Quantity takeoff software for construction plans
A quantity takeoff identifies and measures the work shown in construction documents so an estimator can build a price. Upload PDF plans and specifications, ask questions, review source-backed quantities and assumptions, then export your takeoff to Excel.
Start 7-day free trial7-day free trial. Card required. Then $79/month, $149/quarter, or $499/year.
See the workflow
This is EstimatorAI's general product walkthrough: upload plans, ask and review, export to Excel. It's an illustrative demo, not a quantity takeoff project, and it doesn't show real project quantities.
What gets measured
| Item | Typical unit |
|---|---|
| Items counted by type, such as fixtures, doors, equipment or fasteners | Each (EA) |
| Runs and perimeter conditions, such as pipe, conduit, trim or edges | Linear feet (LF) |
| Surfaces such as flooring, wall finish, roofing or paving | Square feet (SF) |
| Concrete and other materials measured by volume | Cubic yards (CY), using specified dimensions and thicknesses |
| Assemblies and materials with separate components | By the unit shown in the plans, schedule or specification |
Common pitfalls
- Using the wrong drawing scale or relying on an unverified scale when measuring.
- Missing revisions or addenda and carrying quantities forward from superseded sheets.
- Double-counting items across plans, details, schedules or overlapping scopes.
- Mixing units or converting quantities without documenting the basis.
- Applying a waste factor twice or leaving the waste assumption unstated.
- Treating missing dimensions or unclear scope as confirmed plan information.
How EstimatorAI handles it
Upload the PDF plan set and specifications, then ask questions about the scope you need to quantify. EstimatorAI provides quantities with source references and stated assumptions for your review. Check the sheet, scale, units, revisions and waste basis, then export reviewed quantities to Excel for pricing in your own workflow. Questions you can ask:
- List the door counts by type and cite the sheets used.
- What linear footage is shown for the runs identified on this plan?
- Which areas should be measured separately by finish or material?
- What dimensions and thicknesses are specified for this volume calculation?
Frequently asked questions
What is a quantity takeoff?
A quantity takeoff is the process of identifying and measuring materials or work shown in construction plans and specifications. Results may be counts, lengths, areas or volumes that an estimator reviews and uses to prepare pricing.
What units can I organize in a takeoff?
Common units include each (EA) for counts, linear feet (LF) for lengths, square feet (SF) for areas and cubic yards (CY) for volumes. Use the unit appropriate to the scope and keep conversions explicit.
Can EstimatorAI help with a quantity takeoff from PDF plans?
Yes. Upload PDF plans and specifications, ask about the scope, and review quantities with their cited sources and assumptions. Check the results against the drawings before pricing.
How should I handle waste factors?
Keep the measured quantity and any waste allowance separate, state the basis for the allowance, and check that waste has not already been included in another calculation.
Can I export quantities to Excel?
Yes. Export reviewed quantities to Excel and continue pricing in the spreadsheets and workflow you already use.
How much does EstimatorAI cost?
Every plan starts with a 7-day free trial (card required). After the trial, EstimatorAI is $79/month, $149/quarter, or $499/year.
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