---
title: How to Work with Takeoff Measurements in Buildern
description: Takeoff measurements are project-based quantities extracted directly from construction plans. In this article, you’ll learn how to create, manage, and use takeoff measurements in Buildern, including linking them to estimates and organizing your data.
---

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# How to Work with Takeoff Measurements in Buildern

### How to Work with Takeoff Measurements in Buildern

Takeoff measurements are project-based quantities extracted directly from construction plans. In this article, you’ll learn how to create, manage, and use takeoff measurements in Buildern, including linking them to estimates and organizing your data.

 June 3, 2026

### **How Measurements Work in Buildern**

Buildern provides two ways to work with measurements:

• **Plan View** – where measurements are created and drawn directly on the plan

• **Measurements Tab** – where all measurements are organized, edited, and managed

***💡 Tip*** *- Measurements are always drawn on the plan, but managed from the Measurements tab.*

### **Upload a Plan to Takeoff**

Before creating measurements, you first need to upload a plan into the Takeoff tool.

*👉 Learn more about [How to Add Plans to the Takeoff Tool in Buildern](https://help.buildern.com/en/articles/13773955-how-to-add-plans-to-the-takeoff-tool-in-buildern?hsLang=en-gb)*

Once the plan is uploaded, open it from the plan list to begin setting the scale and creating measurements.

*👉 Learn more about [How to Set a Scale in Takeof](https://help.buildern.com/en/articles/13773980-how-to-set-a-scale-in-takeoff?hsLang=en-gb)*

To add a measurement:

1. Click **Add New**
2. Select a measurement type (e.g., Area, Length, Count, Volume)

[![](https://help.buildern.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/daf6b64e-38b7-4e13-a90c-505678c895e1.png)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/suco1tn6/2425626861/bfa21f17cc61cd395b2895e56e3a/daf6b64e-38b7-4e13-a90c-505678c895e1?expires=1792671300&signature=2932d10ddd58205ab7a11850df439d17e694a4660e6309de78efa9a83cb50e0b&req=diQlE898m4lZWPMW1HO4zbwHGs5nDjG6tbX58Wk8OFPHZJm8Oi1ENqr5WG9x%0AK%2BsrATTQhbebsCSkRdo%3D%0A)

3\. Enter the required details:

- **Name** - The name of the measurement.
- **Category** - Used to organize measurements into groups.

    - Click **Add Category**
    - Enter a name
    - (Optional) Create subcategories
- **Unit** - Defines the measurement unit used for calculations.
- **Fill -** Controls the interior appearance of the measurement shape on the plan.
- **Type - Defines the visual line style or measurement appearance.**
- **Size - Controls the thickness or visual size of the measurement lines and markers.**
- **Color - Sets the display color of the measurement on the plan.**
- **Multiplier - Automatically multiplies the measured quantity by a defined value.**
- **Waste (%) - Adds an additional waste percentage to the calculated quantity.**

[![](https://help.buildern.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/2cab8fc7-cf61-4bb5-b5e7-080de1d91bb3.png)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/suco1tn6/2425626862/bd83154fa6e5547824a9742c01a5/2cab8fc7-cf61-4bb5-b5e7-080de1d91bb3?expires=1792671300&signature=2324fef20f02155f6d6f627f1e5fe106e98cee386890869204107261e23c6b53&req=diQlE898m4lZW%2FMW1HO4zaQTBajd5jxrU2f7gHizfB2KwMg244ef7xYOadqs%0AXwJH8IexhgBAlyVAuoY%3D%0A)

Click **Save** to create the measurement.

 *ℹ️ **Note -** Available fields may vary depending on the selected measurement type.*

### **Measurement Types Explained**

Buildern supports multiple measurement types:

**1. Area -** Used for surfaces like floors, tiles, paint.

- Unit: m² / ft²
- Example: Room flooring

**2. Roof Area -** Specialized area measurement for roofing.

- Includes slope considerations

**3. Vertical Area -** Used for walls or vertical surfaces.

- Example: Wall painting

**4. Length -** Used for linear measurements.

- Example: Walls, pipes, cables

**5. Count -** Counts individual items.

- Example: Windows, doors

**6. Count with Length -** Counts items + measures their length.

- Example: Fence sections

**7. Volume -** Used for 3D measurements.

- Example: Concrete, excavation

[![](https://help.buildern.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/28b57ecd-e4e8-468f-b1fe-d070904a2761.png)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/suco1tn6/2425626871/2f310a335805f5f0598a559120f8/28b57ecd-e4e8-468f-b1fe-d070904a2761?expires=1792671300&signature=61493468cac38c8fba117daefc440048caf32742ac84db401297093a670460b1&req=diQlE898m4lYWPMW1HO4zWAkCQF0Jvj5z00ga7R9m9DeIhgz%2Bp4011a4Yf6h%0APWvNHi%2FqO3bGGp4vQsA%3D%0A)

*ℹ️ **Note -*** *All measurement types follow the same workflow:*

 *Create → Draw → Buildern calculates total automatically*

### **Start Measuring**

Once your measurement is created, you can begin marking areas directly on the plan.

