How to Find Area in AutoCAD?

Understanding Area Calculation in AutoCAD

Calculating area in AutoCAD is essential for various design and drafting tasks. Several methods allow users to determine the area of one or multiple objects within this software, making it a robust tool for architects, engineers, and designers.

Using the AREA Command for Multiple Objects

To calculate the area of multiple objects, you can use the following steps:

1. Initiate the Command: Open AutoCAD and type AREA in the command line, then press Enter.

2. Select Add Area: When prompted, choose “Add area” to allow for cumulative area calculation.

3. Select Objects: Click on each object you wish to include in the area calculation. The software will highlight each selected object, preventing accidental double selection.

4. View Results: After selecting all desired objects, AutoCAD will display each individual area and provide a total sum at the end of the selection.

Finding Area and Perimeter for Polyline Objects

To find both area and perimeter for objects defined by polylines, follow these steps:

1. Convert to Region: If necessary, explode the polyline to create distinct shapes. Convert these shapes into a region by typing REGION and following the prompt.

2. Access the Mass Properties: Navigate to the menu and select: Tools > Inquiry > Mass Properties. This will open a dialog showing various measurements, including area and perimeter.

Using the BOUNDARY Command for Area Calculation

For those working with closed shapes where the area needs to be calculated quickly, the BOUNDARY command is efficient:

1. Invoke the Command: Type BOUNDARY in the command line and hit Enter.

2. Create a Closed Polyline: Click around your objects to define the boundary you want to measure. Once closed, AutoCAD will generate a new polyline.

3. Check Properties: Use the Properties palette or type LIST and select the created polyline to display the area and perimeter values.

Direct Calculation of Regular Shapes

For standard shapes like rectangles and squares, the area can be calculated using specific formulas:

1. Determine Side Lengths: Identify the lengths of each side—length (l) and width (w).

2. Use the Formula: Use the formula for area; for a rectangle, the area ( A = l \times w ). For perimeter, the formula is ( P = 2(l + w) ).

Measuring Lengths in AutoCAD

To calculate the total length of objects within a specific layer:

1. Select the Layer: Click on an object situated on the desired layer.

2. Total Length Display: The total length for that layer will appear in the Command line, along with a dialog box showing the total in chosen units (feet or meters).

Understanding Area Units in AutoCAD

Area measurements in AutoCAD can display in different units. To switch units from square millimeters to square meters:

1. Open Properties Ribbon: Locate the area information on the Properties ribbon.

2. Use Conversion Tools: Click the calculator icon next to the area number. In the conversion options, select the current unit and the desired unit for conversion.

Secondary Commands for Area Calculation

If you require additional methods to examine area measurements:

1. Use MEASUREGEOM: Type MEASUREGEOM in the command line for further measurement capabilities.

2. Utilize the LIST Command: Again, utilizing LIST on selected geometries can provide details on area and perimeter.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I calculate the area of irregular shapes in AutoCAD?
Yes, you can calculate the area by breaking down the irregular shape into known geometries (like triangles or rectangles) and summing their areas, or by using the BOUNDARY command to close them off.

2. How do I make sure I only select the desired objects when calculating the area?
AutoCAD highlights selected objects within the AREA command. Ensure that you carefully select objects without overlap and check the highlighted items before finalizing.

3. Is it possible to get area measurements in different units without altering my entire drawing scale?
Absolutely, you can convert area measurements from the Properties ribbon or during the command process without changing the scale of your entire drawing. Just use the units conversion feature available in AutoCAD.