AutoCAD

How To Convert Feet Into Meter In AutoCAD?

Converting Feet to Meters in AutoCAD

Whether you are designing in AutoCAD or preparing technical drawings, converting units is a crucial step in ensuring accuracy. Here’s a detailed guide on converting feet to meters in AutoCAD, specifically using AutoCAD 2025.

Step-by-Step Guide to Converting Feet to Meters

  1. Initiate the Scale Command
    Begin by activating the Scale command. You can do this by typing SCALE in the command line and pressing Enter.

  2. Select Objects to Scale
    When prompted with "Select objects," choose the objects you wish to convert to meters. To select everything on your drawing, simply type ALL and hit Enter.

  3. Specify the Base Point
    The base point is essential for scaling. When prompted, enter 0,0 as the base point. This sets the origin for the scaling process.

  4. Input the Scale Factor
    Next, you will need to input the scale factor required for the conversion. For converting feet to meters, enter 0.3048 as your scale factor and press Enter. This is because one foot is equivalent to 0.3048 meters.

  5. Finalize the Scaling Process
    Once you input the scale factor, AutoCAD will adjust the selected objects to their new scale, effectively converting feet measurements to meters.

Changing Units in AutoCAD

If you find yourself frequently working with meters instead of feet, consider changing your unit settings in AutoCAD to streamline your workflow.

  1. Access Drawing Setup
    Click on the Utilities menu and select Drawing Setup.

  2. Navigate to the Units Tab
    Within the Drawing Setup dialog, locate and click on the Units tab.

  3. Select Desired Units
    In this section, you’ll find different unit options. Opt for meters as the drawing unit to ensure the entire project reflects the correct scaling.

  4. Adjust Insertion Settings
    To ensure that any objects brought into your current drawing from other sources are properly scaled, check the box for Scale Objects Inserted from Other Drawings.

  5. Set Length Precision
    Finally, choose the desired unit type and precision for length measurement from the drop-down menus. This step ensures your measurements will display as required.

Modifying Dimensions to Meters in AutoCAD

If your project dimensions are initially set to feet and you want to convert them to meters:

  1. Open Drawing Setup
    Again, navigate to the Format menu and choose Drawing Setup.

  2. Change Drawing Units
    Within the Drawing Setup dialog, access the Units tab and change the Drawing Units from Feet to Meters.

  3. Confirm Change
    After making this change, you might receive a warning dialog, indicating that your unit settings have altered. Confirm this change to update your drawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the direct conversion factor from feet to meters?

To convert feet to meters, the conversion factor is 0.3048. This means that for every foot, there are 0.3048 meters.

Can I convert an entire drawing to meters at once?

Yes, using the Scale command allows you to convert all objects in a drawing. Ensure you use the correct scale factor (0.3048 for feet to meters) after selecting all objects.

How do I revert back to feet after changing to meters in AutoCAD?

To switch back to feet, repeat the unit adjustment process in the Drawing Setup dialog. Select feet as the drawing unit, and ensure any scaling factors reflect the shift in measurements accordingly.

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.