Total Area Autocad Lisp Access
In the daily grind of drafting and quantity surveying, calculating areas from polylines can be one of the most repetitive and error-prone tasks. Standard AutoCAD commands (like AREA with the Object option or LIST) are functional but limited—they only give you one area at a time, and they don't sum multiple selections.
This is where Total Area Lisp routines shine. They are not "official" AutoCAD tools, but rather community-created scripts that fill a massive gap in the software’s functionality. Here is a review of why they are essential, how they work, and their pros and cons.
The Solution: How Total Area Lisp Works
Most "Total Area" Lisp routines (such as the popular TAREA or variants found on forums like CADTutor or Lee Mac Programming) operate on a simple workflow:
- Selection: You select multiple closed polylines (LWPolyline) or objects at once.
- Recognition: The Lisp script iterates through the selection set, filtering only the valid closed polylines.
- Calculation: It sums the area of every selected object.
- Output: It returns a total area in the command line, and often allows you to insert a text label into the drawing with that total.
Total Area in One Click: The AutoCAD LISP That Changed How I Measure
We’ve all been there. You’re deep in a site plan, a floor plan layout, or a complex landscape design. Someone asks: “What’s the total square footage of all these rooms / zones / paving areas?”
Next thing you know, you’re clicking AREA → Add → clicking 20 polylines → scribbling numbers on a sticky note → adding them on a calculator → double-checking… and hoping you didn’t miss one.
There has to be a better way.
There is. It’s a tiny piece of code called TOTALAREA.LSP.
Conclusion: Why Every AutoCAD User Needs a Total Area LISP
If you regularly calculate floor areas, site coverage, landscaped zones, or material quantities, a total area LISP is not a luxury—it is a productivity multiplier. The time saved in a single week of drafting will pay back the 10 minutes it takes to find or write a basic routine.
Key Takeaways:
- The simplest total area LISP can be written in 5 lines of code.
- Advanced versions add unit conversion, annotations, and error handling.
- Always verify your drawing units and polyline closure before trusting the output.
- Save your LISP in the Startup Suite for frictionless use.
So stop adding areas manually or using clunky workarounds. Copy the TOTAREA code above, load it right now, and watch your efficiency soar. Your future self—and your deadlines—will thank you.
Have a specific total area calculation challenge? Modify the LISP to fit your exact workflow, and you’ll wonder how you ever drafted without it.
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. total area autocad lisp
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.
Introduction
AutoCAD provides various tools for calculating areas, but sometimes you need to calculate the total area of multiple objects. This can be achieved using AutoLISP, a programming language used for automating tasks in AutoCAD. In this guide, we will create a Lisp routine to calculate the total area of multiple objects.
Prerequisites
- AutoCAD (any version)
- AutoLISP (built-in with AutoCAD)
Step 1: Create a new Lisp file
- Open a text editor (e.g., Notepad, TextEdit, or any other plain text editor).
- Create a new file and save it with a
.lspextension (e.g.,total_area.lsp).
Step 2: Define the Lisp function
In the total_area.lsp file, add the following code:
(defun total-area ()
(setq total 0)
(setq ss (ssget "_:L"))
(setq count (sslength ss))
(repeat count
(setq ent (ssname ss 0))
(setq area (vla-get-Area (vlax-ename->vla-object ent)))
(setq total (+ total area))
(ssdel ent ss)
)
(princ "Total Area: ")
(princ total)
(princ "\n")
)
Let's break down the code:
(defun total-area ()defines a new Lisp function namedtotal-area.(setq total 0)initializes a variabletotalto 0. This variable will store the total area.(setq ss (ssget "_:L"))gets a selection set of all objects in the drawing.(setq count (sslength ss))gets the number of objects in the selection set.- The
(repeat count ...)loop iterates through each object in the selection set. (setq ent (ssname ss 0))gets the first object in the selection set.(setq area (vla-get-Area (vlax-ename->vla-object ent)))gets the area of the current object using thevla-get-Areamethod.(setq total (+ total area))adds the area of the current object to thetotalvariable.(ssdel ent ss)removes the current object from the selection set.(princ "Total Area: "),(princ total), and(princ "\n")print the total area to the command line.
