AutoCAD SCALE Command: How to Resize Objects Accurately

Enlarges or reduces selected objects proportionally around a base point.

Command

SCALE

Aliases

SC

English name

Scale

The AutoCAD SCALE command enlarges or reduces selected objects uniformly around a base point. Start it with SCALE or the alias SC. A scale factor greater than 1 enlarges the objects, and a factor between 0 and 1 makes them smaller.

The Reference option is handy when you do not know the factor. Pick an existing length on the object, then type or pick the length it should have, and AutoCAD works out the ratio for you.

How to use it

1. Type SCALE or SC and press Enter.
2. Select the objects and press Enter.
3. Pick the base point, which stays fixed during scaling.
4. Type a scale factor and press Enter, or use the Reference option.

Options

Scale factor

The multiplier applied to the object dimensions. 2 doubles the size, 0.5 halves it.

Copy

Keeps the original and creates a scaled copy.

Reference

Scales based on a reference length and a new length. You can type the lengths or pick points.

Notes and tips

• To convert a drawing from meters to millimeters, scale it by 1000.
• Place the base point at a corner or center that should not move.
• SCALE also changes the values that dimensions measure, so check that your dimension style still suits the new size.