48px to em
48px = 3em
At the browser default font size of 16 px. Change it and this number changes — see below.
How it is calculated
One px is 0.0625em, so:
48px × 0.0625 = 3emReversing it, 3em × 16 returns 48px.
48px at other font sizes
em is measured against the element's own font size, inherited from its parent unless it sets one, so the answer above holds only while that is 16 px. Nested elements each compound on their parent, so this is the value for one level, not for the whole tree.
| Font size | 48px equals |
|---|---|
| 14 px | 3.4286em |
| 16 px (default) | 3em |
| 18 px | 2.6667em |
| 20 px | 2.4em |
| 24 px | 2em |
Nearby values
| px | em |
|---|---|
| 24px | 1.5em |
| 28px | 1.75em |
| 32px | 2em |
| 36px | 2.25em |
| 40px | 2.5em |
| 48px | 3em |
| 56px | 3.5em |
| 64px | 4em |
| 72px | 4.5em |
Frequently asked questions
What is 48px in em?
3em at the default 16 px font size.
How is 48px converted to em?
Multiply by 0.0625: 48 × 0.0625 = 3. To go back, multiply 3 by 16.
Is 3em always the answer?
No. em is relative to the element's own font size, inherited from its parent unless it sets one, so 48px is 3em only while that is 16 px. The table above gives the value at the sizes you are most likely to meet.