Question 1

Does MetreMate measure to NRM2?

Accepted Answer

MetreMate gives you measured lengths, areas, perimeters and counts off the drawing. It does not produce a bill of quantities. A QS or estimator can use those measurements when preparing quantities to NRM2, the RICS rules for detailed measurement of building works, with each work section on its own layer.

Question 2

What scale are UK construction drawings usually drawn at?

Accepted Answer

Floor plans and elevations are usually 1:50 or 1:100. Planning location plans are typically 1:1250 or 1:2500, and site or block plans 1:200 or 1:500. Check the title block and the scale bar, because a drawing printed smaller than its intended sheet no longer matches the stated scale.

Question 3

Can I measure an A1 drawing that has been printed on A3?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A3 is half the length and width of A1, so a 1:100 drawing printed on A3 measures at 1:200. In MetreMate you can set the scale to match, or calibrate from a dimension you trust, such as a dimensioned wall or the scale bar.

Question 4

Are prices shown in pounds?

Accepted Answer

The pricing page shows approximate prices in pounds sterling. Plans are billed in Australian dollars and your card provider converts the charge, so your statement may differ slightly. Any tax is shown at checkout, and the free plan needs no credit card.

Question 5

Can a subcontractor price from the main contractor's drawings?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Upload the PDF the main contractor sent, measure your own package on its own layer, and share the measured plan with them in MetreMate if they have an account and want to see your quantities. MetreMate does not handle CIS deductions or invoicing; it gives you the measurements.

Question 6

Does MetreMate write quotes or tenders?

Accepted Answer

No. MetreMate measures the drawing and gives you quantities. You build the quote, tender or bill from them in your own spreadsheet or estimating software.

Question 7

Can builders' merchants use MetreMate?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Merchants and suppliers can measure a customer's PDF drawings to work out quantities of bricks, blocks, timber, plasterboard or flooring, then price them in their own system. It runs in a browser on a counter or office computer, with nothing to install.

Units	Millimetres, metres and square metres, plus counts
Common sheet sizes	A1 (594 x 841 mm) and A3 (297 x 420 mm), from the ISO 216 A series
Reduced drawings	An A1 drawing printed on A3 is half the length and width, so 1:100 becomes 1:200. Check the scale bar or calibrate from a known dimension
Floor plans and elevations	Usually drawn at 1:50 or 1:100
Planning drawings	Location plans typically 1:1250 or 1:2500; site (block) plans 1:200 or 1:500
Measurement standard	RICS NRM2, detailed measurement for building works, the rules QSs use to prepare bills of quantities
Building regulations guidance	Approved Documents in England and in Wales, Technical Handbooks in Scotland, Technical Booklets in Northern Ireland
Paying subcontractors	Under CIS, contractors deduct 20% from a registered subcontractor's payments (30% if unregistered) and pass it to HMRC
Brickwork	Standard brick 215 x 102.5 x 65 mm; with 10 mm joints, about 60 bricks per m² of half-brick wall
Materials suppliers	Builders' merchants, represented in the UK and Ireland by the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF)
Currency	Approximate prices shown in pounds sterling; plans are billed in Australian dollars and any tax is shown at checkout
Runs on	A Mac or Windows computer in a modern browser. Nothing to install
Who makes it	MetreMate, built in Australia

Takeoff software for UK builders, QSs and trades

Key facts

Worked example

Example: facing bricks for a single-storey rear extension

Useful pages

Common questions

Measure your next plan on screen