Quantity takeoff is one of the most important skills for civil engineers, quantity surveyors, and site engineers. It is the process of calculating material quantities directly from construction drawings. Accurate quantity takeoff helps in cost estimation, budgeting, and proper planning of construction projects.
In this article, you will learn Quantity Takeoff from Drawings Step by Step in simple language. This guide is very useful for civil engineering students, freshers, and construction professionals.
What is Quantity Takeoff in Construction?
Quantity takeoff is the process of measuring and calculating materials required for a construction project from architectural and structural drawings. It includes calculation of concrete, steel, bricks, plaster, flooring, excavation, and other construction items.
The main purpose of quantity takeoff is to know how much material is required before starting construction work. This helps in cost estimation and prevents material shortage or wastage.
Learning Quantity Takeoff from Drawings Step by Step is essential for every civil engineer to manage construction projects efficiently.
Importance of Quantity Takeoff
Quantity takeoff plays a major role in construction planning and budgeting. Without proper quantity takeoff, projects may face cost overruns and delays.
1. Accurate Cost Estimation
Quantity takeoff helps prepare accurate project cost estimates by calculating exact material quantities.
2. Budget Planning
Builders and clients can plan project budgets effectively with proper quantity takeoff.
3. Material Management
It ensures correct quantity of cement, steel, sand, bricks, and other materials.
4. Tender Preparation
Contractors prepare tender quotations based on quantity takeoff.
5. Billing and Payments
Running bills and final bills are prepared based on calculated quantities.
Drawings Required for Quantity Takeoff
To perform quantity takeoff correctly, you must have proper construction drawings. Important drawings include:
- Architectural plan
- Structural drawing
- Footing layout
- Column layout
- Beam and slab details
- Section drawings
Always study drawings carefully before starting quantity calculations.
Quantity Takeoff from Drawings Step by Step
Follow these simple steps for accurate quantity takeoff from drawings.
Step 1: Study the Drawing Carefully
First, check all drawings and understand dimensions clearly. Note length, width, height, and thickness of each structural element.
Step 2: Prepare Measurement Sheet
Create a measurement sheet in notebook or MS Excel. Divide it into sections like excavation, concrete, brickwork, plaster, steel, etc.
Step 3: Calculate Excavation Quantity
Use formula:
Excavation = Length × Width × Depth
Example:
If footing size = 2m × 2m × 1.5m
Excavation = 2 × 2 × 1.5 = 6 m³
Multiply by number of footings for total quantity.
Step 4: Calculate Concrete Quantity
Concrete is calculated in cubic meters (m³).
Concrete = Length × Width × Thickness
For slab:
If slab size = 10m × 10m × 0.15m
Concrete = 10 × 10 × 0.15 = 15 m³
Step 5: Calculate Brickwork Quantity
Brickwork is also measured in cubic meters.
Brickwork = Length × Height × Thickness
Subtract door and window openings for accurate quantity.
Step 6: Calculate Plaster Quantity
Plaster is measured in square meters (m²).
Plaster = Length × Height
Calculate separately for internal and external walls.
Step 7: Steel Quantity Calculation
Steel is calculated using BBS (Bar Bending Schedule) or thumb rule.
Basic formula:
Steel weight = (D² ÷ 162) × Length
Where D = diameter of bar in mm.
Step 8: Prepare BOQ (Bill of Quantities)
After calculating all quantities, prepare a BOQ sheet including:
- Item name
- Quantity
- Unit
- Rate
- Amount
BOQ helps in cost estimation and billing.
Tips for Accurate Quantity Takeoff
- Always use latest drawings
- Check dimensions twice
- Use proper units (m, m², m³)
- Maintain neat measurement sheet
- Use MS Excel for fast calculation
- Cross-check totals before finalizing
Accuracy in quantity takeoff is very important for project success.
Software Used for Quantity Takeoff
Modern construction projects use software for fast and accurate quantity takeoff:
- MS Excel
- AutoCAD
- Revit
- PlanSwift
- Quantity takeoff software
Freshers should learn Excel-based quantity takeoff first.
Career Benefits of Learning Quantity Takeoff
Civil engineers with quantity takeoff skills have high demand in construction industry. Job roles include:
- Quantity Surveyor
- Billing Engineer
- Estimation Engineer
- Site Engineer
- Cost Engineer
Companies prefer candidates who can calculate quantities from drawings accurately.
Additional Information
Learning Quantity Takeoff from Drawings Step by Step is very important for civil engineering students and site engineers who want to work in construction and estimation fields. Accurate quantity takeoff helps in preparing correct cost estimates, managing materials efficiently, and avoiding unnecessary expenses during construction. Engineers who have strong knowledge in quantity takeoff can easily understand project requirements and support contractors in budgeting and planning work schedules.
In today’s construction industry, companies prefer candidates who know Quantity Takeoff from Drawings Step by Step because it improves project efficiency and reduces material wastage. By regularly practicing quantity calculations from real building drawings and using tools like MS Excel and AutoCAD, beginners can quickly develop professional skills. This knowledge also helps civil engineers grow in roles such as quantity surveyor, billing engineer, and estimation engineer in the construction sector.
Conclusion
Learning Quantity Takeoff from Drawings Step by Step is essential for civil engineering students and professionals. It helps in accurate cost estimation, material planning, and project management. Quantity takeoff improves your practical knowledge and increases job opportunities in construction field.
Practice quantity calculations from real building drawings and improve your estimation skills. With proper knowledge and experience, you can become a successful quantity surveyor or civil engineer in the construction industry.