How to Scale Object in AutoCAD: Step-by-Step Guide

To scale an object in AutoCAD, use the SCALE command, select the object, specify a base point, and enter a scale factor. A scale factor greater than 1 enlarges the object, while less than 1 reduces its size.

Syntax

The basic syntax for scaling an object in AutoCAD is:

• SCALE: Command to start scaling.
• Select object(s): Choose the object(s) you want to scale.
• Base point: The fixed point around which scaling occurs.
• Scale factor: Number to multiply the object's size. Greater than 1 enlarges, less than 1 shrinks.

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Command: SCALE
Select objects: (select object)
Specify base point: (pick point)
Specify scale factor or [Copy/Reference]: (enter number)

Example

This example shows how to scale a rectangle by 2 times its original size using the SCALE command.

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Command: SCALE
Select objects: (select rectangle)
Specify base point: 0,0
Specify scale factor or [Copy/Reference]: 2

Output

The rectangle doubles in size, expanding outward from the base point at coordinates (0,0).

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when scaling objects in AutoCAD include:

• Not selecting the correct base point, causing unexpected movement.
• Entering a scale factor of 0 or negative number, which is invalid.
• Confusing scale factor with percentage (e.g., entering 50 instead of 0.5 to reduce size).
• Forgetting to select the object before starting the command.

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Wrong:
Command: SCALE
Select objects: (select object)
Specify base point: 0,0
Specify scale factor or [Copy/Reference]: 50

Right:
Command: SCALE
Select objects: (select object)
Specify base point: 0,0
Specify scale factor or [Copy/Reference]: 0.5

Quick Reference

Step	Description
SCALE	Start the scale command
Select objects	Choose the object(s) to scale
Base point	Pick a fixed point for scaling
Scale factor	Enter a number >0 (e.g., 2 to double size, 0.5 to halve)

Key Takeaways

Use the SCALE command to resize objects by specifying a base point and scale factor.

A scale factor greater than 1 enlarges the object; less than 1 reduces it.

Always pick the correct base point to control how the object scales.

Avoid entering zero, negative, or very large scale factors by mistake.

Remember to select the object before starting the SCALE command.