Question 1

What is the fastest way to do a quantity takeoff from PDF plans?

Accepted Answer

Do it on screen, scope by scope. Upload the PDF set, check each sheet's scale, then use Area for SF of finishes, Measure and Perimeter for LF of walls and footings, and Count for EA of doors and fixtures. Keep each scope on a layer so nothing gets counted twice. MetreMate gives you the quantities, then you price them in your estimate.

Question 2

Does it read the scale off the sheet automatically?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Auto Scale detects the scale when you upload a sheet, but always check it against a known dimension, because the note can be wrong. A 24 x 36 sheet printed to 11 x 17 is roughly 46 percent size (11/24 = 0.458, 17/36 = 0.472), not 50 percent. If a check dimension is off, recalibrate with two-point Manual Scale and the takeoff is accurate again.

Question 3

Can I keep each scope or CSI division separate?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Use Layers to separate the takeoff by scope, trade or division, for example concrete, framing, drywall and finishes each on their own layer. You can show one layer at a time to check a scope before you price it. Name the layers to match the way your estimate is organized, and the quantities line up with your spreadsheet.

Question 4

Does it work with my estimating software or Excel?

Accepted Answer

Yes, alongside it. MetreMate gives you the sq ft, linear feet and counts, then you enter them into Excel or your estimating system and apply your factors there. For example, a slab traced at 480 sq ft at 4 in thick is 480 x (4/12) / 27 = 5.93 cu yd, which becomes 6.5 cu yd with 10 percent over-order.

Question 5

How do I handle an addendum without starting over?

Accepted Answer

Re-measure only the sheets the addendum changed. Bring in the revised sheet, set its scale, and redo the scopes on it, leaving the rest of the takeoff alone. Keeping each scope on its own layer makes it clear which quantities moved. Then update those lines in your estimate and note the addendum number so the bid matches the latest documents.

Question 6

Is there a free plan, and does it run on a Mac?

Accepted Answer

Yes to both. MetreMate runs in any modern browser on a Mac or Windows computer, with nothing to install. You can start on the free plan with no credit card, and a 7-day trial unlocks the paid tools. Paid plans are Pro and Team, and Team is billed per seat for estimating departments with several estimators.

Quantity takeoffs off the PDF, in minutes

The slow way, or the smart way

Everything you can measure off the plan

Lengths in linear feet

Areas in sq ft

Perimeters

Counts

How construction estimators use MetreMate