SCALE command in AutoCAD - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What does the SCALE command do in AutoCAD?

The SCALE command changes the size of selected objects by a scale factor, making them larger or smaller while keeping their shape.

beginner

How do you specify the base point in the SCALE command?

The base point is the fixed point around which the object scales. You select it by clicking a point or typing coordinates after starting the SCALE command.

beginner

What happens if you enter a scale factor less than 1 in the SCALE command?

The object shrinks because the scale factor less than 1 reduces the size proportionally.

beginner

Can the SCALE command be used to enlarge objects? How?

Yes, by entering a scale factor greater than 1, the object becomes larger while keeping its shape.

intermediate

Why is choosing the right base point important when using the SCALE command?

Because the base point stays fixed, and the object scales around it. Choosing the wrong base point can move the object unexpectedly.

What does the SCALE command require you to select first?

A Base point

B Objects to scale

C Scale factor

D Layer

You first select the objects you want to scale before specifying the base point and scale factor.

If you want to double the size of an object using SCALE, what scale factor should you use?

A 2

B 1

C 10

D 0.5

A scale factor of 2 doubles the size of the object.

What happens if you use a scale factor of 1 in the SCALE command?

A Object disappears

B Object doubles in size

C Object size stays the same

D Object moves to origin

A scale factor of 1 means no change in size.

Which point remains fixed during scaling?

A Center of the object

B Last clicked point

C Origin (0,0)

D Base point

The base point is the fixed point around which scaling happens.

Can the SCALE command change the shape of an object?

A No, it keeps the shape the same

B Yes, it distorts the shape

C Only if scale factor is negative

D Only if base point is at origin

The SCALE command changes size but keeps the shape proportional.

Explain how to use the SCALE command step-by-step in AutoCAD.

Think about what you click or type in order.

Why is the base point important when scaling objects? Give an example.

Imagine holding one point still while resizing.

Practice

1.

What does the SCALE command do in AutoCAD?

easy

A. Changes the size of an object by a scale factor

B. Rotates an object around a point

C. Moves an object to a new location

D. Deletes an object from the drawing

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the purpose of SCALE command

   The SCALE command is used to change the size of objects in AutoCAD by applying a scale factor.

2. Step 2: Compare with other commands

   Rotation changes orientation, Move changes position, Delete removes objects. Only SCALE changes size.

3. Final Answer:

   Changes the size of an object by a scale factor -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   SCALE changes size = A [OK]

Hint: SCALE changes size, not position or rotation [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing SCALE with MOVE or ROTATE
• Thinking SCALE deletes objects
• Assuming SCALE changes object color

2.

Which of the following is the correct syntax to start the SCALE command in AutoCAD?

SCALE

easy

A. Type SCL and press Enter

B. Type SCAL and press Enter

C. Type S and press Enter

D. Type SCALE and press Enter

Solution

1. Step 1: Recall the exact command name

   The correct command to scale objects is SCALE.

2. Step 2: Verify command abbreviations

   AutoCAD does not recognize SCL, SCAL, or S as SCALE command shortcuts.

3. Final Answer:

   Type SCALE and press Enter -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Correct command name = C [OK]

Hint: Use full command SCALE to avoid errors [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Using incomplete command names
• Assuming abbreviations work without confirmation
• Typing commands with typos

3.

You select a square with side length 10 units and use the SCALE command with a scale factor of 0.5 and base point at one corner. What will be the new side length?

medium

A. 10 units

B. 5 units

C. 15 units

D. 20 units

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand scale factor effect

   A scale factor less than 1 reduces size proportionally. Here, 0.5 halves the size.

2. Step 2: Calculate new side length

   Original side length 10 units x 0.5 = 5 units.

3. Final Answer:

   5 units -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   10 x 0.5 = 5 [OK]

Hint: Multiply original size by scale factor [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Using scale factor as additive instead of multiplicative
• Ignoring base point effect on size
• Confusing scale factor greater than 1 with reduction

4.

What is wrong with this sequence when using the SCALE command?
SCALE -> Select object -> Specify base point -> Enter scale factor as 0 -> Press Enter

medium

A. Scale factor cannot be zero

B. Base point must be at origin

C. Object must be selected after scale factor

D. Scale factor must be negative

Solution

1. Step 1: Check scale factor validity

   Scale factor zero means object size becomes zero, which is invalid in AutoCAD.

2. Step 2: Review other options

   Base point can be anywhere, object selection order is correct, scale factor must be positive (not negative).

3. Final Answer:

   Scale factor cannot be zero -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Scale factor > 0 required = A [OK]

Hint: Scale factor must be positive and not zero [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Using zero or negative scale factors
• Assuming base point must be origin
• Selecting objects after scale factor

5.

You want to enlarge a circle by 150% but keep its center fixed. Which steps correctly use the SCALE command?

Choose the correct sequence:

1. Select the circle
2. Specify base point
3. Enter scale factor

hard

A. Select circle -> Specify any point as base point -> Enter 1.5 as scale factor

B. Select circle -> Specify any point as base point -> Enter 0.5 as scale factor

C. Select circle -> Specify center as base point -> Enter 1.5 as scale factor

D. Select circle -> Specify center as base point -> Enter 0.5 as scale factor

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify base point to keep fixed

   To keep the circle center fixed, specify the center as the base point.

2. Step 2: Use correct scale factor for enlargement

   150% enlargement means scale factor 1.5 (greater than 1).

3. Final Answer:

   Select circle -> Specify center as base point -> Enter 1.5 as scale factor -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Center fixed + scale 1.5 = D [OK]

Hint: Use center as base point and scale >1 to enlarge [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Using scale factor less than 1 to enlarge
• Choosing wrong base point causing shift
• Confusing scale factor percentage with decimal