Rating: 5/5 Stars – Essential for Professionals
If you are an architect, interior designer, civil engineer, or quantity surveyor, a Total Area Lisp is not optional; it is mandatory.
It turns a tedious, manual accounting task into an automated process. The ability to select 100 rooms and instantly know the total square footage allows designers to make faster decisions and produce accurate BQs (Bills of Quantities) without hesitation.
Recommendation: If you are looking for a specific Lisp to use, I highly recommend checking out Lee Mac’s "Area Label" Lisp or Totten Lisp. These are industry standards that offer robust features like auto-labeling and field integration.
Bottom Line: It is one of the highest ROI (Return on Investment) tools you can add to your AutoCAD setup—considering it costs nothing but saves hours.
You might ask, "Doesn't AutoCAD 2025 have a built-in Total Area tool?"
AutoCAD's Native DATAEXTRACTION : This works, but it requires a 12-step wizard, creates an Excel table, and is overkill for a quick sum.
AutoCAD's QUICKPROPERTIES : Shows area for one object, not total.
Third-party plugins (e.g., AreaCalc, LandFX) : These are excellent but often cost $200–$1,000 per year.
AutoLISP (Free) : The Lisp routine above costs $0. It runs instantly, doesn't require an internet connection, and works on any version of AutoCAD from R14 to 2026.
For a professional drafter, learning to load and modify a simple Lisp like TOTAREA is a rite of passage. It is the single highest ROI automation you can implement today.
(setq ss (ssget '((0 . "LWPOLYLINE,POLYLINE,CIRCLE,ELLIPSE"))))
Try the code above. Modify the unit outputs for your industry. Add a line that writes the total to a text file. Or make it color the selected objects green so you know what was counted.
What’s your one small LISP that saves you the most time? Share in the comments – I’m always looking for the next workflow hack.
Happy measuring – and may your polylines always be closed.
Mastering Total Area Calculation in AutoCAD: The Power of LISP
If you’ve ever spent an afternoon clicking through dozens of closed polylines, manually adding their areas in a calculator, you know the frustration of AutoCAD’s default AREA command. While functional for a single room or shape, it’s a productivity killer for large-scale projects like site plans, floor area ratios, or material takeoffs.
This is where AutoCAD LISP (List Processing) becomes a game-changer. By using a custom LISP routine, you can calculate the total area of multiple objects instantly, saving hours of tedious work and reducing human error. Why Use a LISP Routine for Total Area?
By default, AutoCAD’s MEASUREGEOM or AREA commands require you to select points or objects one by one. A custom LISP routine offers several advantages:
Batch Processing: Select hundreds of polylines, circles, or hatches at once.
Automated Unit Conversion: Automatically convert square inches to square feet or square meters. total area autocad lisp
On-Screen Annotation: Many scripts will automatically place a text label with the final sum directly into your drawing.
Error Reduction: No more "did I already click that one?" moments. The Code: A Simple "Total Area" LISP Script
You don't need to be a programmer to use LISP. Here is a classic, lightweight code snippet that calculates the sum of all selected closed objects.
(defun c:TOTALAREA (/ ss count total i obj) (setq ss (ssget '((0 . "CIRCLE,HATCH,POLYLINE,LWPOLYLINE")))) (setq total 0.0) (if ss (progn (setq count (sslength ss)) (setq i 0) (while (< i count) (setq obj (vlax-ename->vla-object (ssname ss i))) (setq total (+ total (vla-get-area obj))) (setq i (1+ i)) ) (alert (strcat "Total Area of " (itoa count) " objects is: " (rtos total 2 2))) (princ (strcat "\nTotal Area: " (rtos total 2 2))) ) (princ "\nNo valid objects selected.") ) (princ) ) (vl-load-com) Use code with caution. How to Install and Run the Script Copy the code above into Notepad.
