How to Fix 'Not a Valid Measurement' Custom Page Size Error in Word 2021
Question details
The user is unable to set a custom 8.5 x 8.5 inch page size and is looking for a way to resolve an invalid measurement error.
- Product
- Microsoft Word 2021
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Creating a new document and attempting to apply a custom 8.5 x 8.5 inch layout.
- Observed behavior
- Word displays a 'This is not a valid measurement' error, and changing to millimeters or modifying printer settings does not bypass the issue.
Ensure your default printer driver is up to date, as word processors rely on printer configuration limits to validate paper dimensions.
Verify and Match Measurement Units in Preferences
Ensure the dimensions you enter match the default measurement units configured in Word's settings to prevent validation errors.
This error is often caused by a mismatch between the number format you are typing and the localized measurement unit Word expects. Aligning your input with Word's internal preferences resolves the conflict.
Launch Microsoft Word and navigate to Word > Preferences from the top menu bar.
Click on 'General' to view your application-wide preferences.
Locate the 'Measurement Units' dropdown and identify the selected unit (e.g., Inches, Centimeters, Millimeters).
Go to Layout > Size > More Paper Sizes. Enter your 8.5 x 8.5 dimensions strictly using the unit specified in your General preferences without typing the unit symbol.
Test with a New vs. Existing Document
Determine if the custom size restriction is tied to a corrupted document template or affects the entire application.
Create Custom Size Documents Effortlessly with WPS Writer
Avoid measurement unit conflicts and formatting errors by using WPS Writer to create documents with specific page dimensions. WPS Office provides intuitive layout settings that make precise page setup a breeze.
- 1. Open WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and open a new or existing document in the Writer application.
- 2. Navigate to Page Layout: Click on the 'Page Layout' tab located in the top ribbon interface.
- 3. Select Size Options: Click on 'Size' and choose 'More Paper Sizes' from the bottom of the drop-down menu.
- 4. Enter Custom Dimensions: In the Page Setup dialog, select 'Custom Size' and enter 8.5 for both width and height, then click 'OK' to instantly apply the format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Word say 'This is not a valid measurement'?
This error occurs when the number you entered includes a unit symbol or decimal format that does not match the localized unit settings configured in Word's General Preferences or your operating system's regional settings.
Can my printer restrict custom page sizes in word processors?
Yes. Word processors often rely on your default printer's driver capabilities. If the selected printer does not support custom sizes or borderless 8.5 x 8.5 printing, the software may reject the dimensions.
How do I change Word measurement units on a Windows PC?
On Windows, navigate to File > Options > Advanced. Scroll down to the 'Display' section and change the 'Show measurements in units of' dropdown to your preferred unit, such as Inches or Millimeters.