To start measuring:

1. Select the created measurement
2. Use the tools from the left panel
3. Choose the appropriate drawing method:

     - **Straight line** – for precise point-to-point measurement
     - **Freeform line** – for irregular shapes
     - **Rectangle** – for quick area selection

[![](https://help.buildern.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/4556d444-2ad9-485a-a284-c18c0040c2b0.png)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/suco1tn6/2425626877/4931158f66896a4e32590f541ff3/4556d444-2ad9-485a-a284-c18c0040c2b0?expires=1792671300&signature=68e1c82d848a2ac84a79398afd6461b5f6717b53097d2a94de00b0717ffd03f7&req=diQlE898m4lYXvMW1HO4zcCMk3iuEgylMh4vxBFsyLk7ZE7mXJjZSqdzw%2F5D%0AgicAw%2BNKSUGGOqPE5WE%3D%0A)

4\. Click on the plan to define points

5\. Continue selecting points to outline the area

6\. Double-click or click **STOP** to complete the measurement

[![](https://help.buildern.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/621193df-7cb7-4147-9984-50f7eb2483b1.png)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/suco1tn6/2425626878/aa5f2446d8377057c0f1b29f8971/621193df-7cb7-4147-9984-50f7eb2483b1?expires=1792671300&signature=36a420962a7071002c5a2d5308cebf1c1693d6b3c76b1a40e4cbc33eaf5ad8c2&req=diQlE898m4lYUfMW1HO4zSE5tTHg0zRvdHQL611AKJG9K4UJyAXMm6I9HRcu%0AHpIvYwC3BfETaeP955s%3D%0A)

Buildern will automatically calculate the total based on your input.

***💡 Tip*** *- Use different line types depending on the shape of the area for more accurate results.*

### **Configure Display Settings**

Buildern also provides Display Settings that help customize how measurements are shown and how interactions behave while working on plans.

[![](https://help.buildern.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/Screenshot+2026-05-26+at+15_22_29.png)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/suco1tn6/2425692015/fc09e038a54e25346c8d22ef4ac3/Screenshot+2026-05-26+at+15_22_29.png?expires=1792671300&signature=03480f1d911b51d6710b69e9bb9ddefd66cbf1a8bbecf0ce9741ace236e94948&req=diQlE893n4FeXPMW1HO4zQ%2B2GXdCelkSW%2FeedmVjD%2F9%2BwMfcp19KAjtfKCjz%0AlgeOtQB2DQAGTgX6pHk%3D%0A)

### Measurement Display Options

- **Linear - Show segment lengths** – Displays the length of each individual segment for linear measurements
- **Area - Show segment lengths** – Displays segment lengths for area measurements
- **Area - Show segment size** – Displays the calculated size/area directly on the plan
- **Show shape properties on hover** – Shows additional measurement details when hovering over a shape
- **Snap to points** – Helps measurements snap precisely to existing points for more accurate drawing

### Mouse or Touchpad Settings

Buildern also allows you to optimize navigation controls based on your device:

- **Auto detect** – Automatically detects whether you are using a mouse or touchpad
- **Touchpad** – Optimizes controls for touchpad navigation
- **Mouse** – Optimizes controls for mouse usage

*💡 **Tip** - Adjusting Display Settings can make measurements easier to read and improve accuracy while working on detailed plans.*

### **Link Measurement to Estimates**

After configuring the measurement, you will see the **Estimate** section at the bottom.

[![](https://help.buildern.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/83607ea5-3423-4a45-bf70-788849fd786f.png)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/suco1tn6/2425626904/8860598561f3e92010a716b9bee4/83607ea5-3423-4a45-bf70-788849fd786f?expires=1792671300&signature=d26d9c562e1d970bc1612583be0d7f60840d926fe41e77670adce52686ae3938&req=diQlE898m4hfXfMW1HO4zdyDGwPtyBih7UP4JiUwi%2B2JoM5cgyYs6ZlgMNbk%0ARZl%2BQEXnVg7cFh74N10%3D%0A)

From here, you can directly:

- Add the measurement to an **Estimate**
- Create a new item using the measured quantity

This allows you to instantly use your takeoff data when creating estimate items, without manually entering quantities.

