What Is Quantity Takeoff?
Quantity takeoff is the process of measuring and extracting quantities — areas, volumes, lengths, and counts — from construction drawings and project documentation. It turns a set of drawings into structured, measurable data that can be priced, checked, and used to prepare a Bill of Quantities or a tender submission. It's typically one of the first technical steps in preparing a construction estimate.
The first technical step in construction estimating
What We Measure
Depending on project scope, a takeoff may cover:
- Concrete and foundations
- Masonry and blockwork
- Structural steel and framing
- Finishes — flooring, wall, and ceiling
- Doors, windows, and architectural items
- MEP-related quantities, where applicable
- Other project-specific trades, as required by the drawings supplied
Not every project includes every trade — scope is based on the drawings and documentation you provide for that project.
Who Uses This Service?
Quantity Takeoff support is typically used by:
- Main contractors
- Subcontractors
- Builders
- Developers
- Construction consultants
- In-house estimators
- Tendering teams preparing a submission
What You Receive
A completed takeoff typically includes:
- Measured quantities organised by trade or category
- A structured takeoff schedule
- Drawing and reference identification for each measured item
- Quantities presented in a format suitable for pricing, BOQ preparation, or further estimating work
Exact file format and layout are agreed with you before work begins.
How It Works
- 1
Drawings & Documents
You share the drawings and project documentation for the areas or trades you need measured.
- 2
Scope Review
We review what's been provided and confirm the scope of the takeoff with you before work begins.
- 3
Quantity Measurement
Quantities are measured and extracted from the drawings, trade by trade.
- 4
Organisation & Checking
Measured quantities are organised into a structured schedule and checked for consistency.
- 5
Takeoff Delivery
The completed takeoff is delivered to you in the agreed format.
- 6
Next Estimating Step
From there, the takeoff can support pricing, BOQ preparation, or a tender submission — whichever your project needs next.
Documents & Information Required
To get started, we typically need:
- Construction drawings for the relevant trades or areas (PDF, CAD, or similar)
- Specifications, where available
- Any scope notes, or areas to include or exclude
- Project or drawing revision details, so quantities can be tied back to the correct version
The exact documents needed depend on your project — we'll confirm this with you during scope review.
Quality & Technical Review
Every takeoff is reviewed against the source drawings and documentation before it's delivered, checking measured quantities for accuracy and consistency. This technical review is carried out by our estimating team as a standard part of the service.