# Measurements

> Measure lengths and areas on drawing sheets, check scale and quantities, and bring the takeoff into an estimate or export it to a spreadsheet.

Source: https://docs.specset.com/docs/measurements · Section: Issues & Estimating · Last updated: 2026-10-08

Use **Estimates → Measurements** to keep drawing measurements and their quantities together. You can revisit the marks on the sheet, organize the takeoff, and bring checked quantities into an estimate.

Measurements appears when estimating is enabled for your organization.

## Start a takeoff

1. Open **Estimates → Measurements** and click **New measurement**.
2. Enter a **Name** and optional **Description**. Name the scope clearly, for example “Ground-floor finishes,” and record the drawing package you are using.
3. Click **Create**, then **Add drawings**. Select the sheets for the takeoff.
4. Open a drawing from the measurement to work in the PDF viewer. Use the viewer's **Measure** tools for distances, perimeters, or areas.

## Check the scale first

Specset uses scale information extracted from the drawing when available, including the scale for a recognized detail. Before measuring, check the scale and units in the measuring tool against a known dimension. Calibrate the scale in the viewer if the result does not match.

A sheet can contain details at different scales. Check each detail you measure instead of assuming the sheet's main scale applies everywhere. Zooming the viewer changes how large the sheet looks, not the measurement scale.

## Review the measurement rows

The grid groups quantities by drawing. Open the drawing to inspect a mark or correct its geometry; use the rows to describe and classify the work.

![Finish takeoff grouped by drawing, with areas and lengths alongside their descriptions and units](https://docs.specset.com/images/docs/measurements/docs-measurement-takeoff.png)

- **Type**, **Qty**, and **UoM** describe the measurement and its calculated quantity. Correct the mark or its scale in the drawing if the quantity is wrong.
- **Description** identifies what you measured, such as “Lobby floor finish” or “Corridor base.”
- **Division**, **CSI**, and **Cost type** organize the takeoff for estimating.
- **Rate** and **Remarks** hold pricing and assumptions when needed.

Select several rows and click **Edit** to update shared information. Keep areas and lengths in their appropriate units; a floor area and the length of its base should remain separate items.

## Use the takeoff in an estimate

Open an [estimate](https://docs.specset.com/docs/estimates) and choose **Import measurements** from its menu. Select the rows to include. Imported estimate rows remain linked to these measurements, so corrections belong in the source measurement rather than a second copy of the quantity.

Before pricing, check the drawing revision, scale, quantity, and unit for each item. After a design change, revisit the takeoff on the relevant drawing; do not assume existing marks have been redrawn to match the new design.

## Export quantities

Open the measurement's menu and choose **Export**, then **Excel (.xlsx)** or **CSV (.csv)**. Use the spreadsheet to review quantities with the team or bring them into another estimating tool. Export again after making corrections so the shared file reflects the current takeoff.