Create Takeoffs (TE)

Javier Salas Rios
Updated

Takeoffs are where estimating begins in STACK. They allow quantities to be measured directly from plan sheets and turn drawings into structured project data.

Each takeoff is used to track a specific scope of work—such as flooring, piping, or fixtures—and defines how quantities are calculated. Measurements can then be added across one or multiple sheets, giving a complete view of the work required.

As projects grow in size and complexity, takeoffs also make it easier to stay organized and accurate. Quantities can be grouped, adjusted, and scaled to reflect real project conditions, including repeated layouts like units, rooms, or floors.

From the first measurement to final quantities, takeoffs provide a consistent way to capture, manage, and refine the data that supports an estimate.

Key Information

  • Takeoffs are created and managed in the PLANS & TAKEOFFS workspace
  • Each takeoff determines how quantities are measured, such as area, length, count, or volume
  • Measurements can be added across multiple plan sheets within the same takeoff
  • Quantities can be scaled using Typical Groups for repeated areas or multipliers for individual measurements
  • Autocount can be used to quickly count repeated symbols on a plan
  • Tags and labels help organize takeoffs and make data easier to find and report on
  • Takeoffs can be created from the Takeoff List or started directly from items
  • The Takeoff List helps navigate, filter, and organize takeoffs across a project
  • Measurement tools are available in the Takeoff Toolbar (see Takeoff Toolbar article for more details)

Overview

Creating Takeoffs

Takeoffs can be created directly from the Takeoff List or started from an item. Both approaches lead to the same result, but choosing the right starting point can help speed up setup.

Creating a Takeoff

CreateNewTakeoff.gif
  1. Go to the PLANS & TAKEOFFS workspace.
  2. Open the Takeoff List.
  3. Click the New Takeoff dropdown.

  4. Choose the Takeoff type. The measurement type determines how quantities are calculated. Selecting the correct type ensures measurements reflect how the work will be performed.

    NOTE
    The measurement type determines how quantities are calculated. Selecting the correct type ensures measurements reflect how the work will be performed.

    GOOD PRACTICE
    Choose the measurement type based on how the material is installed—not just how it appears on the plan.

    Takeoff Type Description  Windows Shortcut Mac Shortcut
    Area  Measure a flat area by clicking on each corner. Alt + A ⌥ + A
    Linear Measure a distance by clicking on each point. Alt + L ⌥ + L
    Count Count individual items by placing symbols on the plan.
    (e.g., fixtures, outlets, windows)    		 Alt + C ⌥ + C
    Linear with Drop Measure a distance and automatically include vertical drops.
    (e.g., fixtures, outlets, windows)    		 Alt + D ⌥ + D
    Pitched Area Measure a sloped surface using rise and run values.
    (e.g., sloped roofs)    		 Alt + P ⌥ + P
    Pitched Linear Measure a sloped distance using rise and run values. Alt + R ⌥ + R
    Surface Area Measure a sloped distance using rise and run values. Alt + S ⌥ + S
    Volume 2D Measure volume by applying depth to a flat area.
    (e.g., slabs, footings)    		 Alt + 2 ⌥ + 2
    Volume 3D Measure volume by applying depth to a flat area.
    (e.g., slabs, footings)    		 Alt + 2 ⌥ + 2
  5. In the Create New (Takeoff Type) Takeoff panel, enter:
    1. Takeoff Name: A descriptive name
    2. Description (optional): additional details about the takeoff.
  6. Click Create Takeoff.

  7. Additional actions, such as editing, copying, adding items or assemblies, adding to the library, or deleting a takeoff, are available from the more options (three dots) menu.

    IMPORTANT
    Deleting a takeoff removes it and all associated measurements from the project.

The takeoff is now ready, and measurements can be added.

TIP
Use clear, descriptive names to make takeoffs easier to find later, especially on larger projects.

Creating a Takeoff from an Item

A takeoff can also be started directly from an item. STACK automatically selects the appropriate measurement type based on the item’s unit of measure.

CreateTakeoffFromItem.gif
  1. PLANS & TAKEOFFS workspace.
  2. Open the Librairies tab.
  3. Open the Items dropdown.
  4. Locate the item to measure.
  5. Click the three dots next to the item.

