diff --git a/src/calibre/gui2/layout.py b/src/calibre/gui2/layout.py
index 54f97d1039..092f971862 100644
--- a/src/calibre/gui2/layout.py
+++ b/src/calibre/gui2/layout.py
@@ -320,7 +320,6 @@ class BaseToolBar(QToolBar): # {{{
         self.setOrientation(Qt.Horizontal)
         self.setAllowedAreas(Qt.TopToolBarArea|Qt.BottomToolBarArea)
         self.setStyleSheet('QToolButton:checked { font-weight: bold }')
-        self.preferred_width = self.sizeHint().width()
     
     def resizeEvent(self, ev):
         QToolBar.resizeEvent(self, ev)
@@ -334,7 +333,7 @@ class BaseToolBar(QToolBar): # {{{
             p = gprefs['toolbar_text']
             if p == 'never':
                 style = Qt.ToolButtonIconOnly
-            elif p == 'auto' and self.preferred_width > self.width()+35:
+            elif p == 'auto' and self.sizeHint().width() > self.width()+35:
                 style = Qt.ToolButtonIconOnly
         return style