Degree wheels have a fairly high 'degree' of inaccuracy as well. Best is software (Excel spreadsheet etc)then trig and mm off TDC far more accurate. Rod length and gudgeon pin offset also plays a part but you ar correct tony.
I just run that through the calculator and 17deg btdc
for 54mm stroke 100mm rod length=
ta da
1.49mm BTDC
Even easier is my timing light I just mark off TDC and input the degrees when the marks line up advance is the indicated degrees