AutoCAD

How to Calculate Area in AutoCAD 2013

Understanding Area Calculation in AutoCAD 2025

Calculating area in AutoCAD is essential for architects, engineers, and designers. This guide will provide detailed steps on how to effectively measure area in AutoCAD 2025, ensuring precision in your designs.

Steps to Calculate the Area of Shapes in AutoCAD 2025

Using the AREA Command

  1. Initiate the Command: Begin by typing "AREA" into the Command line and press Enter.
  2. Select the Method: You will be prompted to choose how you want to calculate the area. You can either specify points by selecting individual vertices of the shape or use the "Object" option to select an existing object.
  3. Select Objects: If you choose the Object method, type "O" and press Enter. Now, click on the shape you want to measure. The area will be displayed in the Command line.

Measuring with the MEASUREGEOM Command

  1. Access the Command: Click on the Home tab, navigate to the Utilities panel, and select the Measure drop-down. Click on "Area" from the list.
  2. Select Method: Choose to measure either by specified points or by selecting an object if you prefer.
  3. Input Points: If measuring by points, simply click to define the corners of the area until you enclose the shape. AutoCAD will automatically calculate and display the area.

Using the BOUNDARY Command

  1. Create a Boundary: If the shape is complex, use the BOUNDARY command. Type "BOUNDARY" in the Command line and press Enter.
  2. Select the Area: Once the command starts, click within the space of the area you want to measure. AUTO CAD will create a closed polyline or region representing that space.
  3. List Area Information: After creating the boundary, type "LIST" in the Command line, select the newly created region, and press Enter. The area and perimeter will be displayed.

Displaying Area Measurements in AutoCAD 2025

To display area measurements visually within your drawing:

  1. Use MTEXT: Type "MTEXT" into the Command line and place your text box where required.
  2. Insert Field: Right-click within the text area, then choose “Insert Field.”
  3. Choose Object: In the Field Names dialogue, select “Object.” Then, in the Object Type list, select “Area.”
  4. Select Object Again: Click “Select Objects,” choose the area or shape, and confirm. The calculated area will be inserted into the text box.

Finding Area and Perimeter of Complex Shapes

For complex shapes that cannot be easily measured:

  1. Decompose the Shape: Break the irregular shape into smaller, familiar geometrical figures such as triangles, rectangles, or circles.
  2. Calculate Each Area: Use the respective formulas to find the area of each individual section.
  3. Aggregate the Areas: Sum all the areas of individual shapes to get the total area of the complex figure.

FAQ

How do I calculate the area of a circle in AutoCAD?
Using the AREA command, you can measure a circle by selecting it directly. The area will be displayed automatically in the Command line once the shape is selected.

What to do if AutoCAD does not recognize my shape?
Ensure the shape is a closed polyline or region. If it’s not, consider using the BOUNDARY function to create a closed shape that AutoCAD can recognize.

Can AutoCAD provide instant area updates during drawing?
Yes, by using the live feature in the Command line, AutoCAD can provide instant area calculations as you create or modify shapes, allowing for real-time adjustments.

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.