  6. Under Start Measuring as, select the measurement type.

    NOTE
    The primary measurement type is selected automatically based on the item’s unit. The Takeoff Toolbar can still be used to switch tools if needed.

  7. Begin measuring on the plan.

TIP
Starting from an item reduces setup time and removes the need to manually select a measurement type.

NOTE
Additional takeoff options remain available from the item menu for cases where a different measurement type is required.

Measuring Quantities

Measurements are added to a takeoff from the plan sheets. Once a takeoff is active, quantities can be captured across one or multiple sheets to build a complete scope.

Starting Measuring

StartMeasuring.gif
  1. Go to the PLANS & TAKEOFFS workspace.
  2. Open the plan sheet to measure.

  3. Select the takeoff from the Takeoff List and click Start Measuring.
    OR
    Click the arrow next to the takeoff to start measuring directly.

    TIP
    Use the mini map to navigate throughout the plan quickly and add your measurements.

  4. When all measurements have been added to the plan, click Finish Measuring.

If the plan is not scaled, a prompt will appear to set the scale before measuring.

TIP
Set the scale before starting measurements to ensure accurate quantities.

Drawing Measurements and Counts

NOTE
Available tools vary depending on the selected measurement type.

TIP
Use consistent measuring patterns to keep takeoffs clean and easier to review.

DrawingMeasurments.gif
  1. With a takeoff active, use a tool from the takeoff toolbar at the top to begin measuring. For tool details, refer to the Takeoff Toolbar article.
  2. Click on the plan to begin measuring.
  3. Continue clicking to define the measurement.

  4. Move the cursor near edges, corners, or existing measurements to snap the point into place before clicking.

    GOOD PRACTICE
    Use snapping to improve alignment and reduce small gaps or overlaps in measurements.

    TIP
    Press S on the keyboard to turn snapping off or back on while drawing.

  5. Double-click or press Enter to complete the measurement.

For count takeoffs, click directly on the plan to place each count.

Subtracting Quantities from a Takeoff

Subtracting quantities allows measurements to be deducted from a takeoff total instead of added. This is useful when scope is removed or credited but still needs to remain visible for documentation, reporting, or audit purposes.

Common examples include owner-requested scope removals, design changes, or credits that must be tracked without deleting the original measurements.

  • Subtracted quantities reduce the overall total for the takeoff.

  • Positive and subtracted measurements are combined to show a net result.

  • These quantities are used in assemblies just like any other measurement, so credits are reflected in the estimate.

  • In some cases, the takeoff total may be reduced to zero or appear as a negative value.

Subtract Measurements

Individual measurements or groups of measurements can be subtracted from a takeoff.

  1. Go to the PLANS & TAKEOFFS section of your project.
  2. Click on the Takeoff tab.

  3. Open the plan where you want to subtract a takeoff measurement.

  4. Select one or more measurements on the plan (selection sets are supported).

    TIP
    To select multiple takeoff measurements, hold the shift key and click on the measurements.

  5. In the Area Inputs section of the left side panel, enable Count as Negatives.

  6. Click Finish.

When enabled, all quantities for the selected measurements are converted to negative values, including primary, secondary, tertiary, and any additional measurement values.

Working Across Plan Sheets

TIP
Keep the same takeoff active while moving between sheets to build a complete quantity for that scope.

MultipleSheets.gif
  1. Keep the same takeoff active.
  2. Open another plan sheet.
  3. Continue measuring using the same takeoff.

All quantities are combined under the selected takeoff.

Automating Measurements

NOTE
Autocount is available only for Count takeoffs.

Some measurements can be captured more efficiently by using automated tools instead of placing each one manually. Autocount helps detect and count repeated symbols on a plan, saving time on large or repetitive layouts.

NOTE
Autocount is available only for Count takeoffs.

NOTE
Autocount runs in the background and may take a few minutes to complete. Work can continue on the same sheet or another sheet while processing.

TIP
Autocount works best with graphical symbols. For text-based elements, use search instead.

