Question 1

How do I do a takeoff from a PDF set of blueprints?

Accepted Answer

Upload the PDF, set the scale on the sheet, then trace rooms with Area for sq ft, walls with Measure for linear feet, and doors and windows with Count. MetreMate gives you the quantities, then you apply your factors. For example, a 20 x 24 ft slab traces at 480 sq ft; at 4 in thick that is 480 x (4/12) / 27 = 5.93 cu yd before over-order.

Question 2

The plans were shrunk to 11 x 17. Can I still measure them accurately?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you calibrate. A 24 x 36 ARCH D sheet shrunk to 11 x 17 is not half scale: 11/24 is 0.458 and 17/36 is 0.472, so the print is roughly 46 percent, not 50 percent. The printed scale note and your scale ruler are both wrong. Use two-point Manual Scale on a known dimension, such as a long dimensioned wall, and the measurements read true.

Question 3

Different sheets are at different scales. How does that work?

Accepted Answer

Scale is set per sheet, so mixed scales are fine. A floor plan at 1/4" = 1'-0" means one inch on paper is 4 feet; a civil sheet at 1" = 20' means one inch is 20 feet, five times as much ground per inch. Calibrate each sheet on its own, measure the building on the floor plan, then switch to the site plan for paving and flatwork.

Question 4

Can I use it to check a subcontractor's bid?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Measure the sub's scope off the same sheets they bid from, such as drywall wall runs or flooring area, and compare your sq ft or linear feet to the quantity on their bid. If a number is far off, you know which sub to call before bid day. MetreMate gives you the quantity, and the call on price stays with you.

Question 5

How accurate is a takeoff off a PDF?

Accepted Answer

A PDF takeoff is as accurate as the drawing and the scale you set. Calibrate each sheet, let Auto-Snap lock onto corners and endpoints, and zoom in on busy areas. Then check a second known dimension, such as an overall building length, against the plan. If it reads true, your areas and lengths will too. Sheets marked not to scale still need field checks.

Question 6

Do I need to install anything or pay to try it?

Accepted Answer

No to both. MetreMate runs in any modern browser on a Windows or Mac computer, so there is nothing to download or install. The free plan needs no credit card, and a 7-day trial lets you try the paid tools. Paid plans are Pro and Team, with Team billed per seat for your estimators and project managers.

Takeoffs from PDF blueprints, without printing the set

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 general contractors use MetreMate

Bid-day quantities

Checking sub numbers

Scope sheets for subs

More than measuring

Auto Scale

Manual Scaling

Auto Snap

Layers Manager

Print & Share

Project Organizer

Questions general contractors ask

MetreMate works for every trade

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