PX to EM Converter

PX to EM Converter

Default browser base is 16px
EM Value: 1.5em
REM Value: 1.5rem
Pixel Value: 24px
Percentage: 150%
Common Font Sizes:
💡 Quick Reference:
• EM: Relative to parent element
• REM: Relative to root (html) element
• Best Practice: Use REM for consistency
Preview Text:
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog

In web design, em is a relative unit of measurement that scales based on the font size of the element’s parent. Unlike px (pixels), which are fixed units, em values adjust dynamically. For example, if the parent font size is 16px, then 1em = 16px. If the parent is 20px, then 1em = 20px.

This flexibility makes em very useful in responsive web design and ensures text and layouts scale consistently across devices.

Why Use a PX to EM Converter?

Converting manually between pixels and em can be confusing, especially when different elements have different parent sizes. A converter helps you:

  • Save time on calculations.
  • Avoid scaling errors in your CSS.
  • Maintain consistent typography across breakpoints.
  • Ensure accessibility and readability.

How to Use the Converter

  1. Enter the value in pixels (px).
  2. Input the base font size (default is 16px).
  3. The calculator instantly converts it into em.
  4. Copy the result and use it directly in your CSS.

Example:

p {

  font-size: 1.125em; /* 18px at 16px base */

}

PX to EM Conversion Chart

Pixels (px)EM (at 16px base)
8px0.5em
12px0.75em
14px0.875em
16px1em
18px1.125em
20px1.25em
24px1.5em

(Adjust if your base font size differs from 16px.)

FAQs

What is the difference between px and em?

  • px is an absolute, fixed-size unit.
  • em is relative to the parent element’s font size, making it more flexible.

Why should I use em instead of px?
Using em allows text and elements to scale naturally, improving responsive design and accessibility.

How do I know what base font size to use?
Most browsers use 16px as the default, but your CSS might define a different root or parent size.

Is rem better than em?

  • em is relative to the parent element.
  • rem is relative to the root <html> element.
    For consistent scaling across an entire site, many developers prefer rem.

Can I use em in margins and padding?
Yes — em units work with font size, spacing, margins, and padding, making them very versatile in CSS.