Step 3: Load the Lisp file
- Open AutoCAD and create a new drawing or open an existing one.
- Load the Lisp file using the
Loadcommand:(load "C:\\path\\to\\total_area.lsp")(replace with the actual path to your Lisp file). - Alternatively, you can also load the Lisp file by dragging and dropping it into the AutoCAD drawing area.
Step 4: Run the Lisp function
- In the AutoCAD command line, type
(total-area)and press Enter. - The Lisp function will calculate the total area of all objects in the drawing and print the result to the command line.
Tips and Variations
- To calculate the total area of a specific type of object (e.g., only polygons), modify the selection set to only include those objects:
(setq ss (ssget "_:L" (list (cons 0 "POLYGON")))) - To calculate the total area of objects in a specific layer, modify the selection set to only include objects on that layer:
(setq ss (ssget "_:L" (list (cons 8 "LAYER_NAME")))) - To use this Lisp function regularly, add it to your AutoCAD startup suite or create a button to run it.
By following these steps, you can create a Lisp routine to calculate the total area of multiple objects in AutoCAD.
The Most Popular Free Total Area LISP: TOTAREA.LSP
The most widely circulated free LISP for this task is often called TOTAREA.LSP or ADDTOTALAREA.LSP. While many versions exist, the core functionality is consistent.
Part 2: The Most Popular Total Area Lisp Routine (Code Included)
There is no single "official" Total Area Lisp, but the most widely used and reliable version is often called TOTAREA.LSP . Below is the fully commented, production-ready code.
The Verdict: Is it worth it?
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. In the daily grind of drafting and quantity
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.
Calculating the total area in AutoCAD is a fundamental task for architects and engineers, but using the native AREA command can be incredibly tedious when dealing with dozens or hundreds of objects. Automating this process with an AutoCAD LISP routine (AutoLISP) is the most efficient way to get instant, accurate results for multiple closed shapes at once. Why Use a LISP for Total Area?
While AutoCAD’s built-in AREA command allows you to "Add Area", it requires clicking every object individually. A LISP routine offers several advantages: Lisp to calculate area of all closed polylines selected
In AutoCAD, calculating the total area of multiple objects—like polylines, circles, or regions—can be tedious if done manually using the standard AREA command. AutoLISP routines automate this by summing the areas of all selected objects and displaying the result instantly. How to Use a "Total Area" LISP Routine
Obtain the Code: You can find various versions of this script online, such as those from Lee Mac Programming or JTB World. Load the LISP: Open AutoCAD and type APPLOAD in the command line. Navigate to your .lsp file and click Load.
Alternatively, drag and drop the .lsp file directly into the AutoCAD drawing window.
Run the Command: Most "Total Area" scripts use commands like TAREA, AREAM, or QSTA.
Select Objects: Select the closed polylines, circles, or hatches you want to measure. The routine will calculate the sum and display it in the command line or an alert box. Popular LISP Routines for Area Calculation Command Functionality TAREA
Displays the total area of selected circles, ellipses, polylines, and splines at the command line. Lee Mac Programming AREAM
Measures total area of many objects at once and reports the total to the command line. JTB World SAL Calculates total area and sums it specifically by layer. CADTutor AMO
Adds the area of multiple objects and places a text label with the area at each object’s center. ESurveying A2F
Creates an MText object with a Field Expression that automatically updates if object boundaries change. Arkance Community Key Benefits of Using LISP for Areas
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: The Solution: How Total Area Lisp Works Most
Batch Processing: Select hundreds of polylines, circles, or hatches at once.
Automated Unit Conversion: Automatically convert square inches to square feet or square meters.
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)