# Density-independent pixels (dp): what it is and how it works
> Density-independent pixels (dp) are units used in Android and Material Design so elements measure the same on any screen.
URL: https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/ux/dips-or-dp.html

# Density-independent pixels (dp)

Density-independent pixels (dp, pronounced “dips”) are density-independent units of measurement used in Android and Material Design so that elements have a similar physical size on any screen

What it means, how it is used and where it comes up, with its related concepts.

[The whole glossary](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary)

## What it is and how it works

One dp equals one physical pixel on a 160 DPI screen; on denser screens, the system scales it automatically. So a 48 dp button takes up roughly the same space on an entry-level phone as on a high-resolution one.

They are used for dimensions and spacing; text uses sp, which also respects the font size chosen by the user. The iOS equivalent is the point (pt) and, on the web, CSS pixels play a similar role.

Also known as

dp, dip

Topics

[Experience and service design](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/category/experiencia-y-diseno-de-servicios)

## Related concepts

- [Pixel density](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/ux/pixel-density.html)
- [Scalable pixels (sp)](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/internet/scalable-pixels-or-sp.html)
- [Points (pt)](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/internet/points-or-pts.html)