AutoCAD

How to Use Metric Units in AutoCAD

by Wei Zhang
4 min read

Understanding Metric Units in AutoCAD

Utilizing metric units in AutoCAD can enhance precision and consistency, especially for global projects. Whether you’re starting a new drawing or adjusting an existing one, here’s how to work effectively with metric measurements.

Steps to Set Up Metric Units in AutoCAD

  1. Start a New Drawing: Launch AutoCAD Architecture or AutoCAD MEP, and create a blank drawing to initiate your project.

  2. Access the Drawing Setup: Type the command UNITS into the command line and press Enter. This opens the Drawing Setup dialog box where you can configure measurement settings.

  3. Select Metric Units: In the Drawing Setup dialog, change the unit type to either Millimeters or Meters as per your project requirement. Choose the measurement system that best aligns with your design goals.

  4. Save as Default Settings: To ensure that future drawings utilize these settings, check the box labeled “Save as Default.” This will apply metric measurements to all new projects unless changed.

Selecting and Configuring Metric Units

  1. Open Drawing Utilities: Navigate to the top menu, select Utilities, then choose Drawing Setup.

  2. Modify Unit Settings: Access the Units tab. Here, you can adjust the Drawing Units to your preferred metric measure.

  3. Scale Objects from Other Drawings: If you’re incorporating elements from other AutoCAD files that use different units, make sure to check the option to scale objects to match your current drawing’s unit settings.

  4. Specify Precision: Under Length, select the metric unit type and the desired precision to maintain accuracy in your design elements.

Converting Between Imperial and Metric

  1. Access Drawing Utilities: Click on the AutoCAD logo at the top left, navigate to Drawing Utilities, and select Units.

  2. Convert Dimensions: You can now convert or edit existing dimensions to fit metric standards. Utilize the newly set dimension styles to adjust and unify your drawing dimensions.

  3. Match Dimension Styles: If you’re introducing new dimension styles, apply them to all existing dimensions for consistency across your project.

Measuring Units in AutoCAD

To measure units in your drawing, utilize the UN command. This command provides quick access to the Drawing Units window, where you can verify or alter the settings based on the template you selected upon starting your project.

Differentiating Between Measurement Systems

The metric system, favored by most of the world, employs units such as meters and grams, often utilizing prefixes like kilo-, milli-, and centi- to denote scale. In contrast, the Imperial system, predominantly used in the United States, relies on units such as feet and inches. Understanding these differences is crucial for global design projects.

Purpose of Using Standard Metric Units

Standard metric units, part of the International System of Units (SI), are designed for ease of understanding and calculation, making them preferable in scientific and industrial applications.

Using Inches in AutoCAD

If your project requires imperial measurements, follow these steps:

  1. Open Dimension Style Manager: Use the command DIMSTY to access the Dimension Style Manager.

  2. Select and Modify Dimension Style: Choose the current dimension style and click Modify.

  3. Set Up Primary Units: Under the Primary Units tab, define the Unit Format as Decimal and adjust Precision to 0 for whole inches.

  4. Add Suffix: In the Suffix box, add the inch symbol (“). Confirm the changes.

Key Commands for AutoCAD

  • L: Create simple lines.
  • C: Draw circles.
  • PL: Draw polylines.
  • REC: Draw rectangles.
  • ARC: Create arcs.
  • ELLIPSE: Draw ellipses.

Setting Limits in AutoCAD

  1. Command Prompt: Type LIMITS into the command prompt and press Enter.

  2. Defining Coordinates: Enter coordinates for the lower-left corner (e.g., (0,0)) and then the upper-right corner (e.g., (200,200)).

  3. Grid Display Settings: Use GRIDDISPLAY to set the display value to 0, which will disable the grid.

Converting Metric to Imperial

  1. Conversion Values: Establish key conversion metrics, such as 1 m³ equaling 1.3080 yd³.

  2. Multiplication for Conversion: For instance, to convert 50 m³, multiply by 1.3080 to arrive at 65.4 yd³.

FAQs

1. How do I set the drawing limits in AutoCAD?
You can set drawing limits by typing LIMITS in the command prompt and entering the coordinates for both the lower-left and upper-right corners.

2. Can I switch from metric to imperial units in an existing drawing?
Yes, you can change units by accessing the Drawing Setup via the AutoCAD logo menu and selecting the desired unit type from the Units tab.

3. What is the benefit of using metric units in design?
Using metric units provides a standardized approach that is easier to understand and ensures consistency, especially for international projects.

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.

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