How fast is a digital takeoff compared to scaling by hand?

Most estimators measure a plan set in minutes rather than hours. You set the scale once, then measure on screen with counts and totals updating live, which removes the slowest part of a manual takeoff.

Can I keep different trades separate in one takeoff?

Yes. Layers let you group measurements by trade, scope, or sheet, so you can quote each package cleanly and hand clear quantities to subcontractors without re-measuring.

Does it work with my estimating software?

MetreMate gives you accurate quantities you can enter into any estimating tool or spreadsheet. It speeds up the measurement step rather than replacing your pricing workflow.

How accurate are the measurements for a competitive tender?

As accurate as the drawing. Once you set the scale off a known dimension, lengths and areas match the plan, and snapping locks onto exact corners, so your BOQ quantities hold up rather than carrying the fudge factor of a hand takeoff.

Does MetreMate pick up the scale from the PDF automatically?

It reads the scale from the PDF text where the drawing carries it, and you can also set it manually from two known points off any dimension you trust. That means you can trust the scale even on a rescaled or cropped sheet.

Can I run takeoffs without installing software?

Yes. MetreMate runs in any modern browser on a Windows or Mac laptop or desktop, with nothing to install. You can take off a tender at the desk and check a quantity from anywhere on the free plan.

MetreMate for Estimators

Faster, more accurate quantity takeoffs

Digital takeoffs made simple. Set up fast with Auto Scale or Manual Scaling, measure PDF plans in minutes, and keep every element organised in layers.

Try MetreMate, it's free See how it works

No credit card needed. Free plan to start, works on Windows and Mac.

Under 90s to your first measurement

Why estimators choose MetreMate

Estimators use MetreMate for simple, fast digital takeoffs. Set up in seconds with Auto Scale, or set the scale yourself with Manual Scaling, then measure lengths, areas, and counts straight off PDF plans. The Layers Manager keeps every element organised by trade or scope, so clean quantities go straight into your estimating software or spreadsheet. No printing, no scale ruler, no manual re-scaling.

See how MetreMate compares

Free calculators for your trade

Quick numbers before you open the plan. Every one shows its working.

Plan scale calculator

Quote in minutes, not hours

Set the scale once and measure straight off the PDF. Your first measurement takes under 90 seconds, and it's free to start.

Try MetreMate, it's free

No credit card needed

The slow way, or the smart way

What changes when estimators measure in MetreMate instead of off a printout.

Without MetreMate

Slow manual takeoffs eating into margins
Errors from scaling printed plans
Juggling multiple plan sheets without digital tools

With MetreMate

Auto Scale or Manual Scaling for a fast setup
Measure, Area, Perimeter, and Count tools
Layers Manager to organise every element
Snapping for accurate takeoffs
Pencil tool for freehand mark-ups, and to add your initials or signature by hand

“MetreMate saved me hours on every tender. I measure three plan sets in the time it used to take me to do one.”

Sam R., Estimator

500+

Tradies using MetreMate

50,000+

Measurements taken

90s

Average time to measure

Everything you can measure off the plan

Set the scale once, then pull the quantities estimators actually quote on.

Lengths & lineal metres

Any distance, edge, or run measured straight off the plan.

Areas in m²

Trace rooms, slabs, and zones for instant square metres.

Perimeters

Boundary and edge runs totalled for you, no maths.

Counts

Tap to count fixtures, fittings, and symbols with live totals.

Step by step

How estimators use MetreMate

1
Quantity takeoff
Measure lengths, areas, and counts directly from PDF plans for fast, accurate BOQs.
2
Cost estimation
Get precise measurements to feed into your estimating software or spreadsheets.
3
Tender preparation
Quickly measure multiple plan sets to prepare competitive tender submissions.

Read our how-to guides