Auto-Sum Multiple Field Results

[EngMW01-2023]

I'm wondering if it is possible to do the following.

I often need to understand the square footage of closed polylines.  I can easily have that result using the "FIELD" command to show the square foot area of a selected polyline.

Let's say I have three rectangles and each has a field that displays the square footage of each.  Is there a way I can have AutoCAD total those numbers and display it so I can see the combined square footage of all three?

Ideally I'd have a field for the square footage and a field for the total length of the selected geometry for each rectangle.  These would be pre-determined in a library and I'd just be stretching the sizes so I don't need to automate the selection process.

Thoughts?

Thanks for any help/input/suggestions!

[rkmcswain · Accepted solution]

Apparently, DATAEXTRACTION is not enabled in AutoCAD LT (which would be the solution)

You might take a look at this:

https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/autocad-lt-forum/alternative-to-data-extraction/td-p/8989292

[pendean]

There is no level of automation in Lt that would make that any faster than you using a calculator on your PC/Phone/Desk.

Unless you always want to create a Table then add a formula SUM field at the bottom.

[EngMW01-2023]

Gotcha.  So this would be possible with a full seat of AutoCAD?

[pendean · Accepted solution]

>>>...So this would be possible with a full seat of AutoCAD?...<<<
Explore https://www.google.com/search?q=autocad+lisp%3A+sum+of+total+fields

[EngMW01-2023]

Thanks guys!

[steven-g]

The 'area' command gives you the option to choose 'add area' if you then also choose the option 'object' you can keep selecting objects until you press enter and you will be given a total for all the selected objects. You can also subtract.

Another way would be to use the hatch command and make sure 'create separate hatches' is NOT ticked, then either use the select objects or pick points method to choose the areas to measure. The advantage of using hatch is you also then have a visual reminder of the areas selected and you can place the value into a 'field' by selecting the hatch (and use color coding for different areas).

[EngMW01-2023]

Great suggestions as well.

What I wanted to do was to embed those fields into a common assembly.  Cabinetry to be exact.  So when one of my drafters drop in cabinets and stretch them, I could have a square foot total for each door/drawer front and then add all of them up to get a total square footage for material.  It wouldn't be 100% spot on but would get me in the ballpark when estimating material.

I was really just looking for a low key, non-parametric way to get some info quickly.

[steven-g]

Using a hatch will allow you to get the hatch area into a field, and stretching the polylines will also adjust an associated hatch which will update the field after a regen.