How Do You Find the Area in Sketchup?

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When working with Sketchup, finding the area of a shape or object is a fundamental task. Whether you need to calculate the area for a floor plan, calculate material requirements, or simply satisfy your curiosity, Sketchup provides several methods to find the area of your models.

Using the Tape Measure Tool

The Tape Measure tool in Sketchup is not only handy for measuring distances but also for finding areas. Here’s how you can use it:

  1. Select the Tape Measure tool from the toolbar or press “T” on your keyboard.
  2. Click on one corner of the shape or object you want to measure.
  3. Move your cursor to another corner and click again to create a measurement line.
  4. Inference points will help you align accurately with edges or corners.
  5. Once you have created the measurement line, look at the Measurements box in the lower-right corner of the screen. It displays both length and area values.

Note: The area value may not be visible by default. To show it, right-click on any value within the Measurements box and select “Area.”

Using Extensions

If you’re working on more complex models or require advanced area calculations, you can utilize Sketchup extensions. There are numerous extensions available that can assist in finding areas effortlessly. Here are a few popular ones:

1. Sandbox Tools

The Sandbox Tools extension offers powerful terrain modeling capabilities, including calculating areas within irregular shapes. Once installed, follow these steps:

  1. Select one of the Sandbox Tools from the toolbar.
  2. Create a grid or import an existing terrain mesh.
  3. Use the “Drape” or “Stamp” tool to project the shape onto the terrain.
  4. The extension will automatically calculate and display the area of the projected shape.

2. FredoTools

FredoTools is a collection of useful extensions developed by Fredo6.

It includes a tool called “Area.” Follow these steps:

  1. Install the FredoTools extension from the Sketchucation Plugin Store.
  2. Activate the “Area” tool from the FredoTools toolbar.
  3. Select the shape or object you want to measure.
  4. The extension will calculate and display the area in a popup window.

Note: Make sure you have a Sketchucation account to access and install FredoTools and other extensions from the Plugin Store.

Using Third-Party Applications

If you need precise measurements or require additional functionalities, you can export your Sketchup model to third-party applications. These applications often provide more comprehensive tools for calculating areas. Here are some popular options:

1. AutoCAD

If you have access to AutoCAD, you can import your Sketchup model into AutoCAD and use its robust measuring tools. Simply export your Sketchup model as a DWG or DXF file format, then open it in AutoCAD to perform accurate area calculations using commands like AREA or MASSPROP.

2. Rhino

Rhino is another powerful modeling software that allows precise measurement calculations.

Export your Sketchup model as an OBJ file format and import it into Rhino. From there, you can utilize Rhino’s built-in tools like AreaCentroid, Area, or PlanarSurfaceArea to find the area of your model.

With these various methods at your disposal, finding the area in Sketchup becomes a straightforward task. Whether you prefer using native Sketchup tools or exploring third-party applications, you can easily obtain accurate area measurements for your projects.