What is a material takeoff in construction?

A material takeoff is a list of the material quantities needed for a project, measured from the drawings and specifications. It is the basis for pricing an estimate.

What is the difference between a takeoff and an estimate?

A takeoff measures quantities; an estimate applies costs to those quantities. The takeoff answers "how much," the estimate "how much will it cost."

What software is used for construction takeoffs?

Common tools include PlanSwift, Bluebeam and On-Screen Takeoff, which measure directly on PDF drawings.

How long does a material takeoff take?

A single-trade takeoff is usually delivered in 24 to 48 hours. Full-project takeoffs for large buildings take longer.

What do I need to send for a takeoff?

Send the complete drawings, specifications and addenda in PDF or CAD format, plus the scope you want measured.

Are takeoffs prepared by AI or human estimators?

Our takeoffs are prepared and reviewed by experienced human estimators. Takeoff software speeds up measuring, but every quantity is checked by an estimator.

Construction Material Takeoff Services: Process and Tools

Design Estimation TeamUpdated October 21, 20263 min read

Quick AnswerA construction material takeoff is a list of every material quantity needed to build a project, measured from the drawings and specifications: counts (fixtures, doors), lengths (pipe, trim, wire), areas (drywall, roofing, flooring) and volumes (concrete, excavation). It is the first step of an estimate. A takeoff service measures these quantities digitally, organizes them by trade or CSI division, and delivers them with marked-up plans so every number can be checked.

Every estimate starts with quantities. If the takeoff is wrong, everything priced from it is wrong too, no matter how good your unit prices are. This guide explains what a material takeoff includes, how it is done, and how to choose between doing it yourself and using a takeoff service.

What "Takeoff" Means

The word comes from “taking off” quantities from the drawings. A takeoff answers how much; an estimate answers how much it will cost. Our guide to quantity takeoff services covers the difference between takeoffs, BOQs and estimates in more detail.

Measurement Units by Trade

Trade	Typical units
Sitework and excavation	Cubic yards, square yards, linear feet of pipe
Concrete	Cubic yards, square feet of formwork, tons of rebar
Masonry	Units, square feet of wall
Steel	Tons, pieces
Lumber and framing	Board feet, pieces, sheets
Roofing	Squares (100 square feet), linear feet of flashing
Drywall	Sheets, square feet, linear feet of track and stud
Flooring and paint	Square feet or square yards
Doors and hardware	Each
MEP	Each for fixtures and devices, linear feet for pipe, duct and conduit

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How a Material Takeoff Is Done

Review the full document set: drawings, specifications, schedules and addenda.
Set the scale for each sheet and confirm it with known dimensions.
Measure by trade or CSI division: counts, lengths, areas and volumes.
Apply waste and lap factors by material.
Organize the quantities by area, floor or system.
Check the takeoff against the drawings and schedules.
Record assumptions and questions for the designer.

Our guide to how to measure linear feet from blueprints shows the basics of measuring from drawings.

Takeoff Software

Digital takeoff tools such as PlanSwift, Bluebeam and On-Screen Takeoff let estimators measure directly on PDF drawings, which is faster and easier to check than paper. Our PlanSwift vs. Bluebeam comparison covers the main differences. Software speeds up measuring, but the estimator still decides what to measure and how.

Common Takeoff Mistakes

Wrong scale on a sheet that was resized or printed.
Missing items shown only in details, schedules or specifications.
Double counting where plans and enlarged plans overlap.
Ignoring addenda.
One waste factor for every material.

Doing Takeoffs In-House vs. Using a Service

In-house takeoffs make sense when you have trained estimators with time. A takeoff service makes sense when bid volume is high, a project is outside your usual work, or you need a fast second check. Our in-house vs. outsourced estimating analysis compares the costs.

What You Receive From a Takeoff Service

Quantities by trade or CSI division in Excel.
Marked-up PDF drawings for every measured item.
Notes on assumptions, exclusions and questions.
Priced estimates on request.

See our general contractor and subcontractor services, or send your drawings for a quote.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to the questions contractors ask us most.

What is a material takeoff in construction?
A material takeoff is a list of the material quantities needed for a project, measured from the drawings and specifications. It is the basis for pricing an estimate.
What is the difference between a takeoff and an estimate?
A takeoff measures quantities; an estimate applies costs to those quantities. The takeoff answers “how much,” the estimate “how much will it cost.”
What software is used for construction takeoffs?
Common tools include PlanSwift, Bluebeam and On-Screen Takeoff, which measure directly on PDF drawings.
How long does a material takeoff take?
A single-trade takeoff is usually delivered in 24 to 48 hours. Full-project takeoffs for large buildings take longer.
What do I need to send for a takeoff?
Send the complete drawings, specifications and addenda in PDF or CAD format, plus the scope you want measured.
Are takeoffs prepared by AI or human estimators?
Our takeoffs are prepared and reviewed by experienced human estimators. Takeoff software speeds up measuring, but every quantity is checked by an estimator.