The computer settings I normally use produce an output that does not meet the NIH format requirements. Although specific computers and word processing programs may vary, practical experience indicates that fonts most likely to cause problems are Times New Roman, Courier, and Palatino. If the measured output does not meet the established requirements with one of these fonts, a different font should be tried. Fonts that seem less likely to lead to problems include Arial, Bookman Old Style, and Helvetica. Right justification also may lead to an increased number of characters per inch.
Point is a term used by printers and refers to the height of the letters.
It is important to measure point size on the actual printed page as printer settings or photocopying may result in a change in point size selected in a word processing program. Each character and space will need to be counted. Exceeding the characters per inch is the most common problem encountered with noncompliant applications. With a standard ruler. If any part of a seventh line is included in a vertical inch, the type used is not compliant.