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How Do I Set Architectural Units in AutoCAD?

Published in AutoCAD Units 3 mins read

To set architectural units in AutoCAD, you use the Units command.

Setting the correct drawing units is a fundamental step when starting a new project in AutoCAD, especially when working with architectural plans where measurements are typically in feet and inches. AutoCAD provides a dedicated unit format for this purpose: Architectural.

This unit format allows you to input and display distances using feet (') and inches ("). For example, you can draw a line that is 10 feet 6 inches long by simply typing 10'6".

Here's how to set your drawing units to Architectural based on the standard AutoCAD procedure:

  1. Access the Units Command:

    • Type UNITS on the command line at the bottom of the AutoCAD window.
    • Press Enter or the Spacebar.
    • Alternatively, you can often find the "Drawing Units" option in the Application Menu (the big 'A' in the top-left corner) under Drawing Utilities.

  2. Select Architectural Units:

    • In the "Drawing Units" dialog box that appears, locate the Length type drop-down menu.
    • Select Architectural from the list of available unit types.

  3. Configure Precision (Optional but Recommended):

    • Next to the Length type, you'll see a Precision drop-down menu. This determines how finely fractional inches are displayed (e.g., 1/2", 1/4", 1/8", 1/16", etc.). Choose a precision that suits your drawing needs. Common choices for architectural drawings are 1/4" or 1/8".

  4. Confirm and Apply:

    • Once you have selected "Architectural" and set your desired precision, click the OK button.

Your drawing is now configured to use architectural units for measuring and dimensioning.

Understanding Architectural Units in AutoCAD

Architectural units are based on the foot and the inch, with the inch being the primary unit of measurement within the system (meaning if you type '5', AutoCAD interprets it as 5 inches unless you specify feet).

  • Inputting Values:

    • To enter feet, use the apostrophe () symbol:10'` for 10 feet.
    • To enter inches, use the double quote () symbol:6"` for 6 inches.
    • To enter feet and inches together: 10'6" for 10 feet, 6 inches.
    • To enter fractional inches: 1/2", 3/4", etc. You can combine them: 10'6-1/2".

  • Impact on Dimensions: When you add dimensions to your drawing, they will automatically display in the selected architectural format (feet, inches, and fractions).

Setting units correctly at the beginning ensures consistency throughout your project and makes collaborating with others in the architecture and construction fields much smoother. While the Units command sets the interpretation of numerical input, it's also crucial to be aware of the Insertion Scale setting in the same dialog box, which controls how blocks and drawings inserted from other files are scaled relative to your current drawing units.

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