AutoCAD

How To Change Measurement Unit In AutoCAD?

Understanding Measurement Units in AutoCAD

AutoCAD supports various measurement units, allowing users to select the most appropriate system for their specific needs—be it metric or imperial. Understanding how to change the unit settings is crucial for ensuring accuracy and clarity in your drawings.

Step-by-Step Guide to Change Units in AutoCAD

Changing AutoCAD Units from Inches to Millimeters

1. Select the “Dimension” menu and click on “Style.”
2. Within the Dimension Style Manager, choose the “New” option to create a custom style.
3. In the dialog box that appears, provide a name for your new style, select a starting style, and set “Use For” to “All Dimensions.”
4. Navigate to the “Primary Units” tab, enter “mm” in the Suffix box, and adjust the Scale Factor to 25.4 to convert inches to millimeters, as there are 25.4 millimeters in one inch.

Changing Units from Millimeters to Meters

1. Open the “Format” menu and select “Drawing Setup.”
2. Click on the “Units” tab within the Drawing Setup dialog.
3. Change the Drawing Units setting from Millimeter to Meter and confirm by clicking “OK.”

Adjusting Units in AutoCAD 2025

1. Go to the “Tools” tab and find the “Options” panel.
2. Click on “Document Settings” and select the “Units” tab from the dialog that appears.
3. Choose from the “Length” drop-down menu to switch from inches to millimeters or any other desired unit. All existing dimensions will update to reflect the newly chosen unit.

Changing Units from Inches to Centimeters

1. Click on the “Home” tab and find the “Modify” panel.
2. Select “Scale” and, at the prompt, enter “All” to select all objects.
3. Enter the base point (often *0,0 for simple adjustments) and define the scale factor as 2.54, as there are 2.54 centimeters in one inch.

Setting Limits and Units in AutoCAD

Establishing Drawing Limits

1. Launch AutoCAD and type “LIMITS” in the command line, then press Enter.
2. Input the coordinates for the lower-left corner of your drawing area. For instance, input (0,0) and press Enter.
3. Next, enter the coordinates for the opposite corner, such as (200,200), and confirm with Enter.
4. To finalize, input “Z” to set the drawing limits.

FAQs

How can I convert millimeters to inches in AutoCAD?

To convert millimeters to inches, divide the length in millimeters by 25.4. This calculation ensures you have the accurate measurement in inches.

What are the basic units used in AutoCAD?

AutoCAD supports several unit types, including architectural units (feet and inches), decimal units (meters, centimeters), and fractional units for precise measurements.

Can I change block units in AutoCAD?

Yes, you can modify block units by opening the properties palette (accessed via Ctrl+1) or through the menu bar. Under “Format,” select “Units” to change the insertion scale for blocks without altering the block definitions themselves.

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.