Can I measure steel member lengths from a plan?

Yes. Measure beam spans, column heights, and brace lengths directly on the structural plan, with snapping for accurate endpoints, so your member takeoff matches the drawing.

Can I count connections?

Use the Count tool to tally connections, base plates, and cleats across the plans, keeping a running total for the fabrication quote.

Can I organise the takeoff by member type?

Yes. Layers let you separate beams, columns, and bracing, so you can price fabrication and erection cleanly and check nothing is missed.

How do I total steel tonnage from a takeoff?

Measure the lineal metres of each section on the plan and multiply by the mass per metre for that member, then total across the job. MetreMate keeps the lengths running by member type, so working out tonnage is a quick step from there.

How accurate are member lengths measured off the plan?

As accurate as the structural drawing. With the scale set and endpoint snapping locking onto grid lines and connections, spans and heights match the plan, so your fabrication lengths are reliable.

Can I measure purlins and cladding runs as well as members?

Yes. Use the Measure tool for purlin, girt, and bracing runs and the Area tool for wall and roof cladding, keeping each on its own layer so the secondary steel and sheeting total separately from the main members.

MetreMate for Steel Contractors

Measure steel quantities from structural plans

Measure beam lengths, column positions, and connection counts from structural plans for accurate steel fabrication quotes.

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 steel contractors choose MetreMate

Steel contractors use MetreMate to take off members and connections from structural plans for fabrication and erection quotes. Measure beam and column lengths with the Measure tool, work out the weights and price, and count cleats, posts, and base plates with the Count tool. It runs in your browser, so you can quote fabrication from the drawing without marking up a printout.

See how MetreMate compares

Free calculators for your trade

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

Steel beam and column weight 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 steel contractors measure in MetreMate instead of off a printout.

Without MetreMate

Manually counting connections and members from structural plans
Errors in steel length takeoffs
Quoting fabrication without complete measurements

With MetreMate

Measure tool for beam and column lengths
Weights from lengths with the steel beam calculator
Count tool for cleats, posts, and base plates
Layers Manager to organise by member type
Pencil tool for freehand mark-ups, and to add your initials or signature by hand

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 steel contractors 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 steel contractors use MetreMate

1
Member takeoff
Use the Measure tool for beam and column lengths, then work out weights and price with the free MetreMate steel beam calculator.
2
Connection counting
Use the Count tool to tally cleats, posts, base plates, and connections.
3
Fabrication quoting
Combine member lengths and connection counts for accurate fabrication and erection quotes.

Read our how-to guides