<p>Use Meshy &quot;...a WebGL-based tool that does measurements and simple transformations on STL and OBJ files.&quot;: <a href="https://0x00019913.github.io/meshy/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">https://0x00019913.github.io/meshy/</a></p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-11-05T06:23:11.370Z
2022-11-05T06:23:11.370Z
Baldee
<p>As @Gunslinger suggested, I would also recommend Blender for these tasks.</p>
<p>Blender comes with the Add-on &quot;MeasureIt&quot;, which has to be activated manually in <strong>Edit ► Preferences ► Add-ons ► Official/Community ►</strong> search for MeasureIt, check the checkbox:</p>
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/qoy5y.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer" title="Blender preferences"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/qoy5y.png" alt="Blender preferences" title="Blender preferences" /></a></p>
<p>Import your STL file via <strong>File ► Import ► STL ►</strong> ...</p>
<p>Select your object and hit <kbd>TAB</kbd> to enter Edit Mode and then follow the tips in this screenshot:</p>
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/JmKQz.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer" title="Screenshot"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/JmKQz.png" alt="Screenshot" title="Screenshot" /></a></p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-07-10T09:36:36.830Z
2021-07-10T13:09:41.380Z
2021-07-10T13:09:41.380Z
Karl Zeilhofer
<p><a href="https://www.meshmixer.com/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Meshmixer</a> has various measuring tools for STLs as well</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-10-15T08:12:10.583Z
2020-10-15T08:12:10.583Z
FarO
<p>If you're running Windows, MS 3D Builder has a measuring tool and may already be installed on your machine.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-08-13T14:28:50.070Z
I'm having pretty good measurement success with [3D Builder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3D_Builder)
eephillip
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-10-15T00:56:19.917Z
2020-10-15T00:56:19.917Z
Joel Coehoorn
<p>That is great. You can also do the 3D model measurements using SelfCAD software.
I can confidently recommend to all users because it is suitable for both 3D artists and beginners.
The software has a built-in Measurement Tool that allows users to accurately measure the size of 3D models. The tool can be used to measure the length, width, height, and angle of a 3D model. To use the Measurement Tool, users simply select the part of the model that they want to measure and then move the pointer to the desired measurement point. The Measurement Tool will then display the measurements in the software’s measurement panel.
Check this video on how to do the measurements of 3D models using SelfCAD <div class="youtube-embed"><div>
                <iframe width="640px" height="395px" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ek8MtIfBr64?start=6"></iframe>
            </div></div></p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2023-03-21T07:15:35.210Z
2023-03-21T07:15:35.210Z
Moses Zikei
<p>I recommend <a href="https://ultimaker.com/learn/ultimaker-cura-4-3-available-now" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Ultimaker Cura 4.3</a> for dimensioning.</p>
<p>You can access it here.</p>
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/Sui5j.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer" title="Screenshot of Cura"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/Sui5j.png" alt="Screenshot of Cura" title="Screenshot of Cura" /></a></p>
<p>As can be seen, detailed measurements can be made over the specified coordinates.</p>
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/CNQ8X.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer" title="Screenshot of Print Size Wizard"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/CNQ8X.png" alt="Screenshot of Print Size Wizard" title="Screenshot of Print Size Wizard" /></a></p>
<p>However, you can make an accurate dimensioning by using the Render program. I recommend doing this before working on the STL file.</p>
<p>I wish you good work.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2023-04-24T13:07:06.347Z
As it’s currently written, your answer is unclear. Please [edit] to add additional details that will help others understand how this addresses the question asked. You can find more information on how to write good answers [in the help center](/help/how-to-answer).
Community
CC BY-SA 4.0
2023-04-24T20:36:49.857Z
Why referring to an old version, 5.3 is now the current version! Please explain this, e.g. because the feature isn't available in the new version or something like that...
0scar
CC BY-SA 4.0
2023-04-25T06:00:53.210Z
I worked a lot with this version.  Although the version difference is not much, I wanted to recommend it because I am satisfied with the version I use.
Upgrades may consume more memory on your computer. This version, which works efficiently, will be sufficient for the work to be done.
Büşra Fatma SUSUZ
CC BY-SA 4.0
2023-05-08T13:37:55.003Z
Why reference an version at all then?
Trish
CC BY-SA 4.0
2023-04-24T13:01:54.050Z
2023-04-24T15:06:25.557Z
2023-04-24T15:06:25.557Z
Büşra Fatma SUSUZ
<p>I suggest Blender. It's not the simplest of tools but it is free and learning it will improve your 3D printing skills. :-) (I write this answer also for future viewers of this question so I start basic).</p>
<p>Another answer can be found here, <a href="https://blender.stackexchange.com/q/19772/14005">How do I measure a distance between two points?</a></p>
<ol>
<li>Import your STL file.</li>
<li>Press the Home key to view everything.</li>
<li>Select the model by clicking on it with your left mouse button. (Blender changed to left-click-select as of version 2.80)</li>
<li>Hit tab to enter edit-mode.</li>
<li>Press N (or use View | Properties) until the Properties panel shows up.</li>
<li>Select the &quot;Length&quot; checkbox in the &quot;Edge Info&quot; section of the Properties panel (see image below).</li>
<li>Select &quot;Edge Select&quot; mode (see image below)</li>
<li>Select the edge to measure by clicking on it with your right mouse button.</li>
</ol>
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/9Oi1c.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer" title="Edge length"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/9Oi1c.png" alt="Edge length" title="Edge length" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/Ouw0q.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer" title="Screenshot of toolbar"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/Ouw0q.png" alt="Screenshot of toolbar" title="Screenshot of toolbar" /></a></p>
<p>If you need to measure the distance between to vertices with no edge. Create the edge by selecting them and pressing <kbd>F</kbd>.
If you need to measure the distance between a vertex and any other point, select it and press <kbd>E</kbd> to extrude.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-01-02T11:09:55.553Z
Blender also has a tool to measure: [Ruler and Protractor](https://www.blender.org/manual/interface/ruler_and_protractor.html) independent of edges.
Thomas S.
CC BY-SA 4.0
2017-01-02T07:50:31.693Z
2021-07-10T13:04:52.993Z
2021-07-10T13:04:52.993Z
Gunslinger
<p>I want to create parts for a 3D printer using OpenSCAD. Having some STL files from the vendor, but nothing else (no technical drawing, no CAD files).</p>

