a method of diagnosing a circuit layout and a computer system for performing the method . first , a layout arranging rule is defined in a second file , and a circuit layout is defined in a first file . a diagnosing program compares the first file and the second file and checks whether the circuit layout violates the layout arranging rule . in addition , the diagnosing program searches the first file to determine if any groups of power test pads have a total number of power test pads which is less than a safety value , to indicate if any additional power test pads are required for any particular group . the diagnosing program also determines which test pads have an interval less than a safety distance , to indicate if any intervals of the test pads should be amended . the computer system can rapidly and exactly determine any problems in the arrangement of the test pads in the circuit layout , so as to save manpower and time .