Formatting Issues

Why Microsoft Word Changes 25 mm to 24.98 mm (Measurement Fix)

Maira Mehtab Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to know why Microsoft Word alters exact metric measurement inputs, automatically changing values like 25 mm to approximately 24.98 mm when resizing a picture or text box.

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Setting precise sizes in millimeters for elements like pictures or text boxes within a Word document.
Observed behavior: Word changes the exact inputted metric measurement (e.g., 25 mm) to a slightly different fraction (e.g., 24.98 mm) when the object properties are reopened.

Before you start

Understand that Microsoft Word uses a specific internal unit of measurement called 'twips', which can cause slight rounding discrepancies when using millimeters.

Solution 1Recommended

Understand Word's Internal Measurement Rounding

Learn how Word's underlying measurement system causes this slight fractional rounding when converting to millimeters.

Microsoft Word does not natively store sizes in millimeters. Instead, it stores all document measurements in units called 'twips', where one twip is equal to 1/20 of a point.

Because 25 mm mathematically converts to approximately 236.2205 twips, Word is forced to round this to the nearest whole number (236 twips). When it converts 236 twips back into millimeters for your screen display, it calculates roughly 24.9767 mm, which shows up as 24.98 mm. This is an internal software limitation rather than a bug.

Select the object

Click on the picture or text box in your document that is experiencing the size discrepancy.

Open layout properties

Right-click the object and select 'Size and Position' from the context menu to view the exact dimensions.

Observe the rounding

Notice that your inputted 25 mm has adjusted to 24.98 mm. Recognize this as a structural precision limitation when working with millimeters in Word.

Printing Impact: The visual difference of 0.02 mm is entirely negligible on physical paper and will not affect the overall layout or quality of your printed document.

Solution 2

Change the Display Measurement Unit

Switch your default measurement units to Points or Inches to minimize visible rounding behaviors.

Solution 3

Report the Issue via Microsoft Feedback

Send a report to Microsoft regarding the millimeter measurement rounding issue.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a twip in Microsoft Word?

A 'twip' is an internal measurement unit used by Microsoft Word. It stands for 'twentieth of a point' and represents 1/1440 of an inch. Word uses this base unit to calculate all dimensions and positions within a document.

Does this 24.98 mm measurement change affect my printed document?

No. The 0.02 mm difference caused by twip rounding is visually imperceptible. It will not cause layout errors or affect the quality of the final printed page.

Can I completely stop Word from rounding my millimeter measurements?

Because the rounding is deeply tied to Word's core programming which relies on twips, there is no direct way to disable this behavior when using millimeters. Using measurements that convert into exact whole twips (or using Points as your unit) is the only way to avoid the rounding discrepancy.

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