Dimensions showing feet as inches in Autodesk Civil 3D or AutoCAD Map 3D

Autodesk Support

Oct 8, 2023

Products and versions covered

Issue:

When dimensioning objects in Civil 3D or AutoCAD Map 3D, it is noticed that software measuring feet as inches. For example, if something is 23’-4” (23.333333’), it shows 1’-11 5/16” instead of 23.33333”. The model space units are architectural, but AutoCAD is recognizing the coordinates as decimal inches and not decimal ft.

 

Causes:

Drawing units are set to Architectural or Engineering.

Solution:

  • In Civil 3D/AutoCAD Map 3D, units are set to decimal by default. When the drawing units are in feet, everything you measure shows up in feet. However, when units are set to Architectural, it displays dimensions in "inches".
  • Architects and Structural engineers draw in inches (1 unit in modelspace = 1 inch) while by default in Civil 3D, 1 modelspace unit is 1 foot/meter depends on your units setting. 
  • Civil 3D import the objects in foot/meters, it is the dimension style that's showing it in inches.
  • If an Architectural Dimension Style is desired, include a scale factor of 12. 
Primary units_art.png
 

See Also:

Drawing units
 

Products:

AutoCAD Products;

Was this information helpful?

Need help? Ask the Autodesk Assistant!

The Assistant can help you find answers or contact an agent.

Ask the Assistant

What level of support do you have?

Different subscription plans provide distinct categories of support. Find out the level of support for your plan.

View levels of support