PX to REM / EM Converter

Convert between pixel, rem, and em units in real time.

PX Value
16px
REM Value
1rem
EM Value
1em
PXREMEM

Understanding PX, REM, and EM Units

CSS offers multiple units for sizing elements, and understanding the differences between px, rem, and em is essential for building responsive, accessible websites. Pixels are absolute units that correspond to a fixed size on screen. REM units are relative to the root element's font size, while EM units are relative to the parent element's font size. This converter makes it easy to switch between these units based on any base font size.

Why Use REM Over Pixels?

Using rem units allows your entire layout to scale proportionally when users change their browser's default font size. This is a critical accessibility feature, as many users with visual impairments increase their base font size to read more comfortably. When you set sizes in rem, everything adapts automatically. Pixels, by contrast, remain fixed regardless of user preferences, which can create accessibility barriers.

The Role of Base Font Size

The default base font size in most browsers is 16px, which means 1rem equals 16px. Some developers set the root font size to 62.5% (10px) to simplify calculations, making 1.6rem equal to 16px. This tool lets you adjust the base font size to match your project's configuration, ensuring accurate conversions regardless of your setup.

When to Use EM vs REM