1.46 em equals 21.9 pt.
The conversion from em to pt depends on the base font size, where 1 em is typically 15 pt in common web typography. Multiplying 1.46 em by 15 pt gives the result in points.
Conversion Tool
Result in pt:
Conversion Formula
The formula to convert em to pt is:
pt = em × 15
This works because 1 em commonly equals 15 points, based on a 16px default font size where 1pt = 1.333px approximately. By multiplying the em value with 15, you directly get the equivalent size in points.
Example:
- Given 1.46 em
- pt = 1.46 × 15 = 21.9 pt
Conversion Example
- Convert 2.5 em to pt:
- Start with 2.5 em
- Multiply by 15: 2.5 × 15 = 37.5 pt
- Result: 37.5 pt
- Convert 0.75 em to pt:
- Start with 0.75 em
- Multiply by 15: 0.75 × 15 = 11.25 pt
- Result: 11.25 pt
- Convert 3.2 em to pt:
- Start with 3.2 em
- Multiply by 15: 3.2 × 15 = 48 pt
- Result: 48 pt
- Convert 1.1 em to pt:
- Start with 1.1 em
- Multiply by 15: 1.1 × 15 = 16.5 pt
- Result: 16.5 pt
- Convert 0.4 em to pt:
- Start with 0.4 em
- Multiply by 15: 0.4 × 15 = 6 pt
- Result: 6 pt
Conversion Chart
The table below shows em values from -23.5 to 26.5 converted into points. To use it, find the em value in the first column, then read across to see the corresponding pt value. Negative em values represent sizes smaller than the base size.
em | pt |
---|---|
-23.5 | -352.5 |
-20 | -300 |
-15 | -225 |
-10 | -150 |
-5 | -75 |
-1 | -15 |
-0.5 | -7.5 |
0 | 0 |
0.5 | 7.5 |
1 | 15 |
1.46 | 21.9 |
2 | 30 |
5 | 75 |
10 | 150 |
15 | 225 |
20 | 300 |
26.5 | 397.5 |
Related Conversion Questions
- How many points are 1.46 em in CSS?
- What is the equivalent in pt for 1.46 em font size?
- Can I convert 1.46 em directly to pt without knowing base font?
- Why does 1.46 em equal 21.9 pt in typography?
- Is 1.46 em bigger or smaller than 22 pt?
- How to calculate pt value from 1.46 em manually?
- Does 1.46 em always convert to 21.9 pt for all browsers?
Conversion Definitions
em: A unit in typography that is relative to the current font size. It scales with the element or its parent’s font size, meaning 1 em equals the current font size. In web design, ems allow flexible and scalable layouts since they adjust when text size changes.
pt: A point is an absolute unit of measurement in typography equal to 1/72 of an inch. Used mainly in print and desktop publishing, points provide consistent sizing regardless of screen or resolution, making them popular for defining font sizes and spacing in fixed layouts.
Conversion FAQs
Can the conversion from em to pt change based on browser settings?
Yes, because em depends on the current font size, which browsers or user settings can alter. If the base font size changes, the pt equivalent of 1 em will also change, affecting conversions like 1.46 em to pt.
Is 1 em always equal to 15 pt?
No, 1 em equals the current font size, which varies. The 15 pt value used here is based on a common assumption of 16px base font size converted to points. Different environments or style sheets can change this equivalence.
Why use em instead of pt in web design?
Em units scale with font size, making designs responsive and accessible. Points are fixed sizes, which can cause layout issues on different screen sizes or user preferences, while ems adapt better.
How precise is the conversion between em and pt?
The conversion is approximate due to rounding and differences in pixel-to-point ratios. Also, browser rendering engines and device resolutions can influence exact sizes, so small discrepancies may occur.
Can negative em values be used in practice?
Negative em values are uncommon and generally discouraged because they imply negative font sizes, which are invalid in CSS. They can be used theoretically in calculations but don’t produce usable results in rendering.
Last Updated : 25 June, 2025


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.