Using Autocount

Autocount.gif
  1. Go to the PLANS & TAKEOFFS workspace.
  2. Open the plan sheet to measure.
  3. Create a new Count takeoff or select an existing one.
  4. Click Start Measuring.
  5. From the top toolbar, select Mode, then choose Autocount. For tool details, refer to the Takeoff Toolbar article.
  6. Zoom in to a clear example of the symbol to count.
  7. Select a symbol that is clear, isolated, and not intersected by other lines, then click and drag diagonally to draw a box around it and click again to complete the selection.
  8. Wait while Autocount scans the sheet and places counts on matching symbols.
  9. Review the results on the plan and in the takeoff quantity.

Multipliers

Multipliers allow a measurement or count to be repeated multiple times without redrawing it.

Instead of measuring the same item multiple times, a multiplier can be applied to increase the total quantity automatically.

GOOD PRACTICE
Use Typical Groups for layouts that repeat multiple times across a project to reduce manual work and improve consistency.

Applying a Multiplier While Measuring

ApplyMultipler.gif
  1. Open the takeoff to use.
  2. Click Start Measuring.
  3. Enter a value in the Multiplier field.
  4. Draw the measurement or place the count.
  5. Continue measuring as needed.
  6. Click Finish Measuring.

NOTE
A multiplier value of 1 is the default and applies no scaling.

Applying or Editing a Multiplier for Existing Measurements

EditMultiplier.gif
  1. Open the plan sheet containing the measurement.
  2. Select Edit > Single Select.
  3. Select the measurement or measurements to update.
  4. Enter the desired value in the Multiplier field.
  5. Click Save.

TIP
Enter 1 to remove a multiplier.

Locking Measurement Inputs

LockMultiplier.png

  1. Open the takeoff or select the measurements.
  2. Enter the desired multiplier.
  3. Click the Lock icon below the Multiplier field.
  4. Confirm the changes.

NOTE
When measurements are locked, the same multiplier and inputs are applied to all measurements in the takeoff and cannot be changed individually until unlocked.

GOOD PRACTICE
Use multipliers for simple or localized repetition where creating a Typical Group is not necessary.

Reviewing and Adjusting Measurements

After measurements are added, they can be reviewed, updated, and refined to ensure accuracy. This includes selecting measurements and making changes as needed.

Editing Measurements

Measurements can be selected and updated directly on the plan.

EditTakeoff.gif
  1. Open the plan sheet that contains the measurement.
  2. Click Edit > Single Select (or Multiselect) to choose a measurement or multiple measurements. For tool details, refer to the Takeoff Toolbar article.
  3. Make the required changes, such as updating inputs or adjusting the measurement on the plan.

TIP
Use multi-select to update multiple measurements at once when applying the same change.

Configuring Takeoffs

Takeoff settings can be adjusted to help organize data, improve visibility on plan sheets, and prepare measurements for estimating. This includes defining takeoff details, applying tags and labels, customizing appearance, adding items and assemblies, and setting preferences.

TakeoffConfigutation.png

Right Panel

The Right Panel provides access to Libraries, STACK Assist, takeoff configuration options, and measurement inputs while keeping the Takeoff List visible during takeoff workflows.

The panel can be resized, collapsed, or expanded to fit the workspace as needed while reviewing plans, configuring takeoffs, or measuring quantities.

Accessing the Right Panel

AcessingRightSidePanel.gif

  1. Go to the PLANS & TAKEOFFS workspace.

  2. Open a plan sheet.

  3. Use the tabs at the top of the Right Panel to switch between available tools and content.

  4. Use the Right Panel to:

    1. Browse Library Takeoffs

    2. Browse Items

    3. Browse Assemblies

  5. Access STACK Assist

  6. View takeoff configuration options

  7. View measurement inputs while measuring

  8. Click the panel icon to collapse or expand the panel.

  9. Drag the edge of the panel to resize it.

NOTE
Available tabs and panel content may vary depending on the current workflow and enabled features.

TIP
Resize the Right Panel when reviewing detailed assemblies or working with large Libraries.

Browsing Libraries from the Right Panel

Library Takeoffs, Items, and Assemblies can be accessed directly from the Right Panel while continuing to work in the active takeoff.

This allows Library content to remain available without hiding the Takeoff List or leaving the current plan sheet.

