Variables are used in formulas to control how quantities and costs are calculated in STACK. They represent measured takeoff data or user-defined values that can be reused across takeoffs and estimates to keep calculations consistent and easier to manage.
Variables are available in the Formula Editor, where they can be added to formulas and, for Custom Variables, created and organized.
Key information
Variables are used when building formulas in assemblies.
Variables are managed in the Formula Editor.
STACK includes Takeoff Variables (system-provided) and Custom Variables (user-defined).
Takeoff Variables represent measured takeoff data and cannot be edited or sorted.
Custom Variables can be created, edited, and sorted.
Variables can be added to formulas by selecting the + icon next to the variable name.
Custom Variable order is saved per assembly.
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Where variable order appears:
Formula Editor: variables display top to bottom in the saved order.
Takeoffs and Estimates: variables display left to right in the same order.
Variable Types
Takeoff Variables
Takeoff Variables are system-provided variables that represent takeoff data measured from plan sheets. These variables begin with Measured in their name (for example, [MeasuredArea] or [MeasuredLinear]).
The data each Takeoff Variable represents depends on the takeoff’s measurement type.
Units of measure
The unit of measure for a Takeoff Variable is calculated automatically based on the item’s unit of measure:
If the item uses imperial units (sq ft, lin ft, cu yd), the Takeoff Variable uses imperial units.
If the item uses metric units (sq m, lin m, cu m), the Takeoff Variable uses metric units.
If the item uses each, calculations default to imperial unless metric is manually selected in the item’s library settings.
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The item’s unit of measure is shown in the top-left corner of the Formula Editor.
Custom Variables
Custom Variables represent values that are not directly measured from plans. They are used to capture specific conditions or inputs that affect a formula and are entered when an assembly is applied to a takeoff.
Examples:
[WallHeightInFt][NumberOfLayers]
Custom Variables are specific to the assembly in which they are created.
NOTES
Custom Variable names cannot exactly match STACK-provided variables.
Variable names are automatically wrapped in brackets [ ] when saved.
Names cannot contain spaces or special characters. Capitalizing the first letter of each word is recommended.
Include how the value should be entered as part of the name when possible (for example, include Inches if the value should be entered in inches).
Create a Custom Variable
Custom Variables are created in the Formula Editor and can be used in formulas across takeoffs and estimates.
Open a project.
Go to LIBRARIES.
Select the Assemblies tab.
Open the Assemblies folder.
From the list, choose a specific assembly.
In the Required Items section, click the pencil icon to the right of the item name.
In the Variables panel, select + Create New Variable.
Click the checkmark to confirm.
Enter a name for the variable.
Click the checkmark to confirm.
Click Save.
To use the variable, select the + icon next to the variable name to insert it into the formula workspace.
To delete a variable. click the three dots and select Delete.
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New Custom Variables are added to the end of the variable list by default. They can be repositioned after creation to keep variables organized.
Organize Custom Variables
Custom Variables can be sorted to make them easier to find and work with, especially when formulas include a larger number of variables.
Open a project.
Go to LIBRARIES.
Select the Assemblies tab.
Open the Assemblies folder.
From the list, choose a specific assembly.
In the Required Items section, click the pencil icon to the right of the item name.
Drag and drop variables to the desired positions.
Click Save.
The updated order is saved automatically and is reflected wherever the variables are used.
NOTE
Drag-and-drop sorting is disabled while a variable search is active. Clear the search to sort variables.
NOTE
Custom Variable order is saved at the assembly level, allowing each assembly to have its own variable organization.
Related Articles
Estimate Worksheet Overview – See how calculated values appear in estimates and impact totals.
Assemblies Overview – Learn how assemblies group takeoffs and calculations used in estimates.
See how others use this feature in the STACK Community.
If you need additional assistance, please Contact Us.
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