1 Em to Pixels – Full Calculation Guide

1 em equals 16 pixels by default in most browsers.

The value of 1 em is based on the font size of the parent or root element, which is commonly set to 16 pixels in browsers. So, when you convert 1 em to pixels, you multiply 1 by 16, resulting in 16 pixels.

Conversion Tool

Conversion Formula

The conversion from em to pixels depends on the base font size, which is often 16 pixels by default on most browsers. The formula is:

pixels = em × base font size

This means you multiply the em value by the pixel size of the font in use. Since 1 em is equal to the current font size, multiplying by 16 pixels returns the equivalent pixel value.

Example:

• If the font size is 16px, then 1 em = 1 × 16 = 16 pixels
• For 0.5 em, 0.5 × 16 = 8 pixels

Conversion Example

• 2 em to pixels:
  • Start with base font size of 16 pixels
  • Multiply 2 × 16 = 32 pixels
  • Therefore, 2 em equals 32 pixels
• 0.75 em to pixels:
  • Base font size: 16 px
  • 0.75 × 16 = 12 pixels
  • So, 0.75 em is 12 pixels
• 3.5 em to pixels:
  • Base font size: 16 px
  • 3.5 × 16 = 56 pixels
  • Thus, 3.5 em converts to 56 pixels
• 1.25 em to pixels:
  • Base font size: 16 px
  • 1.25 × 16 = 20 pixels
  • Hence, 1.25 em equals 20 pixels
• 4 em to pixels:
  • Base font size: 16 px
  • 4 × 16 = 64 pixels
  • Therefore, 4 em is 64 pixels

Conversion Chart

The chart below shows em values from -24.0 to 26.0 and their pixel equivalents, assuming the base font size of 16 pixels. You can use this to quickly find pixel values without calculations. Negative values indicate sizes smaller than zero, which might be used in transformations or calculations but typically don’t represent visible sizes.

Related Conversion Questions

• How many pixels is 1 em in CSS?
• What does 1 em equal to in pixels by default?
• How does browser font size affect converting 1 em to pixels?
• Can 1 em be different than 16 pixels on some websites?
• What is the pixel value for 1 em if root font size changed?
• How to convert 1 em to pixels in responsive design?
• Does 1 em always equal 16 pixels on all devices?

Conversion Definitions

em: A relative unit in CSS used for sizing elements like fonts, margins, and paddings. It scales according to the font size of the parent element or the root element. This allows flexible designs that adapt to different screen sizes or user preferences.

pixels: An absolute unit representing a single point on a digital screen. Pixels are fixed-size dots that make up images and text on displays. Unlike em, pixels do not scale dynamically but provide precise control over element dimensions.

Conversion FAQs

Why does 1 em sometimes not equal 16 pixels?

Because 1 em depends on the font size of its parent element, if the base font size is changed from 16 pixels, 1 em will scale accordingly. So on websites with custom font sizes, 1 em might be more or less than 16 pixels.

How can I find the pixel value of 1 em in my browser?

You can inspect the element using browser developer tools, check the computed font size, and multiply 1 em by that size in pixels. This way, you get the exact pixel equivalent for 1 em on that page.

Is it better to use em or pixels for font sizes?

Using em allows fonts to scale relative to parent sizes, making designs more flexible and accessible. Pixels provide fixed sizes, which can be easier for precise layouts but less adaptable for different screen sizes or user settings.

Does screen resolution affect em to pixel conversion?

No, em to pixel conversion depends on CSS font sizes set in browsers, not screen resolution. However, higher resolutions can make pixels appear smaller or sharper, but the CSS units remain consistent.

Can 1 em be negative when converting to pixels?

Technically, yes if negative em values are used in CSS for certain effects, the pixel equivalent would be negative too. But negative sizes often cause unexpected layout issues and are rarely practical for visible elements.

Last Updated : 24 June, 2025

Sandeep Bhandari

Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.