Save the file as TotalArea.lsp. Ensure the extension is .lsp and not .txt. In AutoCAD, type APPLOAD and press Enter. Locate your TotalArea.lsp file, click Load, and then Close. Type TOTALAREA in the command line to run it. Key Features to Look For in Advanced Area LISPs
While the script above is a great starting point, professional-grade LISP routines often include:
Layer Filtering: Only calculate areas for objects on a specific layer (e.g., "G-AREA-BNDY").
Export to Excel: Seamlessly move your data from the CAD environment into a CSV or XLSX file for billing and scheduling.
Dynamic Links (Fields): Create text that updates automatically if you stretch the polyline.
Subtracting "Islands": Advanced scripts can detect a "hole" inside a larger polyline and subtract that area automatically. Common Troubleshooting Tips
Open Polylines: LISP routines usually cannot calculate the area of an "open" polyline. Use the PEDIT command to close your boundaries before running the script.
Self-Intersecting Loops: If a polyline crosses over itself like a figure-eight, AutoCAD may return an error or an incorrect value.
Z-Coordinates: Ensure all objects are flattened to a 0 elevation. Objects with varying "Z" values can sometimes cause geometric calculation errors. Conclusion
Using a Total Area AutoCAD LISP is one of the easiest ways to transition from a "CAD Drafter" to a "CAD Power User." It moves the burden of calculation away from your brain and onto the software, where it belongs.
g., converting square millimeters to square meters) or to export the results directly to a text file?
;;; TOTALAREA.LSP
;;; Calculates total area of selected objects
;;; Supports: Circles, Ellipses, Hatches, Polylines (2D/3D),
;;; Regions, Splines (planar)
(defun C:TOTALAREA (/ ss total-area obj-list obj area obj-name
cnt *error* old-cmdcho old-dimzin)
;; Error handler
(defun *error* (msg)
(if old-cmdcho (setvar "CMDECHO" old-cmdcho))
(if old-dimzin (setvar "DIMZIN" old-dimzin))
(if (not (member msg '("Function cancelled" "quit / exit abort")))
(princ (strcat "\nError: " msg))
)
(princ)
)
;; Save system variables
(setq old-cmdcho (getvar "CMDECHO"))
(setq old-dimzin (getvar "DIMZIN"))
(setvar "CMDECHO" 0)
(setvar "DIMZIN" 0) ; Suppress trailing zeros
(princ "\nSelect objects to calculate total area...")
(setq ss (ssget '((-4 . "<OR")
(0 . "CIRCLE")
(0 . "ELLIPSE")
(0 . "HATCH")
(0 . "LWPOLYLINE")
(0 . "POLYLINE")
(0 . "REGION")
(0 . "SPLINE")
(0 . "ARC") ; Arc (converted to region)
(0 . "LINE") ; Line (converted to region)
(0 . "LWPOLYLINE")
(-4 . "OR>"))))
(if (not ss)
(princ "\nNo objects selected.")
(progn
(setq total-area 0.0)
(setq obj-list '())
(setq cnt 0)
;; Process each selected object
(repeat (setq cnt (sslength ss))
(setq obj (ssname ss (setq cnt (1- cnt))))
(setq obj-name (cdr (assoc 0 (entget obj))))
;; Calculate area based on object type
(cond
;; For objects with direct Area property
((member obj-name '("CIRCLE" "ELLIPSE" "HATCH" "LWPOLYLINE"
"POLYLINE" "REGION" "SPLINE"))
(command "._AREA" "_O" obj)
(setq area (getvar "AREA"))
(if (> area 0)
(progn
(setq total-area (+ total-area area))
(setq obj-list (cons (list obj-name area) obj-list))
)
)
)
;; For objects that need conversion (lines, arcs)
((member obj-name '("LINE" "ARC"))
(princ (strcat "\nConverting " obj-name " to region for area calculation..."))
