AutoCAD 2002 - Scale

[qfoa03]

Scenario - I received a drawing but I do not know what scale the drawing is i.e 1:50, 1:100 etc. What do I do to find this out ?

[fuccaro]

Every advice says to draw using 1:1 scale and to make the drawing to fit to the paper when plotting. However, it is possible to draw at any scale you wish. To find out the scale, you need to know the “real” distance between two elements (if the drawing has dimensions, this problem is solved). Then you should measure this distance on your screen, using the DIST command. The scale used is: measured distance/real distance.
For example, if a screw is dimensioned M12 and the DIST command returns 24, the scale is 24/12=2:1

[qfoa03]

Every advice says to draw using 1:1 scale and to make the drawing to fit to the paper when plotting. However, it is possible to draw at any scale you wish. To find out the scale, you need to know the “real” distance between two elements (if the drawing has dimensions, this problem is solved). Then you should measure this distance on your screen, using the DIST command. The scale used is: measured distance/real distance.
For example, if a screw is dimensioned M12 and the DIST command returns 24, the scale is 24/12=2:1

I don't think I made myself clear. I guess that's why I'm a beginner !

How do I find out what the true scale of a plan drawing is and then plot the drawing to that scale ?

Am I making myself clear ?

[CADTutor]

AutoCAD drawings are scaleless. As fuccaro said, drawings are made at 1:1 i.e. full size. The plotted scale is chosen at the time of plotting. If you mean "what is the intended plot scale of the drawing?", well, unless there is a layout already set up for you, the only way to find out is to ask the person who created the drawing in the first place.