How to Get Area in AutoCAD 2018?

Understanding Area Calculation in AutoCAD 2018

Overview of Area Calculation in AutoCAD

To determine the area of various shapes in AutoCAD, users can take advantage of specific commands that simplify the process. The AREA command is one of the most frequently used tools for calculating the area of closed geometrical shapes like rectangles, circles, and polylines.

Step-by-Step Guide to Calculate Area

Step 1: Initiating the Area Command

1. Open your AutoCAD 2018 application.
2. Enter the command AREA in the command line and hit Enter. Alternatively, you can find this command in the Home tab under the Properties panel.

Step 2: Selecting the Object

1. After activating the AREA command, you will be prompted to select an object.
2. Click on the boundary of the shape you want to measure. For instance, if you are measuring a rectangle or a circle, simply select its outline.
3. As you select the shape, the area will be calculated and displayed in the command line along with the perimeter or circumference of the shape.

Step 3: Measuring Area of Polylines

1. To measure the area of a closed polyline, ensure it is completely closed.
2. Use the AREA command again, select "Object", and then click on the closed polyline to obtain its area.

Adding Total Area of Multiple Shapes

1. Begin the AREA command.
2. Choose the option for “Add area”.
3. Select “Object” to start clicking on multiple shapes.
4. Each area you select will be listed, and the command will highlight the selected area to avoid any duplicate selections.
5. Once all desired areas are selected, the total sum will be provided at the end.

Measuring Area with Other Tools

Besides the AREA command, AutoCAD provides other utilities that can be used to measure distances and areas:

• Measure Tool: Located under the Home tab in the Utilities panel, this tool allows you to measure distances between two points, which may help in calculating areas manually for irregular shapes.

Understanding Units of Measurement

AutoCAD operates using the units you set at the beginning of your design process. If you’ve chosen millimeters, areas will be reported in square millimeters (mm²). Ensure that your units are consistent, especially when working with various dimensions in your design.

Common Area Formulas

Understanding how to calculate areas mathematically can also be beneficial:

1. For a rectangle: Area (A) = Length (l) × Width (w)
2. For a square: Area (A) = Side Length (s)².

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I customize the unit of measurement in AutoCAD?
Yes, you can set and change the unit of measurement in AutoCAD by navigating to the drawing settings and adjusting the scale and units to your desired preference.

2. What should I do if my object isn’t closed?
Make sure that your geometrical shape is completely closed. You can use the PEDIT command to close any open polylines or edit your shapes to ensure they form a closed boundary.

3. How can I find the area of irregular shapes?
For irregular shapes, you may need to break them down into smaller, manageable geometrical figures (like triangles or rectangles) and calculate the area for each before summing them up. Consider using the Boundaries option in the AREA command for complex shapes.