<p>Does anybody knows a free tool, that allows me to</p>

<ul>
<li>measure distances between 2 selected vertices,</li>
<li>measure distances between a selected vertex and a plane defined by 3 vertices,</li>
<li>measure the radio of a circle defined by 3 selected vertices?</li>
</ul>

<p>I very much like the way Blender allows to work with meshes, especially select vertices or planes, but unfortunately haven't found a way to measure with Blender.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-01-02T11:21:07.107Z
As far as I know, there is no real size information saved in .stl files, only relative positions of points in a generic unit measure. When opening an STL-file, you will have to specify how long one "unit" is. Most editors probably use millimeters or inches by default, but mixing them up will yield results such as [this](http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/design-validate-document/why-are-fusion-dimensions-10x-greater-on-imported-stl-files/td-p/5439722). Just thought you should know. :)
Tormod Haugene
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-01-02T14:36:17.233Z
At thingiverse, for example, you often find only STL files that print in the right size, so the values in the files seem to be mm.
Thomas S.
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-01-03T06:08:33.260Z
There is also a [Blender community](http://blender.stackexchange.com/) here on the Stack Exchange network if you have more general questions about Blender.
tbm0115
<3d-models><software><blender>
Tool to measure in STL files
Thomas S.
# Tool to measure in STL files

(Asked by: username_0 on 2017-01-01)

I want to create parts for a 3D printer using OpenSCAD. Having some STL files from the vendor, but nothing else (no technical drawing, no CAD files).

Does anybody knows a free tool, that allows me to

* measure distances between 2 selected vertices,
* measure distances between a selected vertex and a plane defined by 3 vertices,
* measure the radio of a circle defined by 3 selected vertices?

I very much like the way Blender allows to work with meshes, especially select vertices or planes, but unfortunately haven't found a way to measure with Blender.

**Tags:** 3d-models, software, blender
> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: As far as I know, there is no real size information saved in .stl files, only relative positions of points in a generic unit measure. When opening an STL-file, you will have to specify how long one "unit" is. Most editors probably use millimeters or inches by default, but mixing them up will yield results such as [this](http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/design-validate-document/why-are-fusion-dimensions-10x-greater-on-imported-stl-files/td-p/5439722). Just thought you should know. :)  
> **username_0**: At thingiverse, for example, you often find only STL files that print in the right size, so the values in the files seem to be mm.  
> **username_2**: There is also a [Blender community](http://blender.stackexchange.com/) here on the Stack Exchange network if you have more general questions about Blender.  

---

## 7 answers

### Answer by username_13 on 2017-01-02. Score: 18 | Accepted answer

I suggest Blender. It's not the simplest of tools but it is free and learning it will improve your 3D printing skills. :-) (I write this answer also for future viewers of this question so I start basic).

