Calculating the Point Size of a Font (74300)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows Software Development Kit (SDK) 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows Software Development Kit (SDK) 3.0
  • Microsoft Win32 Application Programming Interface (API), when used with:
    • the operating system: Microsoft Windows NT 3.5
    • the operating system: Microsoft Windows NT 3.51
    • Microsoft Windows 95
This article was previously published under Q74300

SUMMARY

The generic formula listed below can be used to compute the point size of a font in the MM_TEXT mapping mode. Any other mapping mode will require a different equation, because the Height will be in a different unit.

MORE INFORMATION

                    (Height - Internal Leading) * 72
   Point Size  =    ---------------------------------
                               LOGPIXELSY

   Height - Cell height obtained from the TEXTMETRIC structure.

   Internal Leading - Internal leading obtained from TEXTMETRIC structure.

   72 - One point is 1/72 of an inch.

   LOGPIXELSY - Number of pixels contained in a logical inch on the
                device. This value can be obtained by calling the
                GetDeviceCaps() function and specifying the LOGPIXELSY
                index.

The value returned from this calculation should be rounded to the nearest integer. The Windows MulDiv() function rounds its result and is an excellent choice for performing the above calculation.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:4/12/2004
Keywords:KB74300
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