# How to get the real value for Automatic GMT settings?
**URL:** https://forum.generic-mapping-tools.org/t/how-to-get-the-real-value-for-automatic-gmt-settings/4093
**Category:** Q&A
**Created:** [July 3, 2023, 6:10pm UTC](https://forum.generic-mapping-tools.org/t/how-to-get-the-real-value-for-automatic-gmt-settings/4093 "2023-07-03T18:10:27Z")
**Posts on this page:** 5
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Esteban82](https://forum.generic-mapping-tools.org/u/Esteban82)
#### Post date: [July 3, 2023, 6:10pm UTC](https://forum.generic-mapping-tools.org/t/how-to-get-the-real-value-for-automatic-gmt-settings/4093/1 "2023-07-03T18:10:28Z")
When I use the [automatic](https://docs.generic-mapping-tools.org/dev/cookbook/features.html#automatic-gmt-settings) flag option, how could I know the real value of, for example, the width frame?
```
gmt begin map png
gmt basemap -Baf -R0/1/0/1 -JX10/5c
frame=$(gmt get MAP_FRAME_WIDTH)
echo $frame
gmt math -Q $frame 2 ADD =
gmt end
```
In this case, the value of $frame is **auto**. I would like to know the real value to be able to make calculations for the drawing or as input of `-Y`.
---
### Author:  [@pwessel](https://forum.generic-mapping-tools.org/u/pwessel)
#### Post date: [July 3, 2023, 6:31pm UTC](https://forum.generic-mapping-tools.org/t/how-to-get-the-real-value-for-automatic-gmt-settings/4093/2 "2023-07-03T18:31:46Z")
I think you cannot. Better to set a specific frame width and then all is well.
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### Author:  [@Esteban82](https://forum.generic-mapping-tools.org/u/Esteban82)
#### Post date: [July 3, 2023, 6:34pm UTC](https://forum.generic-mapping-tools.org/t/how-to-get-the-real-value-for-automatic-gmt-settings/4093/3 "2023-07-03T18:34:47Z")
So, should I make a request?
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### Author:  [@pwessel](https://forum.generic-mapping-tools.org/u/pwessel)
#### Post date: [July 4, 2023, 4:45pm UTC](https://forum.generic-mapping-tools.org/t/how-to-get-the-real-value-for-automatic-gmt-settings/4093/4 "2023-07-04T16:45:51Z")
You can, but I am not convinced why you cannot set it to what you need. And should this apply to any setting that is auto? Who will code this?
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### Author:  [@Esteban82](https://forum.generic-mapping-tools.org/u/Esteban82)
#### Post date: [July 4, 2023, 5:04pm UTC](https://forum.generic-mapping-tools.org/t/how-to-get-the-real-value-for-automatic-gmt-settings/4093/5 "2023-07-04T17:04:26Z")
Because I will lose the advanteges of the Automatic setting. But, I see your point.