*ℹ️ **Note -**  The measured quantity will automatically populate in the estimate item once selected.*

*👉 Learn more about [How to Create and Add Estimate Items in Buildern](https://help.buildern.com/en/articles/13773970-how-to-create-and-add-estimate-items-in-buildern?hsLang=en-gb)*

### **Activate a Measurement**

Before you start drawing, make sure the measurement is active.

To activate a measurement:

- Click on the measurement from the list
- Ensure it is visible/selected

[![](https://help.buildern.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/57e0e589-e807-4eba-94bb-9c1465512aae.png)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/suco1tn6/2425626881/852a06c146a0899e502cb79e2eee/57e0e589-e807-4eba-94bb-9c1465512aae?expires=1792671300&signature=1ca203373bf0419059d5409a52f0b6d3f54438a48180ea1822b3b3f96068ce33&req=diQlE898m4lXWPMW1HO4zQ5Ey0ijcNEZNddYrawzfh3VL%2FQeAC9DVut%2FY51l%0AhZdRh3WW1QF1vXnMsxQ%3D%0A)

Once activated, you will see a prompt on the screen:

“Make visible to start drawing the shape”

Only active measurements can be used for drawing on the plan.

### **Edit and Adjust Measurements**

After creating a measurement, you can modify it at any time.

[![](https://help.buildern.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/d8a9da12-34c1-4a5e-a275-3c8785742a0c.png)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/suco1tn6/2425626880/8c7a7b129878386bbe4e81061d43/d8a9da12-34c1-4a5e-a275-3c8785742a0c?expires=1792671300&signature=164ad7edc4d7008b7e99235db88c16a84829c82c458cdd4b1248fe80913dc870&req=diQlE898m4lXWfMW1HO4zQkfQh0tBzGMp40eMlGdZL0VRfTFhulzSTk4jg9%2F%0ALv7a50TsQBFi2kbIXGE%3D%0A)

To edit a measurement:

1. Locate the measurement in the list
2. Click the **three-dot menu** next to it
3. Select **Edit**

From here, you can update:

- Name
- Category
- Unit
- Display settings (fill, type, size, color)
- Multiplier
- Waste (%)

[![](https://help.buildern.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/2c7e7463-f7d8-4d3f-9bad-583a1a2d4b3e.png)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/suco1tn6/2425626874/adbb27b7bf14d515e1efbfe29cb2/2c7e7463-f7d8-4d3f-9bad-583a1a2d4b3e?expires=1792671300&signature=b17fb29389753cf486c0106d8efeae8d7ca8c5999875bdf8eee87b105c38714b&req=diQlE898m4lYXfMW1HO4zdT8kIfkPJ38dxvDIdSQyXxR0z%2FuJ1wVpuNxMOq3%0ArKLxBKqmBJn5uhIf%2Fxo%3D%0A)

You can also:

- **Duplicate** a measurement to reuse the same setup
- **Delete** a measurement if it is no longer needed

Then click **Save** to apply the changes.

### **View and Manage Measurements**

To manage all your measurements in one place, you can navigate to the Measurements tab.

[![](https://help.buildern.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/af7804c2-ccbb-4e47-964c-0bb72691c1c4.png)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/suco1tn6/2425626876/b4a0239fe3bb8e2c6805fe51cc4c/af7804c2-ccbb-4e47-964c-0bb72691c1c4?expires=1792671300&signature=3b52799aac225046cff1a23daed6bb851ff1e52f7cebbc47f61011dabdd68d2a&req=diQlE898m4lYX%2FMW1HO4zdFpzoY6s%2FuofvsRlmGulwYFVPAjPKzKGBaznCeO%0AhHoOQVu9UzYA4aja9qs%3D%0A)

The **Measurements tab** provides a centralized view of all measurements created within your project.

You can also click **Add New Measurement** to create a new measurement directly from this page.

[![](https://help.buildern.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/55dd144f-ecd2-42a7-acf3-d1edd3728c77.png)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/suco1tn6/2425626875/fdbe6f5c084b15310635534fda14/55dd144f-ecd2-42a7-acf3-d1edd3728c77?expires=1792671300&signature=dec699b3f01da021adab0b21c7a2b3814f316eaeb117f2a67f2193743ce3059d&req=diQlE898m4lYXPMW1HO4zQbpolmjY5TKDg3lVVaBjNCvmIg2K6ygGk5kszyA%0AhsbnTr0dQoHNT%2Bc8W7I%3D%0A)

You can also click **Add New Measurement** to create a new measurement directly from this page.