(command "._REGION" obj "")
(if (setq region-ent (entlast))
(progn
(command "._AREA" "_O" region-ent)
(setq area (getvar "AREA"))
(if (> area 0)
(progn
(setq total-area (+ total-area area))
(setq obj-list (cons (list obj-name area) obj-list))
)
)
(command "._ERASE" region-ent "") ; Clean up temporary region
)
(princ (strcat "\nFailed to convert " obj-name " to region"))
)
)
(t
(princ (strcat "\nUnsupported object type: " obj-name))
)
)
)
;; Display results
(princ "\n========================================")
(princ "\nAREA CALCULATION RESULTS")
(princ "\n========================================")
(if obj-list
(progn
(foreach item (reverse obj-list)
(princ (strcat "\n" (car item) ": "
(rtos (cadr item) 2 2) " sq units"))
)
(princ "\n----------------------------------------")
(princ (strcat "\nTOTAL AREA: " (rtos total-area 2 2) " sq units"))
;; Offer to display in different units
(initget "Yes No")
(if (= (getkword "\nDisplay in different units? [Yes/No] <No>: ") "Yes")
(progn
(princ "\nSelect unit conversion:")
(princ "\n 1 - Square feet")
(princ "\n 2 - Square meters")
(princ "\n 3 - Square yards")
(initget 1 "1 2 3")
(setq unit (getkword "\nEnter choice [1/2/3]: "))
(cond
((= unit "1") ; sq ft
(setq converted (* total-area 144.0)) ; assuming drawing units in inches
(princ (strcat "\nConverted: " (rtos converted 2 2) " sq ft")))
((= unit "2") ; sq meters
(setq converted (* total-area 0.00064516)) ; sq inches to sq meters
(princ (strcat "\nConverted: " (rtos converted 2 2) " sq meters")))
((= unit "3") ; sq yards
(setq converted (* total-area 0.000771605)) ; sq inches to sq yards
(princ (strcat "\nConverted: " (rtos converted 2 2) " sq yards")))
)
)
)
;; Option to write total to command line
(princ "\n========================================")
;; Copy total area to clipboard (optional)
(initget "Yes No")
(if (= (getkword "\nCopy total area to clipboard? [Yes/No] <No>: ") "Yes")
(progn
(setq area-str (rtos total-area 2 2))
(command "._SETENV" "Clipboard" area-str)
(princ "\nTotal area copied to clipboard!")
)
)
)
(princ "\nNo valid area objects selected.")
)
)
)
;; Restore system variables
(setvar "CMDECHO" old-cmdcho)
(setvar "DIMZIN" old-dimzin)
(princ)
)
;;; Command alias
(defun C:TA () (C:TOTALAREA))
;;; Load message
(princ "\nTOTALAREA.LSP loaded successfully!")
(princ "\nType 'TOTALAREA' or 'TA' to calculate total area.")
(princ)
Conversion: 1 Acre = 43,560 square feet
(setq acres (/ total 43560.0))
(princ (strcat "\n>>> TOTAL AREA: " (rtos acres 2 2) " ACRES <<<"))
(defun C:AT ( / ss area_list total sf)
(setq sf (getreal "\nConversion factor (1 drawing unit = ? feet): "))
(if (= sf nil) (setq sf 1.0))
(setq ss (ssget '((0 . "LWPOLYLINE,POLYLINE,CIRCLE,ELLIPSE,REGION"))))
(if ss
(progn
(setq total 0.0)
(repeat (setq i (sslength ss))
(setq ent (ssname ss (setq i (1- i))))
(setq area (vlax-curve-getArea ent))
(setq total (+ total area))
)
(setq total_sqft (* total sf sf))
(setq total_acres (/ total_sqft 43560.0))
(alert (strcat "Total Area: " (rtos total_acres 2 2) " Acres"))
;; Optional: Insert text
(command "_.MTEXT" (getpoint "\nPick text insertion point: ") "J" "TL" "W" "0" (strcat "TOTAL AREA = " (rtos total_acres 2 2) " ACRES") "")
)
(princ "\nNo objects selected.")
