What's the reason for 128% in zoom?

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Patrick J
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Joined: 2006-06-16 16:17:50
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What's the reason for 128% in zoom?

Post by Patrick J »

Hi

This is something I've been wondering about. That I have been wondering about it suggests I don't have enough difficulties in life.

Anyway with Nisus Writer Express 2.7 the zoom menu goes in the following percentage increments:

25, 50, 75, 100, 128, 200, 400, 800

Why 128 and not 125?

It doesn't matter very much; I'm just curious :)
gemboy27
Posts: 355
Joined: 2003-09-30 21:33:58

27

Post by gemboy27 »

I am okay with the 128, though on the intel iMac I keep it around 141

The one I have a problem with is 200, why isn't it 227%. I've always thought that was crazy.

Gem
patiently --- very patiently --- wating for world peace
I have never let my schooling interfere with my education/Mark Twain (1835-1910)
Mark XM
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Joined: 2003-01-23 18:54:50
Location: Xiamen, China

Re: What's the reason for 128% in zoom?

Post by Mark XM »

Patrick J wrote:Anyway with Nisus Writer Express 2.7 the zoom menu goes in the following percentage increments:

25, 50, 75, 100, 128, 200, 400, 800

Why 128 and not 125?
My guess is that it is to do with area ratios. For instance, if you have a canvas size of 800x600 and you want to convert it to 600x400--which is the equivalent of cutting it in half on the long axis and rotating one of the halves by 90 degrees, you don't resize to 50% as that gives you 400 x 300 ... not the same thing at all. The ratio you want is actually 64% or thereabouts. For the same reason, the ratio between A4 and A3 paper must be 128%, and that's where it comes from.

Do tell me I'm right, Martin or Mark! :)

Mark
Ryan
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Re: 27

Post by Ryan »

gemboy27 wrote:Gem
patiently --- very patiently --- wating for world peace
Good luck — to us all.


And as far as the 128%, I've wondered this myself, though not cared enough to actually ask anyone. Cool.
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