1. Open the plan set
Open the PDF in FreeTakeoff. The file is read by your browser and is never uploaded. Use the page arrows (or PgUp/PgDn) to move between sheets, scroll or pinch to zoom, and drag to pan.
2. Set the scale on every sheet
Scale errors are the most expensive takeoff mistake. Either pick the scale printed in the title block (for example 1/4" = 1'-0" or 1" = 20'), or calibrate: choose Scale, tap both ends of a long dimension you know, and type its length. Calibrating is safer because PDFs are often printed or exported at a different size than the original sheet. Detail sheets often use a different scale from floor plans, so check each page. See how to set scale on PDF plans.
3. Check the scale
Measure a second known dimension with the Linear tool. If it is off by more than an inch or two, recalibrate on a longer dimension.
4. Create conditions
A condition is a line item you are measuring: "LVP flooring", "Interior walls 8 ft", "Recessed lights". Give each one a color, a waste factor, and optionally link it to a material calculator such as FlooringCalc or DrywallCalc.
5. Measure
- Area for floors, slabs, roofs and paving (tap corners, then tap the first point).
- Linear and Polyline for walls, baseboard, gutters, fence and pipe runs.
- Perimeter for the outline length of a room or footing.
- Count for doors, windows, fixtures and outlets.
Hold Shift or turn on Ortho to keep lines straight.
6. Review quantities and export
The Quantities panel totals each condition for the current page and the whole set, with waste added. Export a CSV for your estimate spreadsheet, and save the project file so you can revise it when the plans change.
FAQ
What is a takeoff in construction?
A takeoff (or quantity takeoff) is the list of material quantities measured from drawings — areas, lengths, volumes and counts — that an estimator prices to build a bid.
Can I do a takeoff from a PDF for free?
Yes. FreeTakeoff runs in your browser, has no project or measurement limits, and keeps the PDF on your device.
How accurate is an on-screen takeoff?
As accurate as the scale. Calibrate on a long known dimension and verify it with a second dimension; then on-screen measurements are typically within a fraction of a percent.