It even works with hatches – so if your colleague didn’t use polylines, no problem.
(princ (strcat "TOTAL = " (rtos total 2 2)))
LISP (LISt Processing) is a programming language embedded in AutoCAD since version 2.1. It allows you to automate repetitive tasks. A "Total Area LISP" is a script that:
Some advanced routines can even write the total to a text file, insert a multiline text object with the sum, or export a schedule.
Even the best Lisp routines can fail. Here are the top 5 errors and how to fix them.
| Error Message | Cause | Solution |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| "No valid objects selected" | You selected lines, arcs, or blocks. | Convert lines/arcs into a single Polyline (PEDIT command). Explode blocks first. |
| "; error: no function definition: VLAX-GET-AREA" | The Visual LISP extension is not loaded. | Type (vl-load-com) in the command line and press Enter, then retry TOTAREA. |
| Area = 0.00 | The polyline is self-intersecting or not closed. | Check the polyline property Closed = Yes. Use OVERKILL to clean up geometry. |
| Command: TOTAREA Unknown | The Lisp is not loaded correctly. | Re-run APPLOAD and ensure the file path is correct. Type (C:TOTAREA) manually. |
| Area is astronomically large | Your drawing units are in millimeters (1 unit = 1mm). | Divide total by 1,000,000 to get Sq. Meters. Or modify the Lisp to (/ total 1000000). |
Instead of typing APPLOAD every session, do this:
| Command | Description |
|---------|-------------|
| TA | Main command - calculates total area with options |
| TAQ | Quick total area (command line only) |
| TAP | Total area of polylines only |
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