From the dropdown, select the measurement type to start creating a new measurement.

Each measurement row includes a three-dot menu, allowing you to quickly edit, duplicate, or delete the measurement.

[![](https://help.buildern.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/94e8d488-4d09-42e1-bb2e-b7882df6836d.png)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/suco1tn6/2425626883/aa0a15f8cb0f17e05c046ce4b705/94e8d488-4d09-42e1-bb2e-b7882df6836d?expires=1792671300&signature=c0b7d08f830f1902be2599a6caf019880165f8708c85fe1c64246265bd3be560&req=diQlE898m4lXWvMW1HO4zYUBl4UXHPixPOrzv0L%2BygDvNpEuOydxGPv8fvMz%0Ar9uQbgVUIaozZQrbWU8%3D%0A)

### **Group Takeoff Measurements**

Buildern allows you to group your measurements according to:

- Category
- List
- Plan

To choose the corresponding view, click on the drop-down menu in the upper right corner.

[![](https://help.buildern.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/1d07e30c-77ff-4ec2-9034-0e86ea0ea81a.png)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/suco1tn6/2425626885/58ec18ee9b34acce72efcfac48ac/1d07e30c-77ff-4ec2-9034-0e86ea0ea81a?expires=1792671300&signature=e4fa51282d1c6132fde47687ff7ef058938dd727ad98b02e69f9f25b84d9a748&req=diQlE898m4lXXPMW1HO4zTh77fWvW2bW8rVPYQWG9H4QZxyAgVT5Q2k1C0Nw%0AeK6mLROPwBImEpJtwnY%3D%0A)

Sorting your measurements according to plans will show all your construction plans (with folders if there are any) and measurements used in the corresponding plan.

Measurements that haven’t been used in any plan yet will appear under the “Measurements without plan” category.

[![](https://help.buildern.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/f46de605-c8f8-41b3-8cbc-9719134df02f.png)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/suco1tn6/2425626887/103b853541cbbfe9db673ff100f3/f46de605-c8f8-41b3-8cbc-9719134df02f?expires=1792671300&signature=91f3062fe08cb61e6af311d9b52d504a7fb9f8479bb5ac61c8d63b61584049a0&req=diQlE898m4lXXvMW1HO4zd%2FgUSI%2FRDqvwIBpqXNKIgB6KpPPNxHBVsdxNuB8%0AeeDbjti%2FuL684%2FoUeDA%3D%0A)

### **Show/Hide Columns**

You can choose to show/hide columns with the information about:

- Name
- Quantity
- Waste
- Type
- Category
- Plan

[![](https://help.buildern.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/f6aa2c45-3504-437d-b7b6-a59b6f83c83a.png)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/suco1tn6/2425626886/3b747d1bc86c02920fe29ad010fd/f6aa2c45-3504-437d-b7b6-a59b6f83c83a?expires=1792671300&signature=9a0f8b1af599d9c6a32f78478bc7a187f2e14495d2dd604caf6dcc410547ef7c&req=diQlE898m4lXX%2FMW1HO4zamvc2yO45lS9UQqm7XmTbg4z7kEbQ%2FL5QL4p755%0A1sD72pRBZ2Bve9LBYtA%3D%0A)

### **Copy and Download Measurements**

In the upper-right corner of the Measurements tab, you can quickly perform additional actions using the available icons:

- Copy – Duplicate selected measurements to reuse them within your project
- Download – Export your measurements data for external use

These options help you efficiently reuse existing measurements and keep a record of your takeoff data outside of Buildern.

[![](https://help.buildern.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/9e1dc889-9fc0-485e-bfa8-4adbe189f7ec.png)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/suco1tn6/2425626888/ed98624684f04bbf2f5aadf77282/9e1dc889-9fc0-485e-bfa8-4adbe189f7ec?expires=1792671300&signature=ff92fb0313d7f0a82cb711e430a0447b8f286d7403a7d3dbd23b39d8a5efeecc&req=diQlE898m4lXUfMW1HO4za3SRulKEfV2mDxe7zj0srVD9fm0jW10I5ZiRTej%0AgkH0RywjePyFCVoMjT8%3D%0A)

***ℹ️ Note*** - *Measurements can be downloaded in PDF and Excel formats.*

We’ll continue turning complex workflows into simple steps in the next tutorials.  
​  
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