)
(princ)
)
To use this: load it, type AT, enter the conversion factor (e.g., 12 if 1 unit = 1 inch and you want feet, because 12 inches = 1 foot—actually careful: area conversion squares the factor, so for 1 unit = 1 inch, to get sq ft, factor = 1/12 = 0.08333). Better to input 0.08333 for inches to feet, or 3.28084 for meters to feet.
Pro Tip: Many professionals store the conversion factor in a variable so they don't retype it every session.
It even works with hatches – so if your colleague didn’t use polylines, no problem.
The Efficiency of Total Area LISP Routines in AutoCAD In the world of CAD drafting, precision and speed are the two pillars of productivity. While AutoCAD provides native tools like the command or the Properties Rating: 5/5 Stars – Essential for Professionals If
palette to find the square footage of objects, these methods often become tedious when dealing with dozens of scattered polylines. This is where
—specifically "Total Area" routines—becomes an essential asset for any serious drafter. The Problem with Native Tools
Manually calculating the sum of multiple areas in AutoCAD is prone to human error. Using the standard
command requires the user to select objects one by one, adding them to a running total. If you accidentally click the wrong point or miss a small polygon, you often have to start over. For large-scale projects like floor plans or site surveys, this manual entry is a significant bottleneck. How LISP Solves It
A "Total Area" LISP routine automates this calculation. Once loaded, the script allows a user to simply select a group of closed polylines, circles, or regions. The code then iterates through the selection set, extracts the area property of each entity, and calculates a grand total in seconds. The true power of these routines lies in their customization . A well-written LISP can: Convert Units:
Automatically switch between square inches and square feet or hectares. Place Text:
Automatically insert the total area value as a text label directly into the drawing. Filter Objects:
Calculate only the areas of objects on a specific layer, ignoring everything else. Workflow Integration
Integrating a Total Area LISP into a daily workflow is seamless. By adding the script to the "Startup Suite," the command becomes a permanent part of the user's toolkit. Instead of juggling a calculator and a notepad, a drafter can type a shortcut like
(Total Area), window-select a whole building wing, and immediately see the result in the command line or an alert box. Conclusion
The Total Area LISP is a prime example of why AutoCAD remains a dominant force in design; its open architecture allows users to build the tools they need. By automating repetitive math and reducing the risk of manual error, these scripts allow designers to spend less time on arithmetic and more time on actual design. sample code for a basic Total Area LISP, or help you troubleshoot an existing one?
Calculating Total Area of Multiple Objects in AutoCAD using Lisp
AutoCAD is a powerful computer-aided design (CAD) software that offers a wide range of tools and features to create, edit, and manage 2D and 3D models. One of the common tasks in AutoCAD is to calculate the total area of multiple objects, such as rooms, buildings, or landscapes. While AutoCAD provides a built-in AREA command to calculate the area of a single object, it can be tedious to calculate the total area of multiple objects manually.
This is where Lisp comes in – a programming language that allows you to create custom functions and automate repetitive tasks in AutoCAD. In this article, we will explore how to write a Lisp program to calculate the total area of multiple objects in AutoCAD.
The Code
Here is the Lisp code that calculates the total area of multiple objects:
(defun c:totalarea ()
(setq total-area 0)
(setq ss (ssget "X"))
(if (/= ss nil)
(progn
(setq i 0)
(repeat (sslength ss)
(setq ent (ssname ss i))
(setq area (cdr (assoc 41 (entget ent))))
(if (/= area nil)
(setq total-area (+ total-area area)))
(setq i (+ i 1)))
(princ (strcat "Total Area: " (rtos total-area 2 2) " sq. units"))
)
(princ)
)
Let's break down the code:
How to Use the Code
To use this Lisp code in AutoCAD, follow these steps:
The Lisp function will calculate the total area of all selected objects and print the result to the command line. (setq ss (ssget '((0
Conclusion
In this article, we explored how to write a Lisp program to calculate the total area of multiple objects in AutoCAD. The code provided can be easily modified to suit specific needs, such as calculating the total area of objects with specific properties (e.g., by layer, color, etc.). With this Lisp function, you can automate the process of calculating total areas in AutoCAD and save time and effort.
