Unit settings

The UNITS command sets units of linear and angular measurements through the Settings dialog box. The -UNITS command sets units of linear and angular measurements in the Command line.

The INSUNITS (Insertion Units) system variable defines a drawing units value for automatic scaling when inserting blocks or attaching Xrefs.

Any length, area or volume property can be displayed using the unit(s) preferred by the user.

The unit defined by INSUNITS is used as the base unit for any requested unit conversions. If INSUNITS = 0 (undefined), the PROPUNITS mechanism is disabled because the base drawing unit is undefined.

Note:
  • When LUNITS = 3 (Engineering) or 4 (Architectural), property values will be formatted in imperial notation.
  • Automatic unit conversion during length input can be used when bitcode 1 of PROPUNITS (Format length properties) is set. E.g. when INSUNITS is set to "mm", entering "2m" in a length property field will result in entering [2000.0000 mm]. Entering "1ft" will give [304.8000 mm].

System variables

Name Title Description
INSUNITS Insertion Units

Defines the value of 1 Drawing Unit (DU), which is used for automatic scaling when inserting or attaching blocks, images or Xrefs.

When both INSUNITS and PROPUNITS are ON; Length, Area, Volume and/or Inertia properties will be formatted with a dedicated unit.

MEASUREMENT Measurement Sets drawing units as Imperial or Metric. The MEASUREMENT system variable controls whether ANSI or ISO hatch pattern and linetype files are used.
PROPUNITS Property Units Defines which property values are automatically formatted with a dedicated unit when INSUNITS is not zero. The value is stored as a bitcode, using the sum of the values of all selected options.
LUNITS Linear Units Type Sets the linear unit type: Scientific, Decimal, Engineering, Architectural or Fractional.
LUPREC Linear Unit Precision Sets the number of decimal places displayed for linear units.
AREAPREC Area Precision

Sets the number of decimal places displayed for areas when the Area bit of PROPUNITS is ON.

If set negative, the value of LUPREC is used.

VOLUMEPREC Volume Precision

Sets the number of decimal places displayed for volumes when the Volume bit of PROPUNITS is ON.

If set negative, the value of LUPREC is used.

LENGTHUNITS Length Units

Defines a list of units used for displaying lengths when the Length bit of PROPUNITS is ON.

If empty, all lengths are displayed in the current drawing unit, as defined by INSUNITS.

If multiple units are selected, the unit that fits best is used.

AREAUNITS Area Units

Defines a list of units used for displaying areas when the Area bit of PROPUNITS is ON.

If empty, all lengths are displayed in the current drawing unit, as defined by INSUNITS.

If multiple units are selected, the unit that fits best is used.

VOLUMEUNITS Volume Units

Defines a list of units used for displaying volumes when the Volume bit of PROPUNITS is ON.

If empty, all lengths are displayed in the current drawing unit, as defined by INSUNITS.

If multiple units are selected, the unit that fits best is used.

UNITMODE Unit Mode Specifies how Imperial units are displayed.

Entering angles

The AUNITS system variable defines the angular unit type.

The ANGDIR system variable sets the positive angle direction, counter clockwise (default) or clockwise. Angles are measured with respect to direction of the positive X-axis of the current coordinate system.

You can enter angles in any of 5 formats:

  • Decimal degrees : 37.456 (AUNITS = 0)
  • Degrees / Minutes / Seconds : 37°27'22" or 37d27'22" (AUNITS = 1)
  • Gradians : 41.6178g (AUNITS = 2)
  • Radians : 0.6537r (AUNITS = 3)
  • Surveyor's Units : N52°32'38"E or N52d32'38"E (AUNITS = 4)

    Surveyor's units are measured from the North (N) or the South (S) to the East (E) or to the West (W).