How to Add Radius Dimension in AutoCAD Quickly and Easily

To add a radius dimension in AutoCAD, use the DIMRADIUS command. Select the circle or arc you want to measure, and AutoCAD will place the radius dimension automatically.

Syntax

The basic syntax to add a radius dimension in AutoCAD is:

• DIMRADIUS - Command to start radius dimensioning.
• Select the circle or arc to dimension.
• Place the dimension line by clicking the desired location.

This command measures the radius of the selected curve and displays it as a dimension.

autocad commands

Command: DIMRADIUS
Select circle or arc: (click on the circle or arc)
Specify dimension line location: (click where you want the radius dimension to appear)

Output

Radius dimension displayed on the selected circle or arc showing the radius value.

Example

This example shows how to add a radius dimension to a circle in AutoCAD:

1. Type DIMRADIUS in the command line and press Enter.
2. Click on the circle you want to dimension.
3. Move your cursor to position the radius dimension line and click to place it.

The radius value will appear next to the dimension line.

autocad commands

Command: DIMRADIUS
Select circle or arc: (click on circle)
Specify dimension line location: (click to place dimension)

Output

Radius dimension line with radius value appears on the drawing near the circle.

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when adding radius dimensions include:

• Trying to dimension a shape that is not a circle or arc, which will not work with DIMRADIUS.
• Not clicking exactly on the circle or arc, causing AutoCAD to not recognize the object.
• Placing the dimension line too close or overlapping other objects, making it hard to read.

Always ensure you select a proper circle or arc and place the dimension clearly.

autocad commands

Wrong:
Command: DIMRADIUS
Select circle or arc: (click on a line or polyline)
Result: Error or no dimension created

Right:
Command: DIMRADIUS
Select circle or arc: (click on circle)
Specify dimension line location: (click to place dimension)
Result: Radius dimension created successfully

Quick Reference

Step	Action	Description
1	Type DIMRADIUS	Starts the radius dimension command
2	Select circle or arc	Choose the object to measure radius
3	Place dimension line	Click where the radius dimension should appear
4	Adjust if needed	Move or edit dimension for clarity

Key Takeaways

Use the DIMRADIUS command to add radius dimensions to circles or arcs.

Always select the exact circle or arc to ensure correct dimensioning.

Place the dimension line clearly to avoid clutter and improve readability.

Radius dimensions do not work on lines or shapes that are not arcs or circles.

Use the quick reference steps to add radius dimensions efficiently.