Office Settings & Configuration

How to Stop Microsoft Word from Adding a Space Before Measurement Units

Steven Parker Oct 21, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to prevent the word processor from automatically inserting a space between numbers and measurement units (e.g., changing '365m' to '365 m').

How to Stop Microsoft Word from Adding a Space Before Measurement Units

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Typing numbers followed immediately by measurement units in a document without wanting a space between them.
Observed behavior: The application automatically formats the text by forcing a space between the numerical value and the unit.

Before you start

Before modifying your settings, identify exactly which units (such as 'm', 'kg', or 'px') are triggering the automatic spacing to effectively test the solution.

Solution 1Recommended

Disable AutoFormat As You Type Rules in Word

Modify the AutoCorrect and AutoFormat settings to prevent the software from automatically altering your text.

Microsoft Word utilizes AutoFormat and AutoCorrect rules to automatically fix perceived typos. Sometimes, it misinterprets consecutive numbers and letters as formatting errors.

Open Word Options

Launch Microsoft Word, click on the 'File' tab in the top-left corner, and select 'Options' at the bottom of the menu.

Navigate to Proofing

In the Word Options dialog box, click on 'Proofing' from the left-hand navigation pane.

Access AutoCorrect Options

Click the 'AutoCorrect Options...' button to open a new settings window.

Modify AutoFormat Settings

Go to the 'AutoFormat As You Type' tab and review the active rules. If a specific measurement substitution is listed under the 'AutoCorrect' tab's replacement list, locate it and click 'Delete'.

Save Changes

Click 'OK' on both dialog boxes to apply the changes, then type a number and unit to test the new behavior.

Disable AutoFormat As You Type Rules in Word

Quick Undo Tip: If you only need to prevent this occasionally, you can press 'Ctrl + Z' immediately after Word adds the space. This undoes the AutoFormat action while keeping your typed text.

Customize AutoCorrect in WPS Writer

Easily Manage AutoFormat Rules in WPS Office

WPS Writer provides an intuitive interface to control AutoCorrect settings, ensuring your numbers and measurement units stay exactly as you type them without unexpected spacing.

1. Access the Settings Menu: Open WPS Writer, click the 'Menu' button in the top-left corner, and select 'Options' from the drop-down list.
2. Navigate to Edit Preferences: In the Options dialog box, select the 'Edit' tab from the left-hand panel.
3. Open AutoCorrect Settings: Click on the 'AutoCorrect' button to open the detailed customization window.
4. Adjust the Rules: Under the 'AutoCorrect' tab, find the specific text replacement causing the issue, delete the rule, and click 'OK' to save your preferences.

100% compatible with Microsoft Word formats (.docx, .doc)Full control over text formatting and AutoCorrect rulesFree and lightweight alternative for seamless document editingFamiliar interface requiring zero learning curve

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Word automatically add spaces to my typed text?

Word uses AutoFormat and AutoCorrect features to fix common typographical errors. It sometimes misinterprets custom abbreviations, alphanumeric codes, or measurement units as typos that need spacing correction.

Can I stop AutoCorrect for just one specific measurement unit?

Yes, you can manage specific exceptions in the AutoCorrect Options menu. By locating the exact letter-number combination in the replacement list and deleting it, Word will stop spacing that specific unit while continuing to correct other typos.

Will disabling AutoFormat affect my spell checker?

No. Disabling specific AutoFormat or AutoCorrect rules only stops the software from changing your text automatically as you type. Your standard spell check and grammar check features will continue to underline potential errors.

Office App Problems