Creating ordinate dimensions

An ordinate dimension annotates the perpendicular distance from an origin or base point (the origin of the current user coordinate system [UCS]). Ordinate dimensions consist of an x- or y-coordinate and a leader. An x-ordinate dimension measures distances along the x-axis; a y-ordinate dimension measures distances along the y-axis.

As you select ordinate points, the program automatically determines whether the point is an x- or y-ordinate based on which direction you drag the second point. You can also specify whether the ordinate represents an x- or y-ordinate. Ordinate dimension text is always aligned with the ordinate leader lines, regardless of the text orientation specified by the current dimension style.

Ordinate dimensions measure the distance along the x- or y-axis from an origin to a selected ordinate point.

To create an ordinate dimension

1 Do one of the following to choose Ordinate ():

On the ribbon, choose Annotate > Ordinate (in Dimensions).

On the menu, choose Dimensions > Ordinate.

On the Dimensioning toolbar, click the Ordinate tool.

Type dimordinate and then press Enter.

2 Select the point for ordinate dimension.

3 Specify the ordinate leader endpoint.

Select the ordinate point (A), and then specify the ordinate leader endpoint (B).

Selecting exact points is important when creating dimensions.
Use entity snaps to select precise ordinate points.