# Grid ItemSize is smaller than expected

If I execute MatrixPlot@IdentityMatrix@100, the result is a good size. However, if I evaluate

Grid[{{200!}, {MatrixPlot@IdentityMatrix@100}}, ItemSize -> Automatic]


the MatrixPlot is much smaller, even when the page is wide. How can I make the MatrixPlot appear at its original size in the Grid? I'd prefer not to hard-code the size.

This picture shows that the second MatrixPlot is too small.

-
Automatic != Automatic so why not just use ImageSize for MatrixPlot? –  Kuba Oct 25 '13 at 6:19

If you set ImageSizeMultipliers -> 1 then the graphics will not be downsized when appear inside list-like constructs:

Style[
Grid[{{200!}, {MatrixPlot@IdentityMatrix@100}}, ItemSize -> Automatic],
ImageSizeMultipliers -> 1]


Alternatively,

Grid[{{200!}, {MatrixPlot@IdentityMatrix@100}}, ItemSize -> Automatic,
BaseStyle -> ImageSizeMultipliers -> 1]


or

Grid[{{200!}, {MatrixPlot@IdentityMatrix@100}}, ItemSize -> Automatic,
ItemStyle -> ImageSizeMultipliers -> 1]


give the same output.

-

Although he puts it somewhat obliquely, Kuba is giving you good advice in his comment. When you place a graphics object into a Grid or Column construct and care even a little about its size, explicitly make the setting of the ImageSize option in the graphics object.

-