Another answer can be found here, [How do I measure a distance between two points?](https://blender.stackexchange.com/q/19772/14005)

1. Import your STL file.
2. Press the Home key to view everything.
3. Select the model by clicking on it with your left mouse button. (Blender changed to left-click-select as of version 2.80)
4. Hit tab to enter edit-mode.
5. Press N (or use View | Properties) until the Properties panel shows up.
6. Select the "Length" checkbox in the "Edge Info" section of the Properties panel (see image below).
7. Select "Edge Select" mode (see image below)
8. Select the edge to measure by clicking on it with your right mouse button.

[![Edge length](https://i.sstatic.net/9Oi1c.png "Edge length")](https://i.sstatic.net/9Oi1c.png "Edge length")

[![Screenshot of toolbar](https://i.sstatic.net/Ouw0q.png "Screenshot of toolbar")](https://i.sstatic.net/Ouw0q.png "Screenshot of toolbar")

If you need to measure the distance between to vertices with no edge. Create the edge by selecting them and pressing `F`.
If you need to measure the distance between a vertex and any other point, select it and press `E` to extrude.

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: Blender also has a tool to measure: [Ruler and Protractor](https://www.blender.org/manual/interface/ruler_and_protractor.html) independent of edges.  

---

### Answer by username_3 on 2022-11-05. Score: 3

Use Meshy "...a WebGL-based tool that does measurements and simple transformations on STL and OBJ files.": <https://0x00019913.github.io/meshy/>


---

### Answer by username_4 on 2021-07-10. Score: 3

As @Gunslinger suggested, I would also recommend Blender for these tasks.

Blender comes with the Add-on "MeasureIt", which has to be activated manually in **Edit ► Preferences ► Add-ons ► Official/Community ►** search for MeasureIt, check the checkbox:

[![Blender preferences](https://i.sstatic.net/qoy5y.png "Blender preferences")](https://i.sstatic.net/qoy5y.png "Blender preferences")

Import your STL file via **File ► Import ► STL ►** ...

Select your object and hit `TAB` to enter Edit Mode and then follow the tips in this screenshot:

[![Screenshot](https://i.sstatic.net/JmKQz.png "Screenshot")](https://i.sstatic.net/JmKQz.png "Screenshot")


---

### Answer by username_5 on 2020-10-15. Score: 2

[Meshmixer](https://www.meshmixer.com/) has various measuring tools for STLs as well


---

### Answer by username_6 on 2020-10-15. Score: 2

If you're running Windows, MS 3D Builder has a measuring tool and may already be installed on your machine.

> **Comments:**
> **username_7**: I'm having pretty good measurement success with [3D Builder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3D_Builder)  

---

### Answer by username_8 on 2023-03-21. Score: 0

That is great. You can also do the 3D model measurements using SelfCAD software.
I can confidently recommend to all users because it is suitable for both 3D artists and beginners.
The software has a built-in Measurement Tool that allows users to accurately measure the size of 3D models. The tool can be used to measure the length, width, height, and angle of a 3D model. To use the Measurement Tool, users simply select the part of the model that they want to measure and then move the pointer to the desired measurement point. The Measurement Tool will then display the measurements in the software’s measurement panel.
Check this video on how to do the measurements of 3D models using SelfCAD


---

### Answer by username_9 on 2023-04-24. Score: -1

I recommend [Ultimaker Cura 4.3](https://ultimaker.com/learn/ultimaker-cura-4-3-available-now) for dimensioning.

You can access it here.

[![Screenshot of Cura](https://i.sstatic.net/Sui5j.png "Screenshot of Cura")](https://i.sstatic.net/Sui5j.png "Screenshot of Cura")

As can be seen, detailed measurements can be made over the specified coordinates.

[![Screenshot of Print Size Wizard](https://i.sstatic.net/CNQ8X.png "Screenshot of Print Size Wizard")](https://i.sstatic.net/CNQ8X.png "Screenshot of Print Size Wizard")

However, you can make an accurate dimensioning by using the Render program. I recommend doing this before working on the STL file.

I wish you good work.

> **Comments:**
> **username_10**: As it’s currently written, your answer is unclear. Please [edit] to add additional details that will help others understand how this addresses the question asked. You can find more information on how to write good answers [in the help center](/help/how-to-answer).  
> **username_11**: Why referring to an old version, 5.3 is now the current version! Please explain this, e.g. because the feature isn't available in the new version or something like that...  
> **username_9**: I worked a lot with this version.  Although the version difference is not much, I wanted to recommend it because I am satisfied with the version I use. Upgrades may consume more memory on your computer. This version, which works efficiently, will be sufficient for the work to be done.  
> **username_12**: Why reference an version at all then?  

---

