calculating text width, column sizing, and horizontal spacing that scales proportionally with font size changes.

Multiplier

120

Offset

0

PostScript Point to Character (X) Conversion Table

PostScript Point [pt] Character (X) [char]
1 pt 0.166667 char
10 pt 1.666667 char
25 pt 4.166667 char
50 pt 8.333333 char
100 pt 16.666667 char
0 pt 0E+0 char
-10 pt -1.666667 char
-40 pt -6.666667 char