If you’re building pages with Elementor and struggling with responsive font sizes, spacing issues, or layouts that break on mobile, the real problem might be your unit choice.
Elementor lets you use PX, EM, and REM—but which one is actually best?
In this guide, we’ll compare REM vs PX in Elementor, explain when to use each, and show you how REM can fix most responsive design issues.
What Is PX in Elementor?
PX (pixels) is a fixed unit.
Example:
- font-size: 16px;
- padding: 40px;
What Is REM in Elementor?
REM (Root EM) is a relative unit based on the root (html) font size.
By default: 1rem = 16px
Example:
- font-size: 1.5rem;
- padding: 2rem;
If the root font size changes, everything scales automatically.
Bottom line: PX is fixed. REM is flexible.
Why REM Is Better for Elementor Responsive Design
Elementor is a responsive page builder, so using fixed units defeats the purpose.
With PX:
- You adjust font size separately for desktop, tablet, and mobile
- Layouts break when screen sizes change
- Accessibility suffers
With REM:
- Typography scales naturally
- Spacing stays proportional
- Fewer breakpoint fixes needed
This is why many Elementor “responsive issues” disappear when switching to REM.
When You SHOULD Use REM in Elementor
Use REM for:
- Body text
- Headings (H1–H6)
- Padding & margin
- Section spacing
- Button sizes
Example Elementor Typography Settings
- Body text: 1rem
- H1: 2.5rem
- H2: 2rem
- Button padding: 1rem 2rem
When You SHOULD Use PX in Elementor
PX still has a place. Use PX for:
- Borders (1–2px)
- Icon sizes
- Divider thickness
- Box shadows
Advanced Tip: Global Scaling with REM (Optional)
Advanced users can control the entire site scale by changing the root font size:
Now:
- 1rem = 10px
- Easier math (1.6rem = 16px)
Tip: If you’re converting an existing Elementor design, our CSS Unit Converter Tool makes switching from PX to REM fast and error-free..
Conclusion
If you want fewer responsive issues, cleaner layouts, and better accessibility, REM is the clear winner for Elementor websites.
