Light Gauge Metal Framing - A Quick Takeoff How To

 

 

 

 

Learn how to measure for light gauge metal framing using digital takeoff tools. This guide walks through measuring a specific wall type, inputting relevant specs, and gathering a complete materials list for construction planning.

 

Step 1: Open your plan and locate the target walls. This example measures wall type 4A—a partial height wall, 3 5/8 inches thick, with 5/8 inch gypsum board on both sides and a height of 10 feet.

 

Right-click and drag the document until the walls labeled 4A are visible.

 

Step 2: On the toolbar, select the Wall Area Tool. This tool quickly calculates wall length, the number of studs needed at 16-inch on-center spacing, and drywall sheet quantities.

 

Step 3: Name the measurement after the wall type, as shown in the plan.

 

Set the wall height to 10 feet.

 

Step 4: For drywall, enter the size as 4x10. Since this is a two-sided wall, set it for two layers.

 

Selecting the dimensions: 4 by 10 drywall stock.

 

Adjusting the tool to account for two drywall layers.

 

Step 5: Check the box in the Studs section, choose Metal, and set the spacing at 16 inches on center.

Activating studs calculation for the measurement.

 

Specifying that metal studs will be used for the wall.

 

Inputting the 16-inch center spacing for studs.

 

Step 6: Select a highly visible color line, then click Set.

Choosing a color for the wall measurement outline.

 

Previewing the selected color for clarity on the plan.

 

Clicking the set button to confirm selection.

 

Step 7: Align the cursor with the beginning of the first 4A wall and left-click to start. Move along the wall’s direction, then double-click at the end to finish the segment.

 

Step 8: Continue measuring additional 4A wall lengths using the Continue switch on the right side of the page.

Enabling the Continue switch to measure more wall segments.

 

Left-click to start each segment and double left-click to finish, repeating until all desired 4A wall segments are measured.

Starting another segment of the wall measurement.

 

Double-clicking to complete the wall measurement run.

 

Segment added successfully on the plan.

 

Continuing the process for each wall section.

 

Step 9: Next, measure the 4A wall running down. Left-click at the starting point, let the measurement follow to the end, and double left-click to finish.

Starting the measurement for the downward wall section.

 

Dragging along the downward direction on the plan.

 

Following the wall outline with the measurement tool.

 

Finishing the downward wall segment.

 

Showing that the Continue switch is already enabled.

Step 10: Begin at the next 4A wall’s start, left-click to turn corners, and finish with a double-click. Repeat for all sections.

 

Selecting the start of a new wall segment.

 

Turning a corner with the measurement tool.

 

Double-clicking to finish another section.

 

Ready to begin a new measurement.

 

Starting measurement for another portion of the wall.

 

Preparing to finish up the measurement line.

 

Double-click to complete this segment of 4A wall.

 

Repeating the process for all remaining 4A wall sections.

 

Each wall section measured in sequence for completeness.

 

All 4A walls highlighted upon completion.

 

Step 11: When finished, observe your total takeoff results on the right side. The results show just over 1,392 square feet—the face area for one side of the 4A wall. Expand the results using the plus symbol for more details.

Final takeoff summary with square footage and details displayed.

 

Expanded details showing additional calculated material requirements.

 

You’ll see 10 feet (height) multiplied by 139.23 (linear feet), totaling your measured wall length. The calculation panel displays the need for 105 vertical metal studs set 16 inches apart and 70 sheets of 4x10 drywall, all for the selected 4A walls.

Breakdown of required vertical studs based on measurements.

 

Summary of 4x10 drywall sheets needed as shown by the tool.

 

Repeat these steps for every wall style in your plan to quickly assemble an accurate material takeoff list for your project.