Category: Quantities & pricing
Prepared by Eng. Ahmed Fathy, Projects Manager ·
Definition
Quantity take-off is extracting the quantity of every item from the drawings in the right units: concrete in cubic metres, rebar in tonnes, tiles in square metres and so on.
Why it matters on a project
Take-off errors pass straight into the price. A 5% shortfall in concrete or steel on a job with an 8% margin eats a large part of the profit.
Measurement and pricing
Documented in take-off sheets showing dimensions and locations so it can be checked.
Worked example
A 10 × 12 m slab 0.20 m thick: 10 × 12 × 0.20 = 24 m³, recorded on the take-off sheet with the drawing number and grid lines.
Common mistake
Taking off without detailed sheets, so nobody can check the numbers or trace differences later.
Frequently asked questions
Which software is used for take-off?
Excel with AutoCAD is the base, with tools such as Bluebeam, CostX and Revit depending on the project.
How long does a villa take-off take?
It depends on how complete the drawings are and the disciplines involved, usually days to two weeks for a full villa.
Related terms
- Bill of quantities (BOQ)A list of work items with description, unit and quantity, priced item by item.
- Bar bending schedule (BBS)A schedule listing the diameter, length, shape and number of reinforcement bars per element.
- Waste allowanceA percentage added to material quantities to cover cutting, damage and site loss.
- Unit rateThe item price per unit of measure, built from material, labour and equipment then indirect costs and profit.
Read next
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