Autocad Price: Plans, Monthly Cost & Price History

AutoCAD is Autodesk's drafting and design software, sold as a subscription instead of a one-time license. Most buyers weigh three choices: the full AutoCAD or the lighter AutoCAD LT, a monthly or an annual term, and how long they expect to need the software.

The prices below were read from archived copies of Autodesk's own product pages. Autodesk and Autodesk were checked on Oct 14, 2026 and Oct 14, 2026. Autodesk changes prices, and the amount at checkout can differ by region and reseller, so confirm the current figure on Autodesk's official site before you buy.

Autodesk lists a monthly price for both products and a lower per-month figure for the annual plan. The annual plan is billed as one yearly payment, so the monthly number is a way to compare it with the pay-as-you-go option.

Full AutoCAD on a month-to-month term is $260/mo. AutoCAD LT on the same term is $70/mo. Choose the annual plan and the pages show AutoCAD at $175/mo and LT at $45/mo, each billed up front for the year.

If you already know the software will be part of your workflow for the year, the yearly invoice is the cheaper way to buy.

The annual subscription for AutoCAD is $2,095/yr, and for AutoCAD LT it is $540/yr. These are Autodesk's suggested retail prices before freight, handling, and taxes, so your invoice may be higher once those are added.

LT covers 2D drafting and documentation. The full product adds 3D modeling and a set of industry toolsets that Autodesk bundles in, such as architecture, mechanical, electrical, and plant design. If your drawings are flat plans and details, LT is usually enough. If you model in three dimensions or need those specialized toolsets, you will need the full product.

The price gap between the two is large, so it is worth checking which features you would use on a normal project before paying for the bigger package. Autodesk offers free trials on both, which lets you test your own files first.

• Billing term. Month to month costs more than the annual plan for the same software.
• Product version. AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT are priced separately.
• Region and currency. The figures here are US prices. Other countries see different amounts.
• Taxes and handling. Autodesk lists its suggested retail price without freight, handling, or taxes.
• Reseller or enterprise deals. Companies buying many seats often negotiate through an Autodesk partner, and those quotes can differ from the public price.

Count how many months a year you will actually draw. A freelancer with two projects a year may do better on short monthly terms, while a firm that opens AutoCAD every day gains from the annual plan. Check whether your clients send DWG files that need the full product's tools, and whether the machines on your team meet the software's system requirements. Finally, ask whether your employer or school already pays for a license you can use.

Pick the annual plan when you can commit, since the monthly equivalent is lower. Use the monthly plan for a single short project, then cancel when it ends. Students, teachers, and schools often qualify for education access, so check Autodesk's education pages before paying commercial rates. Autodesk also mentions a pay-as-you-go option on its flex page for people who need the software only now and then.