3 Rem to Pt – Answer with Formula

3 rem is equal to 36 pt.

To convert rem units to points (pt), we use the fact that 1 rem equals 12 pt. Therefore, multiplying 3 rem by 12 gives us the equivalent point value, 36 pt. This conversion helps when dealing with font sizes across different units.

Conversion Tool

Conversion Formula

To convert rem to pt, multiply the rem value by 12. This formula comes from the relation that 1 rem equals 16 pixels, and 1 pt equals 1.333 pixels. Therefore:

• 1 rem = 16 px
• 1 pt = 1.333 px (approximately)
• So, 1 rem = 16 px ÷ 1.333 px/pt ≈ 12 pt

Example calculation for 3 rem:

• 3 rem × 12 pt/rem = 36 pt

This formula works because rem units are based on root font size typically 16 px, and points are a fixed physical measurement related to pixels.

Conversion Example

• Convert 5 rem to pt:
  • Multiply 5 by 12 (pt/rem)
  • 5 × 12 = 60 pt
  • So, 5 rem equals 60 pt.
• Convert 2.5 rem to pt:
  • 2.5 × 12 = 30 pt
  • Therefore, 2.5 rem equals 30 pt.
• Convert 0.75 rem to pt:
  • 0.75 × 12 = 9 pt
  • So, 0.75 rem equals 9 pt.
• Convert 10 rem to pt:
  • 10 × 12 = 120 pt
  • So, 10 rem equals 120 pt.

Conversion Chart

This chart shows the equivalent point values for rem units from -22.0 to 28.0 by multiplying rem value by 12. Negative values represent inverse sizes, which might be useful in certain calculations or layouts.

Related Conversion Questions

• How many points are in 3 rem for web design?
• What does 3 rem convert to in pt units?
• Is 3 rem equal to 36 points on all screens?
• How do I convert 3 rem to pt manually?
• Why is converting 3 rem to pt useful in typography?
• Does 3 rem always equal 36 pt regardless of device?
• What’s the formula to change 3 rem into points?

Conversion Definitions

rem: A CSS unit standing for “root em,” rem measures font size relative to the root element’s font size in a document. Unlike em, which depends on the parent element, rem provides consistency by referencing the root, allowing scalable and predictable sizing across webpages.

pt: Point (pt) is a typographical unit used in printing and digital design, equal to 1/72 of an inch. It’s a fixed measurement often used for font size, ensuring consistent physical size regardless of screen resolution or pixel density.

Conversion FAQs

Can the 3 rem to pt conversion change with different root font sizes?

Yes, the conversion assumes the root font size is 16 pixels, making 1 rem equal to 12 pt. If the root font changes, the rem size in pixels changes too, affecting the equivalent point value. So 3 rem might not always equal 36 pt if the base font size differs.

Why is 1 rem considered 12 pt in this conversion?

The calculation comes from pixel equivalence: 1 rem is 16 pixels (default browser root size), and 1 pt is 1.333 pixels. Dividing 16 px by 1.333 px/pt gives about 12 pt. This ratio helps convert between these units consistently in digital typography.

Does the conversion from rem to pt apply to all devices?

The conversion is based on a standard pixel ratio, but different devices may render fonts slightly differently due to screen resolution and scaling. While mathematically 3 rem equals 36 pt, the actual appearance might vary a bit between devices.

How accurate is converting rem to pt for responsive design?

Converting rem to pt provides a reference, but rem units scale with root font size, which can change in responsive layouts. Points are fixed physical units, so using rem is better for flexible scaling, while pt is better for print or fixed-size contexts.

Is negative rem value conversion to pt valid?

Negative rem values can be used in CSS for offsets or transformations, and converting them to pt just multiplies by 12, giving negative point values. While valid mathematically, negative font sizes or lengths generally should be used carefully as they might cause unexpected behavior.

Last Updated : 25 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.