How to

How to find the total length of multiple lines in AutoCAD?

Calculating the Total length of multiple lines in AutoCAD is a common task for architects, engineers, and drafters. Below are clear, beginner-friendly methods you can use right away — from quick built-in tools to a simple AutoLISP routine and data extraction — plus troubleshooting and practical tips to get accurate results in your drawing units.

Why you might need to sum line lengths

  • You may need a total linear quantity for material takeoffs, cost estimates, or fabrication.
  • AutoCAD does not show a single “sum lengths” button by default, but several reliable workarounds exist.
  • Results are returned in your drawing’s units, so be mindful of unit settings when reporting totals.

Quick method — Quick properties (fastest for most users)

  1. Make sure Quick Properties is enabled:
    • Right-click the workspace area, choose Options (or type OPTIONS), and ensure Quick Properties is turned on.
  2. Select all the lines (or polylines/arcs) you want to total.
    • Use window/select or Ctrl+click to add objects.
  3. Look at the Quick Properties panel:
    • The panel will display a Length property that often shows the total length for selected linear objects.
  4. Read and note the result (it is reported in the drawing’s units).
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Tips:

  • If Quick Properties doesn’t show the sum, open the Properties palette (CTRL+1) — some versions or settings show a summed value when multiple objects are selected.
  • Ensure the property list includes Length (you can customize which properties appear in Quick Properties).

Built-in command — MEASUREGEOM (Total distance)

  1. Type MEASUREGEOM on the command line and press Enter.
  2. Choose the Distance option (or look for an option labeled Total length of selected objects depending on your AutoCAD version).
  3. Select the objects whose lengths you want to sum (lines, arcs, polylines).
  4. Press Enter — AutoCAD will display the combined length in the command line.

Notes:

  • The exact option wording can vary by AutoCAD release. If you don’t see it, try the next methods below.

Data Extraction (best for reports and Export to Excel)

  1. Type DATAEXTRACTION and press Enter.
  2. Create a new data extraction file (.dxe) and follow the wizard.
  3. Choose the objects in the drawing (or a selection set) to include.
  4. In the Properties step, select Length.
  5. Finish the wizard and choose to output as a Table in the drawing or Export to CSV/Excel.
  6. In Excel you can quickly use SUM on the Length column for a verified total.

Benefits:

  • Great for reporting, filtering by layer, block, object type, or saving totals to a spreadsheet.

AutoLISP routine (simple script for repeated use)

Use this small AutoLISP routine to sum lengths of common curve objects (LINE, ARC, LWPOLYLINE, POLYLINE). Save it in a .lsp file and load with APPLOAD.

AutoLISP code (copy to a file named SumLen.lsp):

(defun c:SUMLEN ( / ss total i n ent vlaObj len )
(vl-load-com)
(setq ss (ssget ‘((0 . “LINE,ARC,LWPOLYLINE,POLYLINE”))))
(if ss
(progn
(setq total 0 i 0 n (sslength ss))
(while (< i n)
(setq ent (ssname ss i)
vlaObj (vlax-ename->vla-object ent)
; Try to get a Length property; if not available, attempt vlax-curve-getdist
len (or (vlax-get-property vlaObj ‘Length)
(vlax-curve-getdist vlaObj)))
(setq total (+ total len) i (1+ i))
)
(princ (strcat “\nTotal length = ” (rtos total 2 4) ” (drawing units)”))
)
(princ “\nNo valid linear objects selected.”)
)
(princ)
)

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How to use:

  • Type APPLOAD, load SumLen.lsp.
  • Run the command by typing SUMLEN and press Enter.
  • Select the objects when prompted and press Enter to see the total.

Caveats:

  • This routine sums objects that expose a Length property or work with vlax-curve-getdist. It excludes blocks, text, or non-curve entities.
  • You can expand the selection filter to include other types if needed.

Alternative quick methods

  • Use the LIST command:
    • Type LIST, select objects — this shows individual lengths in the text output. You can copy/paste into Excel and sum.
  • Use the Properties palette:
    • For some object sets, selecting multiple objects will show a total Length in Properties.
  • Convert objects to simpler types:
    • If lengths aren’t reported (complex blocks or custom objects), explode or extract their geometry to measurable entities.

Common issues and fixes

  • Problem: “Total length not showing”
    Fixes:

    • Confirm objects selected are linear (LINE, ARC, POLYLINE). Blocks and text won’t have a length property.
    • Check Quick Properties settings or open the Properties palette.
    • Use DATAEXTRACTION or AutoLISP for more control.

  • Problem: Units look wrong (e.g., meters vs millimeters)
    Fixes:

    • Verify Drawing Units (type UNITS) and Insert Units in the drawing.
    • Remember AutoCAD reports lengths in drawing units — convert if your output needs different units.

  • Problem: Polylines include curves or arcs and length seems wrong
    Fixes:

    • Use commands that measure curve length (MEASUREGEOM or vlax-curve-getdist in AutoLISP).
    • Ensure polylines are updated (use PEDIT to convert to polylines or explode if necessary).

  • Problem: Some objects are part of blocks or XREFs and aren’t selectable
    Fixes:

    • Explode blocks (if acceptable) or open the block/XREF drawing and measure there.
    • Use Data Extraction which can extract object properties from blocks if needed.
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Practical tips and best practices

  • Always confirm the drawing units (UNITS) before reporting totals.
  • Use object snaps (OSNAP) for precise selection when manual picking is required.
  • For large projects, use Data Extraction and export to Excel for traceability and auditing.
  • Save frequently used AutoLISP tools and assign a simple command name for speed.
  • If you need lengths per layer or per object type, filter selections by layer or use the Data Extraction wizard.
  • When in doubt, cross-check with two methods (e.g., MEASUREGEOM result vs Data Extraction exported sum).

FAQ

How do I include polylines and arcs when summing lengths?

Make sure the tool you use supports curved entities. MEASUREGEOM, Data Extraction, and the provided AutoLISP routine handle polylines and arcs. If using Quick Properties, confirm it sums curves in your AutoCAD version.

Will the summed length be in meters, feet, or millimeters?

AutoCAD reports lengths in the drawing’s current units. Check with the UNITS command. Convert the result if you need a different unit system.

Can I total lengths for specific layers only?

Yes — use a selection filter (Quick Select or Data Extraction) to select objects on a specific layer, then sum their lengths. Data Extraction is particularly convenient for layer-specific reports.

Why do some objects not show a length value?

Objects like blocks, text, dimensions, or custom objects often don’t have a direct Length property. Explode them or extract their geometry, or measure the original geometry inside the block/XREF.

Is there a way to automate repeated totals across many drawings?

Yes — write or adapt an AutoLISP script (like SUMLEN) and run it across drawings via a script or batch process. Data Extraction can also be automated to an extent via templates.

How can I export the total to Excel with object breakdowns?

Use DATAEXTRACTION to export object properties (including Length) to CSV or Excel. In Excel you can then use SUM and pivot tables for breakdowns by layer, type, or block name.

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