2 rem equals 32 pixels (px) when the root font size is 16px.
The conversion depends on the default font size of the browser or the root element, which is usually 16 pixels. So, multiplying 2 rem by 16px gives the pixel value.
Conversion Tool
Result in px:
Conversion Formula
The formula to convert rem to px is: pixels = rem × root font size. The root font size is the font size of the <html> element, which browsers set to 16px by default unless changed by CSS.
Because rem stands for “root em”, it scales relative to this root size not the parent element. So, if 1 rem equals 16px, then to convert 2 rem:
- Take the rem value: 2
- Multiply by root font size: 2 × 16px
- Result is 32px
This works regardless of where the element sits in the DOM, rem always uses the root font size for conversion.
Conversion Example
- Convert 3.5 rem to px:
- 3.5 × 16 = 56 px
- So, 3.5 rem equals 56 pixels.
- Convert 0.75 rem to px:
- 0.75 × 16 = 12 px
- This means 0.75 rem is 12 pixels.
- Convert 5 rem to px:
- 5 × 16 = 80 px
- Therefore, 5 rem equals 80 pixels.
- Convert 1.25 rem to px:
- 1.25 × 16 = 20 px
- Which means 1.25 rem is 20 pixels.
Conversion Chart
| rem | px |
|---|
Use the chart by finding the rem value on the left column and reading across to see the equivalent pixel value on the right. Negative values represent sizes smaller than zero pixels, which may be used in positioning or transformations.
Related Conversion Questions
- How many pixels is 2 rem in CSS?
- What is the pixel equivalent of 2 rem assuming default font size?
- Does 2 rem always equal 32 pixels?
- How do I convert 2 rem to px if the root font size changes?
- Can 2 rem be less than 32 pixels on some browsers?
- Why does 2 rem sometimes not equal 32px in my website?
- What calculation is used to convert 2 rem to pixels?
Conversion Definitions
rem: A CSS unit that represents the font size of the root element (<html>). It allows scaling elements relative to the base font size, making it easier to maintain consistent sizing across a webpage. Unlike em units, rem is not affected by the font size of parent elements.
px: A pixel is a unit of measurement in web design that corresponds to a single dot on the screen. Pixels are absolute units, meaning they represent a fixed size regardless of font scaling or zoom levels, allowing for precise control over element sizing and layout.
Conversion FAQs
Can the root font size be different than 16px?
Yes, the root font size can be changed in CSS by setting the font-size property on the <html> element. If changed, the rem unit will scale accordingly, so 2 rem will equal twice the new root size. For example, if the root font size is 20px, 2 rem equals 40px.
What happens if I use rem in nested elements with different font sizes?
Rem always uses the root font size, regardless of the font sizes of parent or nested elements. Unlike em units, which depend on parent font size, rem provides consistency across nested elements, making layout scaling predictable and easier to manage.
Are rem and px interchangeable in CSS?
While rem and px both define size, px is an absolute unit and rem is relative to root font size. You can convert between them mathematically but using rem helps with responsive designs that adapt when users change browser font settings, whereas px stays fixed.
Why does 2 rem sometimes display differently in browsers?
Differences occur if the root font size is modified by CSS or user settings. Some browsers or systems may have different default font sizes or zoom levels, affecting the pixel equivalent of rem units. Checking root font size helps explain why 2 rem may not always equal 32px.
Is it better to use rem or px for font sizes?
Using rem units for fonts allows better scalability and accessibility, because it respects user preferences and root font size changes. Pixels offer precise control but lack flexibility, making rem a preferred choice for responsive typography in modern web design.
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