How to turn takeoffs into stock quantities

Before you start

Create a takeoff table and link its material rows to a product library. Each product needs Coverage: the amount supplied by one purchased unit, with compatible units.

For example, one 12-foot timber supplies 12 LF; one 4 × 8-foot sheet supplies 32 SF.

Steps

1. Use a Takeoff column for the measured amount and a Library column named Coverage for the product's coverage. Select its unit field if units are stored separately.
2. Add a Formula column named Quantity and enter order(Takeoff, Coverage).
3. Select the library product for each row. With Round Takeoff ÷ Coverage, Deta divides the takeoff by the coverage and rounds up to whole purchased units.
4. To price the order, add a Library column named Rate for the price of one purchased unit, then a Formula column named Cost using Quantity * Rate.

Check your result

A takeoff of 25 LF with 12 LF per purchased length produces 3 units. At $24 per length, the cost is $72.

Bulk rounding uses the combined amount. It does not check whether individual pieces fit. Use length cutting or sheet cutting when piece sizes matter.

Troubleshooting

• The order cannot calculate: make sure coverage is positive and its units match the takeoff.
• A total mixes feet and square feet: turn off sums into Total for the mixed-unit Takeoff column. Total the cost column instead.
• Enough total material still cannot fit the pieces: switch from bulk rounding to the appropriate cutting mode.

Related guides

• Link library products
• Cut stock lengths
• Cut sheets