Ordinate Dimensions

With this method you can calculate the perpendicular distance from an origin point. The origin is identified with the Absolute Origin of axes. Distances along the x- and y-axes to objects to measure are specified using extension lines, with the distances indicated numerically at their ends with text labels.

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Set the Origin and click on the points to measure: move the pointer parallel to the X axis to get the Y distance and parallel to the Y to get the X distance. If you change the origin, Ordinate dimensions will be updated automatically.