Takeoff guides

Practical how-tos for measuring PDF plans with FreeTakeoff.

• How to do a construction takeoff from PDF plans

  A practical, step-by-step guide to doing a quantity takeoff from PDF construction drawings: set the scale, measure areas, lengths and counts, add waste and export to CSV.

• How to set the scale on PDF plans

  How to scale PDF construction drawings correctly: architectural and engineering scale presets, calibrating from a known dimension, and checking your scale before you bid.

• Measure area on a PDF (square feet or m²)

  Measure square feet or square meters on any PDF drawing in your browser. Draw a polygon, get the area and perimeter instantly. Free, private, no sign-up.

• A free PlanSwift alternative

  A free PlanSwift alternative: on-screen takeoff from PDF plans in your browser with area, linear and count tools, conditions and CSV export. No seat licence.

• A free alternative to STACK takeoff

  STACK's free plan allows one active project a month. FreeTakeoff is a free browser takeoff tool with unlimited projects, and your PDFs never leave your device.

• A free alternative to Bluebeam measurements

  Need Bluebeam-style length, area and count measurements without a Revu subscription? FreeTakeoff measures PDF plans in your browser for free.

• Flooring takeoff from PDF floor plans

  Do a flooring takeoff from PDF floor plans: measure each room's square footage, add a waste factor, and turn the total into boxes of LVP, tile or carpet.

• Drywall takeoff from floor plans

  How to do a drywall takeoff from PDF floor plans: measure wall lengths with a polyline, multiply by wall height, add ceilings, then convert to sheets, mud and tape.

• Roofing takeoff from a roof plan

  Measure roof plan area from a PDF, then apply the pitch factor to get true roof area and squares. Also measure eaves, rakes, ridges and valleys for trim and gutters.

• Landscape and hardscape takeoff from a site plan

  Measure patios, lawn, beds, fence lines and retaining walls on a site plan PDF, then convert to pavers, sod, mulch, fence posts and wall blocks.