Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Word 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Word, click here: Converting Inches to Points.
A point is a typographical measurement that is quite small. Points are used to specify many typographical elements, such as font size and line spacing. This means that when writing macros, it may be helpful to convert from a familiar measurement (such as inches) to the equivalent measurement in points.
There are approximately 72 points per inch. This means that you could simply multiply a measurement in inches by 72 in order to derive a result. However, VBA also provides a method that does the conversion for you. Simply use the InchesToPoints method, as follows:
Selection.ParagraphFormat.SpaceAfter = InchesToPoints(0.1)
This example sets the space after a paragraph equal to one-tenth of an inch. VBA takes care of the necessary conversion from inches to points.
Note:
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (1448) applies to Microsoft Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. You can find a version of this tip for the ribbon interface of Word (Word 2007 and later) here: Converting Inches to Points.
Discover the Power of Microsoft Office This beginner-friendly guide reveals the expert tips and strategies you need to skyrocket your productivity and use Office 365 like a pro. Mastering software like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is essential to be more efficient and advance your career. Simple lessons guide you through every step, providing the knowledge you need to get started. Check out Microsoft Office 365 For Beginners today!
Bookmarks can be very handy in a document. Word provides a VBA command you can use to easily select any of those bookmarks.
Discover MoreNeed to have your macro copy a file from one place to another? It's easy to do using the FileCopy command, described in ...
Discover MoreIf your documents include words that contain numbers (such as a list of parts numbers) you may need a way to increment ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
Got a version of Word that uses the menu interface (Word 97, Word 2000, Word 2002, or Word 2003)? This site is for you! If you use a later version of Word, visit our WordTips site focusing on the ribbon interface.
Visit the WordTips channel on YouTube
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2026 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Word 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Word, click here: 
Comments