Pinion angle question

Yea I know I did it both ways and got two different readings that is what is confusing me. Shouldn't it be the same both ways?
Then stop doing it both ways. LOL
Seriously, unless you're doing it on known level surface like a welding or frame table or the calibrated giant hunk of granite we have at work, you're going to get different readings. Best you can do is match your 8.8 to your 7.25 like it sits in the car. jmo.