UsingRightSidePanel.gif

  1. Open the Right Panel.

  2. Select the appropriate Library tab:

    1. Takeoffs

    2. Items

    3. Assemblies

  3. Use the search field to locate Library content.

  4. Click the + icon to add the selected Library content to the project.

  5. Continue measuring or reviewing takeoffs as needed.

NOTE
Library content remains accessible while navigating between takeoffs and plan sheets.

GOOD PRACTICE
Keep the Right Panel open while measuring to quickly reference Items, Assemblies, or Library Takeoffs during estimating workflows.

Viewing Takeoff Configuration Options

Takeoff configuration options appear in the Right Panel when a takeoff is selected from the Takeoff List.

This allows takeoff settings and configuration details to remain accessible while reviewing plans or measuring quantities.

ViewingTakeoffConfiguration.gif

  1. Open the PLANS & TAKEOFFS workspace.

  2. Select a takeoff from the Takeoff List.

  3. Review or update takeoff configuration options in the Right Panel, including:

    1. Settings

    2. Appearance

    3. Tags

    4. Items and Assemblies

  4. Copy options

  5. Continue measuring or adjusting takeoff settings as needed.

NOTE
Available configuration options may vary depending on the selected takeoff type.

TIP
Keep the Right Panel open while reviewing measurements to quickly adjust takeoff settings without interrupting workflow.

Settings

The Settings section contains the basic information for the takeoff, including the takeoff name and description.

TakeoffSettings.gif
  1. Open or create a takeoff.
  2. In the top section of the takeoff settings panel, enter or update the Takeoff Name.
  3. Enter a Description if additional context is needed.
  4. Click Start Measuring to continue working with the takeoff.

TIP
Use clear, descriptive names so takeoffs are easier to find and recognize later.

Appearance

Takeoff appearance settings control how measurements are displayed on the plan, including color, line size, and symbols.

ConfiguringAppearance.gif
  1. Open or create a takeoff.
  2. In the takeoff configuration panel, locate the Appearance section.
  3. Select a:
    1. Line Color: Click the colored square and select a color. Alternatively, choose a Custom color.
    2. Fill Color (if applies): Click the colored square and select a color. Alternatively, choose a Custom color. Check, No Fill to disable the fill color.
    3. Line Size: Thin, Medium, Thick, or Very Thick.
  4. For count takeoffs, select a:
    1. Multiplier: Enter the number of times to multiply the measurement. (see the Multipliers section)
    2. Count as negative: Select if you want to reduce the measurement from the takeoff. (see the Subtracting Quantities from a Takeoff section)
  5. For area takeoffs, set the Gird pattern:
    1. Horizontal: Enter the spacing in Inches.
    2. Vertical: Enter the spacing in Inches.
    3. Angle: Enter the 
  6. Click Start Measuring to apply the settings.

GOOD PRACTICE
Use consistent colors and styles to visually distinguish different scopes or trades on the plan.

NOTE
Changes to appearance apply to both existing and new measurements within the takeoff.

Tags

Tags can be assigned to takeoffs to organize and group data across a project.

Tags apply to the entire takeoff and are used to group related work, such as by phase, area, or trade. This makes it easier to filter, sort, and review takeoffs in the Takeoff List and reports.

ApplyingTags.gif
  1. Open the PLANS & TAKEOFFS workspace.
  2. Select the takeoff from the Takeoff List.
  3. In the takeoff settings panel, locate the Tags field.
  4. Click the + sign to add a new Tag.
  5. The the Create Tag popup, fill in the following fields:
    1. Tag Name: The category used to group takeoffs (e.g., Phase, Floor, Area, Trade).
    2. Tag Values: The specific options within that category that can be assigned to takeoffs (e.g., Phase 1, Phase 2, Level 1, Level 2, Electrical, Plumbing).
  6. Click Save.

NOTE
Tags apply to the entire takeoff, while labels apply to individual measurements.

GOOD PRACTICE
Use tags to group takeoffs by project structure, such as floor, phase, or scope of work.

Managing Tags from the Takeoff List

Tags can be created and managed directly from the Takeoff List, allowing updates to be made across the project without opening individual takeoffs.

