# How to Measure Hole Center Distance in a STEP File Open a STEP file in CADProps and measure between circular rims or bore axes. Check the selected references before comparing the result with a drawing. A drawing calls for a distance between two mounting-hole centers. In the [CADProps STEP viewer](https://www.cadprops.com/tools/step-viewer/index.md), use **Measure → Distance → Centers & axes** when the STEP exposes the required CAD geometry. Select two circular rims on the intended mounting face to measure between their centers. ## Measure from the correct side of the part 1. Upload the STEP, confirm it is the correct part and check one known dimension and its unit. 2. Rotate to see the mounting face. Open **Measure**, then **Distance** and **Centers & axes**. 3. Select a circular rim on each hole on that face. Check that the endpoints sit at the intended centers before reading the distance. 4. Record the units, the two references and the file revision with the result. For a drawing that gives separate horizontal and vertical offsets, check the directions in the drawing before comparing those values with model-axis deltas.
A STEP sample in the CADProps Measure menu with Distance and other measurement tools visible
The English Measure menu on a STEP sample. Start with Distance. This screenshot shows the menu entry rather than a hole spacing result.
## Choose rims or walls based on the dimension Selecting a circular edge uses its center. Selecting a cylindrical wall uses its axis. Two parallel bore axes give the perpendicular spacing between the axes. This is useful when the bores start on different faces and you want to compare their alignment rather than the distance between their mouths. For example, if two circular rims are 40 mm apart across the plate but one rim is 3 mm lower, the 3D distance between those rim centers includes that height difference. It is about 40.11 mm. The perpendicular separation of two parallel axes in this example is 40 mm. Check which dimension the drawing calls for before choosing the references. Counterbores and countersinks can show several concentric edges. The upper rim may be suitable for spacing, but measuring its diameter gives the size of that rim, not necessarily the size of the smaller bore. Check the highlight before accepting the result. ## If Centers & axes is unavailable Wait for geometry processing and check whether CADProps has readable B-Rep data. A mesh can show a round-looking hole without providing a circular edge or cylindrical face. **Two points** can give a quick approximate distance between picked points on the mesh. It does not find the exact hole centers. If the spacing is needed for a fit decision, request a STEP with analytic hole geometry and repeat the same check. See the [STEP measurement guide](https://www.cadprops.com/guides/measure-step-file/index.md) for the other selection modes. ## Related reading - [Autodesk Fusion AutoTimeline: Why CAD Feature Recognition Matters Again](https://www.cadprops.com/guides/autodesk-fusion-autotimeline-feature-recognition/index.md) - [Blind Tapped Hole Depth: Separate Thread Depth from Drill Depth](https://www.cadprops.com/guides/blind-tapped-hole-depth/index.md) - [Check a Supplier STEP File Against a Drawing Before Quotation](https://www.cadprops.com/guides/check-step-file-against-drawing-before-quote/index.md) - [Which CADProps CSV Contains Your Measurements?](https://www.cadprops.com/guides/export-cad-measurements-vs-properties-csv/index.md) - [Measure STEP Files Online: Dimensions, Distances & Units](https://www.cadprops.com/guides/measure-step-file/index.md) - [STEP File (.step, .stp): What It Is and How to Open It](https://www.cadprops.com/guides/step-file-what-it-is-how-to-open/index.md) Original article: https://www.cadprops.com/guides/measure-step-hole-center-distance/ HTML page: https://www.cadprops.com/guides/measure-step-hole-center-distance/