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A length is a measure of distance. Many LaTeX commands take a length as an argument. The following commands are used to create, modify and use lengths.
\newlength
Command:
\newlength{\gnat}
The \newlength command defines the mandatory argument, \gnat, as a length command with a value of 0in. An error occurs if a \gnat command already exists.
\setlength
Command:
\setlength{\gnat}{length}
The \setlength command is used to set the value of a length command. The length argument can be expressed in any terms of length La Te X understands, i.e., inches (in), millimetres (mm), points (pt), etc.
\addtolength
Command:
\addtolength{\gnat}{length}
The \addtolength command increments a “length command” by the amount specified in the length argument. It can be a negative amount.
\settodepth
Command:
\settodepth{\gnat}{text}
The \settodepth command sets the value of a length command equal to the depth of the text argument.
\settoheight
Command:
\settoheight{\gnat}{text}
The \settoheight command sets the value of a length command equal to the height of the text argument.
\settowidth
Command:
\settowidth{\gnat}{text}
The \settowidth command sets the value of a length command equal to the width of the text argument.
Predefined Lengths
\width
\height
\depth
\totalheight
These length parameters can be used in the arguments of the box-making commands. They specify the natural width etc. of the text in the box. \totalheight equals \height + \depth. To make a box with the text stretched to double the natural size, e.g., say
\makebox[2\width]{Get a stretcher}
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