Adding an External Angular Dimension

By Martin Phelps 

Not new to AutoCAD, but an often asked question in training sessions, - can I dimension an angle greater than 180 degrees between two lines? As shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1.

Well the quick answer is yes, however the process is slightly different compared to the normal method of selecting two lines and placing the angular dimension.

To add this form of angular dimension, select the “Angular” or “Dimangular” command, but instead of selecting the two lines, press “Enter” to use the default option “Specify Vertex”, and select the “Endpoint” (vertex) where two lines meet as shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2.

Using object snaps “Nearest” or “Midpoint”, select a point on each of the two lines which will comprise the external angular dimension, as shown in Figure 3

Figure 3.

Position the “Angular Dimension Line” on the outside of the two lines, as shown in Figure 4.

Figure 4. 

One final touch, turn off the dimension “Extension Lines” by applying dimension overrides using the “Properties” dialogue box, the finished resulting dimension is shown in Figure 5.

Figure 5.