ManageTags.gif
  1. Open the Takeoff tab.
  2. Select the takeoff from the Takeoff List.
  3. Navigate to the Tags tab.
  4. Click the three dots next to the tag that requires changes and choose to:
    1. Edit
    2. Delete
  5. Drag and drop tags to reorder the list.

TIP
Set up tags early in a project to maintain consistency across all takeoffs.

NOTE
Managing tags from the Takeoff List allows updates to be made across the project without opening each takeoff individually.

Items and Assemblies

Items and assemblies can be added to a takeoff to connect measured quantities to estimate data.

ConfuguringItemsAndAssemblies.gif
  1. Open or create a takeoff.
  2. In the takeoff settings panel, locate the Items and Assemblies section.
  3. Click the + icon.
  4. Add the item or assembly needed for the takeoff.
  5. Continue measuring or return later to update estimate details as needed.

NOTE
Items and assemblies can be added during takeoff setup or later in the Estimate.

TIP
Use the search field in Item Groups to quickly find items by typing a keyword instead of scrolling through the list.
ItemAndAssembliesSearch.png

Copy (and Modify)

The Copy option creates a duplicate of the current takeoff.

ConfiguringCopy.gif
  1. Open the takeoff to copy.
  2. In the takeoff settings panel, scroll to the Copy section.
  3. Click Copy.
  4. Enter a new takeoff name and description as needed.
  5. Save the new takeoff.

GOOD PRACTICE
Use copy when creating a similar takeoff to save time and keep setup consistent.

Takeoff Preferences

Takeoff Preferences help control how measurements behave while you work in plans. These settings let each user customize display options and streamline repetitive takeoff tasks.

TakeoffPreferences.png

Access Takeoff Preferences

SettingPreferences.gif

  1. Click your Profile icon.

  2. Select Preferences.

  3. Configure the Preferences: 

    1. Full Screen Crosshair: Controls whether a full-screen crosshair appears while working on plans, extending across the plan view to help align measurements more precisely when enabled and remaining hidden when turned off. Choose between:

      1. Off

      2. Narrow

      3. Medium

      4. Wide
        CrossHair.png

    2. Takeoff List Decimal Display: Controls how many decimal places display in the Takeoff List, affecting how measured values appear to match your preferred level of precision for review and reporting. (Watch the Takeoff List Decimal Display video for more information)
      NumberofDecimals.png

    3. Use last Tag values when creating new Takeoffs: When enabled, STACK remembers the tag values from the last takeoff you worked on and automatically applies them to the next new takeoff you create.(Refer to Tag Preferences for more information)

    4. Use last Color values when creating new Takeoffs: When enabled, STACK remembers the color settings from the last takeoff you used and automatically applies them to the next new takeoff you create. (Refer to Tag Preferences for more information)

    5. Use last Label values when creating new Measurements: When enabled, STACK remembers the label values from the last measurement you created and automatically applies them to the next new measurement. (Refer to Configure Label Preferences for more information)

    6. Use last inputs when creating new measurements in Takeoffs: When enabled, STACK remembers the most recently entered measurement inputs for takeoff types that require them and automatically reuses those values the next time you create a measurement. Applies to:

      1. Surface Area: Height

      2. Linear with Drop: Drop Height

      3. Pitched Linear: Slope (Rise/Run or Angle — remember whichever the user directly entered)

      4. Pitched Area: Slope (Rise/Run or Angle — same rule)

      5. Volume 2D: Depth

      6. Volume 3D: Width and Depth

        NOTE
        Remembered inputs are reused only within the same Takeoff. If you create a new Takeoff (including from a Library item or by copying a Takeoff), the input fields start blank and new values must be entered.

    7. Enable high-resolution plan rendering: When enabled, plans are displayed using high-resolution rendering to improve visual clarity while reviewing and measuring plans.

  4. Click Save to apply your changes.

NOTE
These preferences apply only to the current user and do not affect other users in the company.

Organizing & Navigating Takeoffs

The Takeoff List provides a central place to view, organize, and navigate all takeoffs within a project. Click a takeoff name to open its settings and make changes.

