EM  to  PX Converter

Conversion Guide

1. Identify the parent element's font size. 2. Multiply the em value by the parent font size. Example: With a parent font size of 16px, 1.5em * 16 = 24px.

Conversion Settings
This conversion uses a detected element font size of 16px. Actual pixel values may vary depending on context.
EM to Pixels Conversion Table (Element font size: 16px)
EMPXActions
0.23.2
116
1.524
232
348
464
16256
20320

Frequently Asked Questions

Basics

What is EM?

The em unit creates sizes that adapt to their parent element's font size - like a family inheritance system for measurements. When you use 1em, you're saying 'make this the same size as my parent's font'. Using 2em means 'make this twice my parent's font size'. This makes em units perfect for creating harmonious, scalable designs.

Understanding the EM Unit in CSSParent Elementfont-size: 16px (browser default)1em= 16px1.5em= 24px(16px × 1.5)0.5em= 8px(16px × 0.5)EM units are relative to the parent element's font size
I set my element to 1.5em but it's bigger than expected. What's happening?
Em units cascade - if your parent element is already 1.2em, then 1.5em will actually be 1.5 times that increased size. This compound effect is both powerful and sometimes tricky to manage.
Should I use em for padding and margins too?
Yes! Using em for padding and margins helps maintain proportional spacing as font sizes change. For example, button padding of 1em will grow naturally with the button's text size.
My nested elements keep getting bigger and bigger with em. Help!
This is the cascading effect of em units. Each nested element multiplies the parent's size. Consider using rem for deeper nested elements or reset sizes at specific levels if this isn't desired.
When should I use em vs rem vs px?
Use em when you want elements to scale with their parent's font size (like component internals), rem when you want scaling based on root font size (like headers), and px for truly fixed sizes (like borders).

What is PX?

A CSS pixel (px) is a standardized unit of measurement that aims to make elements appear at similar physical sizes across different devices. Unlike physical screen pixels, CSS pixels are an abstraction that automatically scales based on device characteristics and user zoom settings.

CSS Pixels (px)1px2px5px10×10px20×20px50×50px1px = One CSS Pixel Unit(Device Independent)
Are CSS pixels the same as physical screen pixels?
No. On high-DPI (Retina) displays, one CSS pixel may actually use multiple physical screen pixels. For example, on a 2x display, 1 CSS pixel equals 4 physical pixels (2x2).
When should I use pixels vs relative units?
Use pixels for precise visual elements that should maintain their exact appearance, like borders (1px), box shadows, and small decorative details. For layout and typography, prefer relative units (rem, em, %) to ensure better accessibility and responsive design.
Do pixel-based layouts work well on mobile?
Fixed pixel layouts often break on mobile devices due to varying screen sizes. It's better to use relative units for layouts to ensure your design adapts smoothly across devices.
What happens to pixel values when users zoom?
CSS pixels scale proportionally when users zoom. If a user zooms to 200%, a 16px font becomes equivalent to 32px, ensuring content remains readable.
Do pixels affect accessibility?
Yes. Using fixed pixel values for text and layout can prevent proper scaling when users change their browser's font size settings. This creates accessibility issues for users who need larger text.

Conversion

How to convert EM to PX?

To convert EM to PX, use the following formula:

em * parent font size