Measuring distances is simple:
Choose Tools è Inquiry è Distance, or enter dist↲ at the command prompt.
At the Specify first point: prompt, use an osnap, and select the start point of the distance you want to measure.
At the Specify second point: prompt, use an osnap to select the endpoint of the distance. The distance is displayed in the command line in the following format:
Distance = x.xxxx, Angle in XY Plane = xx, Angle from XY Plane = x Delta X = x.xxxx, Delta Y = x.xxxx, Delta Z = x.xxxx
You'll see both the direct distance and the X, Y, and Z coordinates of the distance. You'll also see the angle within the XY plane and, if the distance is in 3D, the angle from the XY plane.