Understanding Area Calculation in AutoCAD 2017
Calculating the area of objects in AutoCAD can significantly aid in planning and layout design. When using AutoCAD 2017, understanding the process can enhance your drafting efficiency. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of steps required to find the area of various shapes in AutoCAD.
Step-by-Step Guide to Calculate Area in AutoCAD 2017
Using the AREA Command
1. **Initiate the Command**: Open your AutoCAD 2017 application and start the drawing where you want to calculate the area. Type AREA in the command line and press Enter.
2. **Select the Method**: You will be prompted to choose how to specify the area. Options may include selecting an object or defining a polygon manually. For direct calculations, choose “Object.”
3. **Select the Shape**: Click on the boundary of the object whose area you need to calculate. If it’s a closed shape like a rectangle or circle, ensure you’ve selected the entire boundary.
4. **View the Results**: After selecting the object, the area will appear in the command line displaying both the area and the perimeter of the selected shape.
Calculating the Area of Complex Shapes
1. **Access the Command**: Again, utilize the AREA command as described. This time, choose the polygon method if the shape is irregular.
2. **Define the Polygon Vertices**: Click to specify each corner of the shape you need to measure. Ensure to return to the starting point, closing the shape before pressing Enter.
3. **Results Display**: The area will automatically be calculated and displayed at the command line once you close the shape.
Finding Area of a Polyline
1. **Select the Polyline**: For a polyline, invoke the AREA command and opt for the “Object” selection. Click on the polyline you want to analyze.
2. **Read the Output**: As with other shapes, the area will be indicated in the command line, along with additional information about the polyline’s dimensions.
Advanced Techniques for Area Calculation
1. **Creating Regions**: In scenarios where you deal with complex shapes, you may want to convert shapes into regions. Use the REGION command to convert the drawn shapes before using the AREA command on these regions.
2. **Utilizing the MEASUREGEOM Command**: For quick measurements, enter MEASUREGEOM in the command line, and proceed to select ‘Area’ from the options. This command can be beneficial for quick calculations without detailing every shape.
Basic Definition of Area and Perimeter in AutoCAD 2025
AutoCAD not only allows you to calculate area but also automatically provides the perimeter measurements of selected shapes. Knowing these terms can help improve your drafting accuracy.
FAQ
1. Can I calculate the area of an unclosed shape in AutoCAD?
Calculating the area requires a closed shape. For open shapes, consider closing them using the appropriate methods before performing the area calculation.
2. Is there a shortcut for accessing area calculations?
Yes, you can create a custom shortcut key for the AREA command in AutoCAD to streamline your workflow.
3. How to adjust precision in area calculations?
Adjusting precision can be done in the drawing setup. Navigate to the units setup and modify the precision settings according to your needs.
