How to Get Total Length in AutoCAD?

Understanding Total Length Calculation in AutoCAD

To determine the total length of a polyline in AutoCAD, follow these straightforward steps that will help you quickly gather the information you need.

Step 1: Use the LIST Command

1. Open AutoCAD and load the drawing containing the polyline.
2. Type LIST in the command line and press Enter.
3. Select the polyline by clicking on it.
4. Press Enter again.

A dialog box will appear displaying various properties of the selected polyline, including the Total Length. This method is efficient for checking individual polyline lengths.

Step 2: Joining Polylines for Total Length

If your desired calculation involves multiple segments, it can be useful to join them into a single polyline.

1. Navigate to the Home tab.
2. Click on the Modify panel, then select Edit Polyline.
3. When prompted, type J and press Enter.
4. Click on the polylines or segments that you wish to combine together.
5. After selecting all appropriate segments, press Enter to finalize the joining process.

Once combined, you can follow the previous step to use the LIST command to find the total length of the newly formed polyline.

Step 3: Measuring Directly

Another method to find the total length is by measuring it directly.

1. Zoom out to encompass the area containing your polyline.
2. Click on the Measure tool located in the Home tab under the Utilities panel.
3. Select the starting point of your polyline, then click sequentially on the subsequent points that form the line.
4. To finish the measurement, double-click on the workspace.
5. If you need to start over, simply press Backspace.

Step 4: Calculating Length via the Properties Palette

You can also obtain polyline length information using the Properties palette.

1. Select the polyline directly by clicking on it.
2. Right-click and choose Properties from the context menu.
3. In the Properties palette, locate the Geometry section where the Length is specified.

This method provides a quick way to check dimensions without navigating through commands.

FAQ

Q1: Can I measure lengths in AutoCAD 2025 without using the LIST command?
Yes, you can use the Properties palette or the Measure tool to find lengths without using the LIST command.

Q2: What if my polylines are not connected?
If your polylines are disconnected, you will need to join them using the Edit Polyline function before measuring the total length.

Q3: Is there a way to automate length calculations for multiple polylines?
Yes, using AutoLISP, you can create routines to automate calculations for multiple polylines.