How to calculate the pixel length of a string ?

[tmyonline]

Dear all,

 

Suppose I have a string "xyz".  This string has length strlen("xyz") = 3.  Is there a way to determine the length of this string in pixel instead ?  In other words, how do I convert the value of 3 into pixel ?  Thanks.

[Barand]

if it's a GD font use

 

$textwidth = 3 * imagefontwidth('x');

 

If it's a truetype font, get the coords of it's bounding-box with imagettfbbox()

[cooldude832]

can I ask what your intentions are for this?  if you are looking for dynamic css look at the EM unit for font sizes its very nice

[tmyonline]

Guys, what I want to do is this.  I'm designing a menu as shown below:

 

Chicken wings (3 pieces) ..............................................$4

Chicken wing, thigh, and breast .....................................$5.95

Chicken combo ...........................................................$12.75

 

I need to fill in the dots [.....................] between the menu item and the price in such a way that the prices align to the left.  Because the menu items are of different lengths, I have to calculate their lengths, convert them into pixels, and subtract them from a fixed number to determine the lengths for the dots.  I tried Barand's suggestion but it didn't work.  But, thanks Barand, I appreciate your help.  Hope to hear from others on this.  Thanks.

[roopurt18]

Look into sprintf().  You can force a string to a certain length and choose the padding string (such as a dot in your case).  The solution won't be immediately apparent but you should be able to get it with some tinkering.