If you are a new print publisher, you are probably more comfortable in layouts that use inches as the default measurement system. In fact, most new users would rather that they never have to work with points or picas.
There are two main problems working with inches. First, it’s very difficult to add, subtract, multiply or divide when you are dealing with parts of an inch. If asked what half of 1 5/8 inches is, few would be able to answer quickly–unless you’re still good at math and fractions, which I’m not. However, if asked what half of 36 points is, most people know the answer is simple division (36 divided by 2 =18 points). Second, most professional printers and service bureaus work with points. If you are comfortable working with points, it will make working with other print professionals easier.
I’ll give you an easy method for memorizing point/pica/inch conversions. Remembering a few numbers will help you avoid having problems working with points or picas.
Here is the magic formula:
- 12 points = 1 pica
- 6 picas = 1 inch
- 72 points = 1 inch
Four little numbers: 12, 6, and 72. All three of them equal 1 (pica, inch, inch respectively). The biggest number to keep in mind is that 72 points = 1 inch. If you can keep that straight, you’ll be able to quickly tell how many points there are to 1/2 inch (36) or how many points there are to 1/4 inch (18).