AutoCAD

How To Display Degrees In AutoCAD?

Displaying Degrees in AutoCAD

Understanding how to represent degrees in AutoCAD is essential for precise drafting, especially in fields like architecture and engineering. The degree symbol (°) is a vital part of articulating angles and temperatures. Below are detailed methods to display degrees effectively in AutoCAD.

Using Keyboard Shortcuts for the Degree Symbol

To insert the degree symbol directly into your text in AutoCAD, utilize keyboard shortcuts:

  1. Press and hold the ALT key.
  2. While holding the ALT key, type 0176 on the numeric keypad.
  3. Release the ALT key, and the degree symbol should appear.

For laptops without a numeric keypad, using alternative methods or the character map may be necessary.

Plotting Degrees and Minutes

When dealing with angles measured in degrees and minutes, AutoCAD offers a way to set this up systematically:

  1. Open your AutoCAD drawing.
  2. Access the command line and type UNITS, then press Enter.
  3. In the Units dialog box, select the desired type of angle measurement, such as Degrees and Minutes.
  4. Set the precision to ensure accuracy.
  5. Click OK to apply your settings.

This ensures that your plotted angles will reflect the Degrees and Minutes format as required.

Measuring Angles in AutoCAD

To accurately measure an angle between two lines, follow these steps:

  1. Navigate to the Review tab.
  2. Select the Measure panel, and then choose Angle.
  3. Click on a point on the first line to establish the angle’s start.
  4. Click where the first line intersects with the second line to define the vertex.
  5. Select a point on the second line to complete the measurement. The angle will be displayed automatically.

Setting Coordinates in AutoCAD

Accurate coordinate placement is crucial when working in AutoCAD. To set coordinates, adhere to the following steps:

  1. Access the Home tab and select Line from the Draw panel.
  2. Type in your coordinate values in the format X,Y, for example, 1.65,4.25.
  3. Hit the Spacebar or Enter to confirm the input.
  4. Continue with additional points as needed, following the same input method.

Creating 45-Degree Angles

To draw a 45-degree line in AutoCAD, follow these structured instructions:

  1. Start AutoCAD and type L followed by Enter to activate the Line command.
  2. Choose a point to start drawing.
  3. Drag in the direction you want, and enter the length of your line (e.g., 100 units).
  4. Press the Tab key or type in @ to set a point.
  5. Input 45 to specify the angle.
  6. Finish by pressing Enter or Spacebar.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you change the angle measurement units in AutoCAD 2025?

Type UNITS into the command line and select the desired angle format in the dialog box. This allows you to switch between degrees, radians, or degrees and minutes.

What is the quickest way to insert a degree symbol in text?

Using the keyboard shortcut ALT + 0176 while the numeric keypad is active allows you to insert the degree symbol quickly.

How can I measure angles between multiple lines in AutoCAD?

Select the Angle tool from the Measure panel in the Review tab. Click on each line as needed to display the angle formed between them.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.