How do I work out how many scaffold bays I need from a plan?

Measure the length of each elevation off the floor plan, then divide each run by the bay length you are using and round up. MetreMate gives you the run lengths in linear metres straight off the PDF, and the free scaffold calculator turns them into bays, lifts and a component list.

Can I measure the building height off the elevations?

Yes. Set the scale on the elevation sheet from a known dimension, then measure from ground level to the gutter, eave or parapet. That gives you the working platform height, and from it the number of lifts.

Does MetreMate work out the scaffold for me?

No. MetreMate measures lengths, areas, perimeters, counts, angles and arcs off your plans. The bays, lifts and components come from the separate free scaffold calculator on our website, and the scaffold design stays with you, your engineer or another competent person.

Can I measure a full wrap around the building in one go?

Yes. The Perimeter tool traces the outline and totals the linear metres, which suits a scaffold that wraps the whole building. Measure each face on its own when the heights differ, so each elevation gets the right number of lifts.

Can I keep each elevation or stage separate?

Yes. Put each elevation, block or stage on its own layer, so the lengths total separately and you can price a staged job, or a scaffold that steps up with the roof line, one part at a time.

Do I need to install any software?

No. MetreMate runs in any modern browser on a Windows or Mac computer. There is nothing to download, and you can start measuring on the free plan.

MetreMate for Scaffolders

Measure elevations and heights for every scaffold quote

Measure elevation lengths and building heights straight off the plans, then work out the bays, lifts and gear for the scaffold before you visit the site.

Try MetreMate, it's free See how it works

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

Under 90 seconds to your first measurement

Why scaffolders choose MetreMate

Scaffolders use MetreMate to measure elevation lengths and building heights straight off PDF plans, so they can work out how many bays and lifts a job needs before they drive to site. Trace each face of the building on the floor plan, including returns and set-backs, measure the heights off the elevations, and count the corners and access points. Then put the lengths and heights into the free MetreMate scaffold calculator for the bays, lifts and component list. It runs in your browser on any Windows or Mac computer.

See how MetreMate compares

Free calculators for your trade

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

Scaffold 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 scaffolders measure in MetreMate instead of off a printout.

Without MetreMate

Driving out to measure a building before you can price the scaffold
Scaling elevation lengths and heights off a printed plan with a ruler
Missing a return, a set-back or a higher roof line and coming up short on bays

With MetreMate

Measure tool for elevation and run lengths
Perimeter tool for a full wrap around the building
Count tool for corners, returns and access points
Layers Manager to keep each elevation or stage separate
Pencil tool for freehand mark-ups, and to add your initials or signature by hand

500+

Trade businesses using MetreMate

50,000+

Measurements taken

90 seconds

Average time to measure

Everything you can measure off the plan

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

Lengths in metres or feet

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

Areas in m² or sq ft

Trace rooms, slabs, and zones for instant areas.

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 scaffolders use MetreMate

1
Elevation lengths
Run the Measure tool along each face of the building on the floor plan or site plan, including returns and set-backs, so every scaffold run has its own length in linear metres.
2
Heights and lifts
Set the scale on the elevation sheet and measure from ground level to the gutter, eave or parapet. That height sets the working platform and how many lifts the job needs.
3
Bays and components
Put the run lengths and the height into the free MetreMate scaffold calculator for the bays, lifts and a component list, then price the hire and labour at your own rates.

Read our how-to guides