For calculating the total area of multiple objects in AutoCAD, a high-quality AutoLISP routine is the most efficient method compared to the native, tedious manual selection process Autodesk Community, Autodesk Forums, Autodesk Forum Recommended LISP: AreaM (by Jimmy Bergmark)
This is a widely used and reliable routine for summing the areas of various closed objects. Autodesk Community, Autodesk Forums, Autodesk Forum Capabilities : Calculates the total area of selected How to Use AreaM.lsp code into a text file and save it with a extension. Drag and drop the file into your AutoCAD window or use the
in the command line, select your objects, and press Enter to see the total area. WordPress.com Advanced Option: Lee Mac's Total Area
For users needing precision and support for modern AutoCAD features, Total Length & Area program is a standard in the industry. Lee Mac Programming
: Displays total area at the command line with precision based on your system variable. Flexibility
: It filters out non-area entities like open polylines to ensure accuracy. Lee Mac Programming Detailed Pieces & Automation
If you need more than just a total sum, consider these specific tools: Area Tables
: To generate a table listing each individual area alongside the total, use the Area Table Lisp ) which labels each polygon. Automatic Text Labels
routine from ESurveying creates text at the centroid of each selected object, showing its specific area plus the grand total. Triangle Details
: For land surveying or verifying calculations manually, the command splits polygons into triangles and provides a detailed table of calculation for each piece. Autodesk Community, Autodesk Forums, Autodesk Forum Native Alternatives (No LISP Required) Lisp to calculate area of all closed polylines selected
While AutoCAD has built-in ways to add multiple areas using the standard AREA command, using an AutoLISP script is the most efficient way to sum the areas of multiple closed polylines, hatches, or circles instantly. AutoLISP Code for Total Area
You can copy and paste this code into the Visual LISP Editor (type VLISP in AutoCAD) to create your own "Total Area" command:
(defun c:TOTALAREA (/ ss i ent area total) (setq total 0) (princ "\nSelect closed objects (Polylines, Circles, Hatches): ") (if (setq ss (ssget '((0 . "LWPOLYLINE,POLYLINE,CIRCLE,HATCH")))) (progn (repeat (setq i (sslength ss)) (setq ent (ssname ss (setq i (1- i)))) (command "._area" "_O" ent) (setq total (+ total (getvar "AREA"))) ) (princ (strcat "\nTotal Area: " (rtos total 2 2))) ) (princ "\nNo valid objects selected.") ) (princ) ) Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard How to Use the LISP
Load the Script: Save the code above as a .lsp file and drag it into your AutoCAD drawing, or use the APPLOAD command. Run the Command: Type TOTALAREA in the command line.
Select Objects: Select all the polylines or hatches you want to measure.
View Results: The command line will display the combined sum of all selected areas. Alternative Built-in Methods
If you don't want to use a script, you can use these native tools:
Hatch Method: Select all areas and apply a single hatch; the "Area" property in the Properties Palette (Ctrl+1) will show the cumulative total.
Area Add: Type AREA, then type A (Add), then O (Object). This allows you to click objects one by one to see a running total.
