Brian Gustafson sends a method for performing arithmetic calculations within an AutoCAD command for numeric values. "This tip is to offset an object and calculate a distance that it is offset. I use it to offset a line, mostly, such as a centerline of a shaft to create the o.d. of a feature. For example, enter offset on the Command line type ‘Cal, enter .5/2, then press Enter. Select the line you want to offset and select which side you want the line to show. Select the line again and pick the opposite side. This will create a line .25 on each side of a centerline. "This also works if you want to convert to metric or vice versa. You can do multiple calculations, for example, 1/2*25.4. This will offset a line 12.7 from the object line." Brian created an icon with the following macro: ^C^Coffset ‘cal Works on AutoCAD versions since release 9. Notes from Cadalyst Tip Patrol: The ‘Cal function also works for other commands. You can use it when drawing a line or for the radius of a circle. It should work for any command that requires a numeric input. This can save a lot of time in many circumstances. At times I encountered a numeric overload error; if this happens to you, just do it again. Sometimes I had to cancel the command and completely start over. If you need to divide a whole number by another whole number (essentially a fraction) then you don’t have to use the ‘Cal function.
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