Change the area units in Imperial and Metric systems

Draw a shape (rectangle/circle/polygon)

1. Draw the shape. 

   To learn how, visit these links:

   • Label Tool—Create a label
   • Circle Tool—Draw a circle
   • Draw a polygon - (Polygon Tool)

   We’ll start this example by drawing a rectangle.

Open and move the Settings window

2. At the bottom-left corner of the Map View footer, click on the Gear Icon.
   OR
   Click on the Menu in the top left corner, and then select the "UI Settings" icon.
   The Settings window will pop up.
    
3. (Optional) Click and drag on the border of the Settings window so the rectangle you drew is visible.

Select the Imperial system and the area unit

4. Under the Measurement heading, click the radio button to choose whether you want the area units to be displayed using the Metric or the Imperial system.
   We’ll start this example by choosing: Imperial.

   You will see that Area Unit is set to the default: Auto.

   This means that the units will be set automatically to: miles.

    
5. Select the "Edit/Measure Tool" in the top toolbar.

   Quick Key: Or you can press the "Q" button on your keyboard.

    
6. In Map View, hover over the rectangle you drew.
   An info bubble will appear that displays the area measurement in; square miles.
    
7. View the Settings window. For the Imperial system, you can set the Area Unit to:
   • Auto - (square mile).
   • Square Inch.
   • Square Foot.
   • Square Yard.
   • Square Mile.
   • Acre.

Select the Metric system and the area unit

4. Under the Measurement heading, click the radio button to choose whether you want the area units to be displayed using the Metric or the Imperial system.
   We’ll start this example by choosing; Metric.

   You will see that Area Unit is set to the default: Auto.

   This means that the units will be set automatically to: square kilometers.

    
5. Select the "Edit/Measure Tool" in the top toolbar.
    
6. In Map View, hover over the rectangle you drew.
   An info bubble will appear that displays the area measurement in; square kilometres.
    
7. View the Settings window. For the Metric system, you can set the Area Unit to:
   • Auto - (square kilometre).
   • Square Centimeter.
   • Square Meter.
   • Square Kilometer.
   • Hectare.

See also

Change the length units in Imperial and Metric systems