How to Get Distance in AutoCAD?

Understanding Distance Measurement in AutoCAD

Measurement of distance in AutoCAD is integral to drafting and design. Here’s a detailed guide on how to obtain distance measurements effectively.

Using the Analyze Tab

1. Access the Analyze Tab: Open your AutoCAD program and navigate to the Analyze tab on the toolbar.
2. Select Continuous Distance: From the Inquiry panel, click on the Continuous Distance option to activate the tool.
3. Choose Measurement Type: You will be prompted to choose between measuring from a Base point or continuously measuring between points.
4. Select Points: Click on two points in your drawing. The software will display the distance between them immediately.
5. Add Additional Points: If you need to measure more distances, continue selecting additional points as needed.
6. Finalize Measurement: After selecting all desired points, press Enter. The total distance will be shown, providing a comprehensive measurement of your selections.

Quick Distance Measurement in AutoCAD 2025

AutoCAD 2025 introduces an efficient way to measure distances while working on 2D drawings. This is done using the MEASUREGEOM command:

1. Activate MeasureGeom Command: Type MEASUREGEOM in the command line, or find it in the Home tab under the Utilities panel.
2. Use the Quick Option: When prompted, select the Quick option. This setting allows dynamic feedback.
3. Hover to Measure: Move your cursor over the objects in your drawing. Distances, dimensions, and angles will appear in real-time as you hover across the workspace.
4. Click to Capture Measurements: To lock in a measurement, click once, and you will get the distance displayed immediately.

Using COGO for Distance and Bearing

To find both distance and bearing:

1. Access COGO tools: Navigate to the Home tab, select the Draw panel, and find the COGO drop-down menu.
2. Open COGO Input: Click on the COGO Input option which will bring up a dialog box.
3. Set Up Your Measurement: Choose the Bearing/Distance routine.
4. Identify Starting Point: Specify the first point of your measurement by clicking on the desired location in your drawing.
5. Input Quadrant and Angle: Enter the quadrant (e.g., NE, SE, SW, NW) and the required angle measurement.
6. Enter Distance: After defining the angle, input the distance from your starting point.
7. Calculate: Click the Calculate button to see your results.
8. Create Point: If needed, click Create Point to place a marker in your drawing.

Measuring Height in AutoCAD

To measure vertical distances or height:

1. Open Measure Tools: Click on the Home tab, move to the Utilities panel, and select the Measure option.
2. Distance Selection: From the dialog, choose the Distance option and select the points you wish to measure between.
3. Check the Z Component: Navigate to the Measuring Tools tab and select the Z Component to determine height or depth based on your measurements.

FAQ

How can I measure lengths from specific points in AutoCAD?
To measure lengths, utilize the Line tool. Click on the Home tab, select the Draw panel, and then choose Line. Begin at your starting point, move in the desired direction, and type in the length to complete the measurement.

Can I measure distances in AutoCAD without altering my drawings?
Yes, Autodesk DWG TrueView is a software application that allows you to view AutoCAD and DWG files without any editing capabilities. It includes measurement tools that let you gauge distances accurately.

What is the DIST command and how do I use it in AutoCAD?
The DIST command is used for measuring distances within the model space. To use it, type DIST in the command line, select two points, and the command will output the distance in the specified units format. This tool is particularly useful for checking dimensions without affecting the drawing.