;; ============================================================
;; TOTAL AREA.LSP
;; Command: TA
;; Purpose: Calculate and display total area of selected objects
;; Supports: Circles, Arcs, Ellipses, Polylines, Regions, Hatches, Splines
;; ============================================================
(defun C:TA ( / ss ent obj area total cnt)
;; Set area units precision (adjust as needed)
(setq prec 2) ; decimal places
;; Initialize total area
(setq total 0.0)
(setq cnt 0)
;; Prompt user to select objects
(prompt "\nSelect objects to calculate total area: ")
(setq ss (ssget '((0 . "CIRCLE,ARC,ELLIPSE,LWPOLYLINE,POLYLINE,REGION,HATCH,SPLINE"))))
;; If selection set exists
(if ss
(progn
;; Loop through each object in selection set
(repeat (setq i (sslength ss))
(setq ent (ssname ss (setq i (1- i))))
(setq obj (vlax-ename->vla-object ent))
;; Check if object has Area property
(if (vlax-property-available-p obj "Area")
(progn
(setq area (vla-get-area obj))
(setq total (+ total area))
(setq cnt (1+ cnt))
)
(prompt (strcat "\nSkipped: " (cdr (assoc 0 (entget ent))) " - No area property"))
)
)
;; Display results
(princ "\n========================================")
(princ (strcat "\nTotal Area of " (itoa cnt) " object(s):"))
(princ "\n----------------------------------------")
;; Show in current drawing units
(princ (strcat "\nSquare units: " (rtos total 2 prec)))
;; Convert to common units (optional - adjust conversion factor)
;; For meters to square meters: no change
;; For millimeters to square meters: divide by 1e6
;; For inches to square feet: divide by 144
;; For feet to square feet: no change
;; Example: If drawing units are millimeters, show square meters
;; (princ (strcat "\nSquare meters: " (rtos (/ total 1000000.0) 2 prec)))
;; Example: If drawing units are inches, show square feet
;; (princ (strcat "\nSquare feet: " (rtos (/ total 144.0) 2 prec)))
(princ "\n========================================")
;; Optional: Add text to drawing
(if (yes-or-no-p "\nAdd total area text to drawing? ")
(insert-area-text total)
)
)
(prompt "\nNo valid objects selected!")
)
(princ)
)
;; Helper function to insert total area as text in drawing
(defun insert-area-text (area / pt)
(setq pt (getpoint "\nPick insertion point for text: "))
(if pt
(entmake
(list
'(0 . "TEXT")
'(100 . "AcDbEntity")
'(100 . "AcDbText")
(cons 10 pt)
(cons 40 (getvar 'TEXTSIZE))
(cons 1 (strcat "Total Area: " (rtos area 2 2) " sq units"))
'(50 . 0.0)
'(7 . "Standard")
'(72 . 0)
'(73 . 0)
)
)
)
)
;; Alternative: Quick total area with selection window
(defun C:TAQ ( / ss total area obj)
(setq ss (ssget '((0 . "CIRCLE,ARC,ELLIPSE,LWPOLYLINE,POLYLINE,REGION,HATCH"))))
(setq total 0.0)
(if ss
(repeat (setq i (sslength ss))
(setq obj (vlax-ename->vla-object (ssname ss (setq i (1- i)))))
(if (vlax-property-available-p obj "Area")
(setq total (+ total (vla-get-area obj)))
)
)
)
(princ (strcat "\nTotal Area = " (rtos total 2 2)))
(princ)
)
;; Alternative: Area of polylines only (with option for multiple selections)
(defun C:TAP ( / ss total)
(setq ss (ssget '((0 . "LWPOLYLINE,POLYLINE"))))
(setq total 0.0)
(if ss
(repeat (setq i (sslength ss))
(setq total (+ total (vla-get-area (vlax-ename->vla-object (ssname ss (setq i (1- i)))))))
)
)
(princ (strcat "\nTotal Polyline Area = " (rtos total 2 2)))
(princ)
)
;; Helper function to check if object has area property
(defun vlax-property-available-p (obj prop)
(not (vl-catch-all-error-p (vl-catch-all-apply 'vlax-get-property (list obj prop))))
)
;; Load command
(princ "\nTotal Area LISP loaded successfully!")
(princ "\nType 'TA' to calculate total area of selected objects")
(princ "\nType 'TAQ' for quick total area")
(princ "\nType 'TAP' for total area of polylines only")
(princ)
;; Make commands available
(autoload "C:TA" '("TA"))
(autoload "C:TAQ" '("TAQ"))
(autoload "C:TAP" '("TAP"))