OrganizingTakeoffs.png

Searching Takeoffs

TakeofflistSearch.gif
  1. Open the Takeoff tab.
  2. Click in the search bar.
  3. Enter a takeoff name, tag, or keyword.
  4. Review the filtered results.

TIP
Use partial words or multiple keywords to narrow results quickly.

New Takeoff

The New Takeoff button allows a new takeoff to be created from the Takeoff List by selecting a measurement type. For step-by-step instructions, refer to the Creating Takeoffs section.

NewTakoffButton.png

Grouping Takeoffs

Grouping takeoffs helps organize large projects by arranging takeoffs into meaningful categories. This makes it easier to review, navigate, and compare quantities across different areas of the project.

NOTE
When grouped by a Tag, takeoffs can be dragged and dropped between tag values to quickly reassign them. Dragging a takeoff to the None group removes the assigned Tag value.

TakeoffGrouping.gif
  1. Open the Takeoff List.
  2. Select the grouping option:
    1. AI Measurements (Label)
    2. Change Order (Tag)
    3. Company Scope  (Tag)
    4. CSI Devision  (Tag)
    5. Floor (Tag)
    6. Zone (Label)

    7. Plan Name (Plan)

      NOTE
      For Tags, choose to Hide empty folders.

      TIP
      Turn off Hide empty folders to display all Tag values, including unused ones, so takeoffs can be dragged into them.

  3. Review the grouped takeoffs.

NOTE
Tags organize takeoffs at the project level, while labels organize individual measurements within a takeoff.

GOOD PRACTICE
Group by tags to manage scope, and use labels when more detailed measurement organization is needed.

Expanding and Collapsing Groups

Expanding and collapsing groups helps control how much information is visible in the Takeoff List, making it easier to focus on specific areas without being overwhelmed by all takeoffs at once.

TakeoffListExpand.png     TakeoffListCollapse.png

  1. Open the Takeoff List.
  2. Locate the group to adjust.
  3. Click the expand or collapse control next to the group name.
  4. Repeat as needed to show or hide additional groups.

TIP
Collapse groups to reduce clutter when working with large numbers of takeoffs.

Sorting Takeoffs

Sorting takeoffs helps organize the Takeoff List in a specific order, making it easier to review data, compare quantities, and locate takeoffs quickly.

TakeoffSort.gif
  1. Open the Takeoff List.
  2. Select the sort option:
    1. Sort Manually (M): Drag and drop takeoffs in the list to arrange them in the desired order.
    2. Sort Alphanumerically (AZ)
  3. Review the updated list.

GOOD PRACTICE
Use sorting to review takeoffs in a consistent order, especially on large projects.

Hide Takeoffs

Hiding takeoffs removes them from view in the Takeoff List without deleting them. This helps reduce clutter and focus on the most relevant takeoffs while working.

TakeoffHideIconB.png     TakeoffHidetwo.png

TakeoffAllHidden.png      TakeoffHideOne.png

  1. Open the Takeoff List.
  2. Click the visibility (eye) icon.
  3. Toggle visibility to hide or show takeoffs as needed.

TIP
Hide completed or non-relevant takeoffs to keep the list focused and easier to navigate.

Next Steps

Once quantities are measured and organized, takeoffs can be used to build and refine estimates.

  • Apply items and assemblies to measurements to generate material and cost data
  • Use reports to review quantities and validate project scope
  • Export or integrate data with connected systems, such as accounting or project management tools

TIP
Review measurements and quantities before moving into estimating to ensure accuracy and completeness.

Related Articles

Takeoff Toolbar - Learn how to use drawing, editing, and measurement tools while performing takeoffs.

Plans in STACK - Understand how to upload, organize, and navigate plan sheets before starting takeoffs.

Setting the Scale - Learn how to set and adjust scale to ensure accurate measurements.

Auto-Create Takeoffs from Items and Assemblies - Apply items and assemblies to takeoffs to build material quantities and costs.

STACK Reports Overview - Use reports to review measurements, validate quantities, and analyze project data.

Project Libraries - Manage and organize items, assemblies, and other reusable data.

See how others use this feature in the STACK Community.

If you need additional assistance, please Contact Us.

 

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