Row Height / Ruler / pixels, points, and inches

I am an architect and concerned about the graphics of my forms and tables. I am well aware of the character-counting aspect of Excel's column, but I just discovered something quite perplexing for the row height.

In page layout view, columns can be set to exact inch measurements. If one limits the resolution to 600 dpi, the inches one specifies will not be rounded funny. Sometimes, after typing 1.5", Excel automatically changes it to 1.49" at the higher resolutions. I believe this is because of Excel's odd point to pixel relationship. Plus, the printer you have selected at the time will also make a difference. Annoying, but when I print the file, the columns are true to size.

The row, however, you can specify inches as well, but when you compare it to the ruler, it's off. The row also accepts point values in normal view. 18 points equals .25", for example. 72 points per inch. However, my page ends up with 37 rows over 9". 4 times 9 is 36. Excel rows drift. And not just between whatever conversion Excel uses for points to pixels, but Excel's 1" is different than a real 1". The attached JPG shows the drift. If you try to replicate it, try dragging to re-size the row. Excel's helper pop-up lists the point and pixel values live as you drag. The attached JPG is set to an inch inside the helper pop-up, despite the ruler clearly disagreeing.

Is there a fix? a setting? How do a actually achieve consistent, measurable, and accurate heights.

I noticed there are some "web options" that allow one to adjust between 72 and 96 pixels. It seemed to change nothing. I have tinkered with some resolution settings. It seemed to change nothing. I understand Excel is not a graphic design program, but if its inch isn't an inch, that shouldn't make logically sense to anyone.

Hi,

As has been said Excel is not designed as a CAD sytem and certainly not one on which you should rely on for accurately scaled drawings. There are too many variables not least the zoom setting which could instantly change any reasonably accurate drawing.

That said I've found that noting the screen resolution from the Windows Display settings and relating them to the measured size of your screen gives a pretty accurate row/column pixel setting.

See the attached picture where A2 is set to a height and wdth of 101 pixels. The smal discrepancy between 100 and the slighly different 101.0526 and 100.8118 I've put down to a small inaccuracy in physically measuring my screen. When printed the square in A2 is as near as damn it a 1" side.

inch_square.JPG