Using the SmartCalculator
Use the Smart Calculator palette to perform mathematical, scientific, trigonometric computations, and measurement conversions at any time.
In addition to the basic features, the palette includes tools for quick inquiries including distances between two points, total area of entities, angles, and circumference.
You can build expressions and edit them as necessary before calculating the result. To evaluate an expression, click the equal (=) sign, or press Enter. At any time, in the History area, you can review and retrieve previously calculated expressions.
You can do the following:
- Mathematical, scientific, and trigonometric calculations
- Review previously evaluated calculations
- Convert measurement units
- Geometric measurements
- Copy values and expressions to the clipboard
Use the SmartCalculator command to display the Smart Calculator palette.
You can expand or collapse each category. Also, you can resize the SmartCalculator in the same way you do with any other palettes.
To display the Smart Calculator palette:
- Type SmartCalculator at the command prompt.
The Smart Calculator Palette
The Smart Calculator palette contains the following areas:
- Calculation
- Number pad
- Scientific
- Measurement tools
- Unit conversion
Calculation
History area
Displays a list of previously evaluated expressions. You can clear the entire history or only a specified line.
- CH. Clears the History area.
- CR. Clears a row that you specified in the History area.
The context menu provides options for copying an expression or a value to the clipboard.
You can paste an expression or a value from the History list by double-clicking it.
Input field
Lets you type and retrieve expressions. You can either enter expressions using the Number pad buttons, or you can use the computer keyboard or numeric keypad. To evaluate an expression and display the result, click the equal (=) sign, or press Enter. The Smart Calculator evaluates expressions according to the standard mathematical rules of precedence.
In the Input field, the Smart Calculator displays values according to the following rules:
- Results of calculations are always expressed in decimal format with the precision specified in Drawing Settings.
Note: The display is limited to eight decimal places of precision.
- Results of angular calculations are always expressed in degrees with full precision.
- Angular values that you specify in the Input field are assumed to be degrees regardless of the settings specified in Drawing Settings.
Note: When using the keyboard, make sure the NumLock is on.
Copy buttons
- Copy to clipboard. Copies the value from the input field to the clipboard.
- Copy to command line. Pastes the value in the input field at the command prompt.
Memory tools
Groups tools for storing and retrieving values in the Smart Calculators memory.
| Button | Description |
|---|---|
| MS | Stores the value displayed in the Input field in the Smart Calculators memory. Smart Calculator overwrites the previous value, if there is any. |
| M+ | Adds the current value to the value stored in the Smart Calculators memory |
| M- | Subtracts the current value from the value stored in the Smart Calculators memory |
| MR | Restores the value saved in the Smart Calculators memory. Smart Calculator overwrites the value displayed in the Input field with the one stored in the memory. |
| MC | Clears the value stored in the Smart Calculators memory |
Number pad
Groups numbers, symbols, and functions that you can use for mathematical expressions similarly to a standard calculator keypad. To evaluate an expression, click the equal (=) sign, or press Enter.
Scientific
Groups advanced tools, such as trigonometric, logarithmic, and exponential functions usually associated with scientific and engineering applications.
Measurement tools
Groups functions for quick inquiries, such as distances between two points, angle between two line or polyline segments, total area of entities, and circumference.
Measurement tools let you extract geometrical information such as, distance, angle, area, and circumference from the drawing entities. The result automatically appears in the input field, so that you can perform mathematical operations on the calculated value. Moreover, you can paste the calculated value at the command prompt.
| Icon | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
 |
Measure distance | Measures the distance between two points |
 |
Measure angle | Measure angles between two line or polyline segments |
 |
Measure area | Calculates the area of defined areas |
 |
Measure circumference | Calculates the perimeter of entities or of defined areas |
Unit conversion
Unit conversions are available for length, area, volume, and angular values. Based on the unit type that you select, you can choose a list of units to convert from and a list of units to convert to.
Examples of Using the Smart Calculator
To use calculated values from the clipboard:
For example, draw a circle that has a radius 2/3 longer than 10 units.
- In the Input field, type 10*2/3 and press Enter. The calculated value displays.
- Start the Circle command and specify the center.
- In Smart Calculator, click Copy to commandline.
The value appears at the command prompt for specifying the radius.
- Press Enter.
To convert measurement units:
- Type SmartCalculator.
- Under Units Conversion:
- Select a Units type.
- Select the unit you want to Convert from.
- Select the unit you want to Convert to.
- Type the Value to convert.
- Click Evaluate
. - The result displays in Converted value.
To measure the angle between two lines:
- On the Smart Calculator palette, in Measurement Tools, click Measure angle.
- In the graphics area, specify two line or polyline segments. Use entity snaps to ensure precision.
The input field displays the value of the angle between the two specified line or polyline segments.
To measure the distance between two points using the SmartCalculator:
- On the Smart Calculator palette, in Measurement Tools, click Measure distance.
- In the graphics area, specify two points. Use entity snaps to ensure precision.
The input field displays the value of the distance between the two specified points.
Use the Copy to command line option to paste the calculated value at a command prompt.
Access
Command: SmartCalculator
Ribbon: Manage > Utilities > Smart Calculator
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