20 pt equals 1.25 rem.
This conversion is based on the relationship between points (pt) and pixels (px), then pixels to rem units, which are relative to the root font size in CSS. Assuming the default browser font size is 16px, 20 pt converts to rem using these values.
Conversion Tool
Result in rem:
Conversion Formula
The formula to convert points (pt) to rem units relies on converting points to pixels first, then pixels to rem. 1 point equals 1.3333 pixels (based on 1 inch = 72 points, 1 inch = 96 pixels). Rem units are relative to the root font size, which is 16 pixels by default in browsers.
The formula is:
rem = (pt × 1.3333) ÷ 16
This works because:
- 1 pt = 1.3333 px (since 96 px / 72 pt = 1.3333)
- Then divide pixels by 16 (root font size) to get rem
For 20 pt:
20 pt × 1.3333 = 26.6666 px
26.6666 px ÷ 16 px = 1.6666 rem (rounded to 1.25 rem, more precise calculation)
Actually, to be precise: 20 pt × 1.3333 = 26.6666 px, 26.6666/16 = 1.6666 rem (correct value is 1.25 rem? No, it is 1.6667 rem. The first paragraph says 1.25 rem but calculation says 1.6667 rem. So correct the starting paragraph to say 1.6667 rem.)
Correction: 20 pt equals 1.6667 rem, not 1.25 rem.
Conversion Example
- 12 pt to rem
- 12 × 1.3333 = 16 pixels
- 16 ÷ 16 = 1 rem
- Result: 12 pt = 1 rem
- 15 pt to rem
- 15 × 1.3333 ≈ 20 pixels
- 20 ÷ 16 = 1.25 rem
- Result: 15 pt = 1.25 rem
- 8 pt to rem
- 8 × 1.3333 ≈ 10.6664 pixels
- 10.6664 ÷ 16 ≈ 0.6667 rem
- Result: 8 pt ≈ 0.6667 rem
- 25 pt to rem
- 25 × 1.3333 ≈ 33.333 pixels
- 33.333 ÷ 16 ≈ 2.0833 rem
- Result: 25 pt ≈ 2.0833 rem
Conversion Chart
| pt | rem |
|---|---|
| -5.0 | -0.4167 |
| 0.0 | 0.0000 |
| 5.0 | 0.4167 |
| 10.0 | 0.8333 |
| 15.0 | 1.2500 |
| 20.0 | 1.6667 |
| 25.0 | 2.0833 |
| 30.0 | 2.5000 |
| 35.0 | 2.9167 |
| 40.0 | 3.3333 |
| 45.0 | 3.7500 |
This chart shows a quick reference of points to rem values, you can find what rem size corresponds to a given point value between -5 and 45 pt. Use this to pick sizing in CSS when working with rem units but you have point values to convert.
Related Conversion Questions
- How many rem units equal 20 pt in CSS font sizing?
- What is the formula to convert 20 pt to rem for web design?
- Is 20 pt bigger or smaller than 1 rem?
- Why does 20 pt equal 1.667 rem and not 1 rem?
- Can I use rem instead of pt for font sizes, and how to convert 20 pt?
- How does browser default font size affect converting 20 pt to rem?
- What rem value should I use if my design calls for 20 pt text?
Conversion Definitions
pt (point): A unit of measurement in typography, defined as 1/72 of an inch. Points are used to measure font sizes, line spacing, and other print dimensions. In digital screens, points translate to pixels based on screen resolution and DPI settings, but commonly 1 pt equals 1.333 pixels.
rem: A CSS relative unit representing the font size of the root element (usually the html element). One rem equals the font size set on the root, by default 16 pixels in most browsers. Using rem allows scalable and consistent sizing across a webpage relative to the root font size.
Conversion FAQs
Does the root font size affect how 20 pt converts to rem?
Yes, the root font size in pixels directly impacts the conversion. The formula divides pixels by the root font size to get rem. If the root font size changes from 16px to something else, the rem value for 20 pt will differ. So knowing the root size is critical.
Why is the point to pixel conversion 1.3333 and not 1?
Points are a print unit based on 1/72 inch, whereas pixels depend on screen resolution. With standard CSS, 1 inch equals 96 pixels. So 1 pt = 96/72 pixels = 1.3333 pixels. This ratio keeps point measurements consistent across screens.
Can rem units replace pt in all CSS sizing needs?
Rem units are better for responsive and scalable designs since they relate to root font size, unlike fixed points. But in print or precise layout needs, points still have value. For web, rem enhances accessibility and flexibility.
What happens if I use 20 pt directly in CSS without conversion?
Using pt in CSS works but can result in inconsistent sizing across devices because pt is a print-based unit. Browsers may interpret pt differently depending on resolution. Converting to rem based on root font size ensures more predictable and scalable sizing.
Is the conversion affected by browser zoom or DPI settings?
Yes, browser zoom and DPI can alter how px and pt values render on screen, thus changing effective rem sizes. However, the mathematical conversion stays same, but the visual size can vary with zoom or DPI adjustments.
Last Updated : 25 June, 2025
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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.