1 Em to Pixels – Answer with Formula

1 em is equal to 16 pixels by default in most web browsers.

The conversion from em to pixels depends on the font size of the parent element. Since the default browser font size is 16 pixels, 1 em usually equals 16 pixels. This value changes if the font size is adjusted in CSS or browser settings.

Conversion Tool


Result in pixels:

Conversion Formula

The formula to convert em to pixels is:

pixels = em × base font size in pixels

This works because 1 em equals the computed font size of the parent element. If the base font size is 16 pixels, multiplying the em value by 16 gives the pixel equivalent.

For example, converting 1.5 em to pixels:

  • Start with the em value: 1.5 em
  • Multiply by base font size: 1.5 × 16 = 24
  • The result: 1.5 em equals 24 pixels

Conversion Example

  • 2 em to pixels:
    • 2 × 16 = 32 pixels
    • Multiply input em by base font size
    • Result is 32 pixels
  • 0.75 em to pixels:
    • 0.75 × 16 = 12 pixels
    • Multiply em value by 16
    • Result is 12 pixels
  • 3.2 em to pixels:
    • 3.2 × 16 = 51.2 pixels
    • Multiply em value by 16
    • Result is 51.2 pixels
  • -1 em to pixels:
    • -1 × 16 = -16 pixels
    • Multiplying negative em produces negative pixel value
    • Result is -16 pixels

Conversion Chart

em Pixels
-24.0 -384
-20.0 -320
-16.0 -256
-12.0 -192
-8.0 -128
-4.0 -64
-2.0 -32
-1.0 -16
0.0 0
1.0 16
2.0 32
4.0 64
8.0 128
12.0 192
16.0 256
20.0 320
26.0 416
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This chart shows the pixel value for em values between -24 and 26. To use, find your em value in the left column and read its pixel equivalent on the right. Useful for quick reference without calculation.

Related Conversion Questions

  • How many pixels are in 1 em when the base font size changes?
  • Does 1 em always equal 16 pixels in CSS?
  • What happens to pixel value if browser zoom is increased for 1 em?
  • How do I convert 1 em to pixels for different screen resolutions?
  • Why does 1 em equal different pixels in nested HTML elements?
  • Is 1 em to pixels conversion affected by user browser settings?
  • How to calculate pixels from 1 em if base font size is 14px?

Conversion Definitions

em: A unit of measurement in typography and web design that represents the computed font size of the current element’s parent. It is relative, meaning its value changes depending on the inherited font size instead of being fixed like pixels. It allows scalable and flexible layouts.

pixels: The basic unit of measurement for digital screens, representing a single point in a raster image or display. Pixels are absolute units, defining exact sizes on screen. They are fixed and do not scale relative to other elements, making them useful for precise layout control.

Conversion FAQs

Why does 1 em sometimes not equal 16 pixels?

1 em equals 16 pixels only when the base font size is 16 pixels. If the parent element’s font size changes, or the browser default is different, the pixel value for 1 em will change accordingly. Em units are relative, so they depend on the current font size context.

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Can negative em values be converted to pixels?

Yes, negative em values convert to negative pixel values by multiplying the em number by the base font size. Negative pixels might be used in CSS for positioning or offsets, though visually they may push elements offscreen or overlap other content.

Does browser zoom affect em to pixel conversion?

Browser zoom changes the effective size of pixels on screen, but the conversion formula remains the same mathematically. Zooming scales the rendered pixel size, but the computed pixel value from em units in CSS stays consistent relative to the base font size.

How do em units help with responsive design?

Em units scale relative to font size, allowing elements to resize dynamically when font sizes change due to device or user settings. This flexibility supports responsive layouts that adapt better to different screen sizes and accessibility preferences compared to fixed pixel units.

Is it possible for 1 em to equal less than 16 pixels?

Yes, if the base font size is set smaller than 16 pixels in CSS or by browser preferences, then 1 em will convert to fewer pixels. For example, with a 12px base font size, 1 em equals 12 pixels, reflecting the relative nature of em units.