Which measurement uses 72 points per inch to determine font size and leading?

Which measurement uses 72 points per inch to determine font size and leading?

• A. Picas
• B. Pixels
• C. Points
• D. Em units

Answer: (C)

In typography, font size and leading are defined using points. A point is a unit where 1 point equals 1/72 of an inch, so there are 72 points to every inch. This fixed relationship to physical size is why points are used for determining both how large text appears and the vertical space between lines. Picas are larger units (12 points per pica), em units are relative to the current font size, and pixels vary with screen resolution, not a fixed inch measurement. Therefore, the measurement used for font size and leading is points.

In typography, font size and leading are defined using points. A point is a unit where 1 point equals 1/72 of an inch, so there are 72 points to every inch. This fixed relationship to physical size is why points are used for determining both how large text appears and the vertical space between lines. Picas are larger units (12 points per pica), em units are relative to the current font size, and pixels vary with screen resolution, not a fixed inch measurement. Therefore, the measurement used for font size and leading is points.