Get started with Geometra step by step

Quantity take-off is a crucial part of every construction and civil engineering project, but the way it is carried out often varies.

Many still work in an analogue way using printed drawings, manual markings and estimates. Others have tried digital tools but have not found a workflow that feels fast, accurate or well suited to everyday estimating work. In some cases, a digital tool is simply missing.

Whether you currently calculate quantities by hand, work with estimates or are looking for a more efficient way to produce accurate quantities, the challenge is the same: obtaining reliable quantities without unnecessary time consumption or risk of errors.

Geometra is developed for exactly this purpose. With Geometra, you perform quantity take-offs directly from drawings. In this guide, we show you how to get started with Geometra step by step.

How to get started with your quantity take-off work in Geometra:

1. Create an account

First, you need to log in to Geometra or create an account. You can try Geometra free of charge for 30 days with no commitment. Try it for free here >

2. Create your first project

Start by creating a new project on your project page and give it a name.

3. Upload drawings

In Geometra Drive, upload all drawings, photos and documents you need for your project. You can upload them one by one or via drag and drop. When you click on an uploaded drawing, a preview of the file is shown.

4. Open the drawing in Estimation

When you are ready to start working with a drawing, open it in Estimation. This is where all quantity take-off and estimating work takes place.

5. Set the scale

Before you start measuring, you must set a correct scale on the drawing. Do this by finding a known dimension somewhere on the drawing. You can use the scale ruler often included on the drawing, or a known measurement, such as a door, fridge or freezer.

Click on the yellow scale circle and draw a line to set the scale. Finish by entering the length in metres in the scale length field.

You can use the snap-on tool to automatically detect corners. It works like a magnet and is very efficient, both when setting the scale and when measuring. You can also copy the scale from one drawing to another using Ctrl+C to copy and Ctrl+V to paste.

6. Create folders

Add folders to create order and structure among your files and measurements.

Tip! Name the folders according to location in the project, for example Level 1, Level 2, or HVAC1, HVAC2, etc. A well-organised folder structure makes it easy to find, sort and summarise your quantities.

7. Start measuring and get to know the tools

Click on the folder in your folder tree where you want your measurement to be saved. With the area tools, you can quickly calculate areas by measuring diagonally across a room. Start in one corner and left-click, finish by right-clicking.

Tip! Activate the snap-on tool to automatically find corners.

You can enable labels to display information about your measurement directly on the drawing, such as square metres.

To measure walls, use the line tool. There are also more tools to explore in the software, such as the point tool and text annotation.

9. Find your measurement values

In the properties panel on the right, you can see which information belongs to your measurements and objects. For an area measurement, you will see gross values for area, length, wall area and volume. Wall area and volume are based on the height you have set.

Gross values are locked, but net values can be adjusted if you want to remove something, such as a door.

10. Image tool and gallery

With the image tool, you can upload your own images or select images from our image gallery. The gallery contains various industry icons commonly used in construction and civil engineering. Click on the image you want to use and place it on the drawing. You can adjust size and position using the selection tool.

11. Add cost calculation rows

When you add calculation rows to objects and measurements, you assign them information, such as which material will be used. By using the variables available for each measurement value (e.g. NA = Net Area), you get an automatic calculation of the material quantity linked to the object or measurement.

An object can be a room, a wall, a door or anything else you measure or calculate based on your drawing or image.

You save a lot of time here if you have created a good folder structure. By clicking on a folder, all measurements and objects in that folder are selected and summarised. When you then add a calculation row, you get the total quantity for, for example, flooring. You can then add information about material type or select predefined building components from Rukkor, Wikells or Bidcon.

12. Use your own row library

All building components that you create and save can be reused in multiple projects. Select the measurement you want to apply a saved calculation row to. Click Import and choose one or more saved rows you want to use. All selected rows will then be applied to your selected object or measurement.

13. Export your project

By selecting one or more folders, you can export all the data contained within them. If you also want to export data from calculation rows, you must select these as well. You can save as a PDF, which will include everything you have selected on the drawing. To export to Excel, follow the same process by selecting what you want to export in the folder tree.

There are many different CSV export options available under Export.

If you use Wikells, Bidcon or EG SmartKalk, you can export directly to these estimating programs.

Good luck with your quantity take-off work!

If you need help or have questions, feel free to email us at support@rukkor.com or click the support button inside Geometra.

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