Excel: Font Substitution When Point Size Smaller Than 8

 Last reviewed: September 12, 1996
Article ID: Q103614
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 4.0a, 5.0

SYMPTOMS

In the versions of Microsoft Excel listed above, when you use a font with a point size less than 8 points, the font will be displayed with the Small Fonts screen font and numbers containing decimal points may not align correctly.

CAUSE

When the font size is less than 8 points, Microsoft Excel substitutes the Small Fonts screen font, which is a proportional space font. This font substitution affects the screen only. Your data will be printed with the correct font if that font is available in the chosen point size.

WORKAROUND

To line up the decimal points correctly, add the following statement to the [Microsoft Excel] section of your EXCEL4.INI or EXCEL5.INI file: 

   Fontsub=0
This setting turns off font substitution for fonts smaller than 8 points and allows the desired fixed-width font to be used.

MORE INFORMATION

Steps to Reproduce the Problem

  1. In a new worksheet, select cells A1 through A3.

  2. From the Format menu, choose Font and select a screen font such as Helvetica or MS Sans Serif.

  3. In the Size box, type "6" (without the quotation marks).

  4. In cells A1:A3, type the following: 

          A1:  1.111
      A2:  4.444
      A3:  2.222

Note that the decimal points do not line up.

KBCategory: kbusage
KBSubcategory:

Additional reference words: 4.00a proportional alignment TrueType True
Type printer monospace



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Last reviewed: September 12, 1996
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