What is the default unit of measurement in AutoCAD?

In AutoCAD, the default unit of measurement primarily depends on the template being used when a new drawing is initiated. Most commonly, if you start with a basic template (like the template without any specific settings), the default measurement is set to Imperial units, which are typically inches. This means that the drawing will interpret values in inches unless altered to a different measurement system.

Choosing an Imperial setting allows ease of use for many industries and professions—especially in the United States—where inches and feet are standard in construction and design. While the software does allow the customization of units, understanding that the common default is inches helps in effectively setting up a new drawing session correctly for most users within environments that are used to an Imperial-based system.

On the other hand, while some templates can default to Metric settings or allow users to work in different measurement systems, this usually requires a specific setup upon creating the drawing. Recognizing the Imperial system as the common default is key for those using AutoCAD in the contexts where these measurements are prevalent.