Drywall & plasterboard takeoff software
In short
Drywall takeoff is two measurements working together: linear metres of partition (for track, studs and framing) and board area (usually both faces, plus ceilings). Solid Takeoff lets you run partition lines and trace board faces on the PDF, apply cutting waste, and export the quantities — free to start, in any browser.
Plasterboard estimating trips people up because one partition generates several quantities at once — a length for the metalwork, and roughly double that length in board area because you sheet both sides.
Getting it right means measuring partition length and board area separately, keeping board types apart, and remembering ceilings. Here's how the numbers break down and how to take them off cleanly.
What you measure in a drywall takeoff
| Item | Unit | How you take it off |
|---|---|---|
| Partition length (track & studs) | m | Trace the centre-line of each partition as a linear measurement. |
| Board area (faces) | m² | Trace each wall face as an area — most partitions are boarded both sides, so measure both or double the single face. |
| Ceiling board | m² | Trace ceiling areas from the reflected ceiling plan. |
| Insulation / cavity | m² | Same area as the partition face where acoustic/thermal quilt is specified. |
| Head/base track | m | Usually equals partition length; count deflection heads separately if specified. |
| Jointing tape & beads | m | Derived from board perimeters and external corners/reveals. |
Board area is (roughly) double the wall length
The classic error is measuring a partition once and pricing one layer of board. A standard partition is sheeted on both faces, so a 10 m run at 2.4 m high is ~24 m² per face — ~48 m² of board, before any second layer for acoustic or fire ratings.
Keep a separate condition for each board type and thickness (12.5 mm wallboard, 15 mm Fireline, moisture board), because they price differently and you don't want them totalled together.
Don't forget the metalwork and the extras
Partition length drives head and base track (≈ the run length) and studs (run length ÷ stud centres, typically 600 or 400 mm). Solid Takeoff gives you the run length; the stud count is a quick division from there.
Add allowances for openings framing, deflection heads and fire-stopping — and a cutting waste percentage (often ~10%, more on cut-up layouts) applied per condition so your with-waste and raw figures are both visible.
Estimator's tips
- •Measure partition length along the centre-line; measure board by face and count both sides.
- •One condition per board type/thickness so 12.5 mm and 15 mm never mix.
- •Studs ≈ partition length ÷ stud centres (600/400 mm) + one per end and opening jamb.
- •Second layers (acoustic/fire) double the board on those runs — flag them clearly.
- •Add ~10% cutting waste; more where there are lots of small returns and reveals.
Frequently asked questions
How do I take off drywall from a PDF?
Set the drawing scale, trace partition centre-lines as linear measurements (for track and studs) and wall faces as areas (for board, both sides), keep each board type in its own condition, add cutting waste, then export. Solid Takeoff does all of this in the browser.
Do I measure one side or both sides of a partition?
Both — a standard partition is boarded on each face, so the board area is roughly twice the wall area. Measure both faces or measure one and double it.
How much waste should I add to plasterboard?
Around 10% is common for cutting and offcuts, rising on cut-up layouts with lots of small returns. Apply it as a waste % per condition so the raw and with-waste totals both show.
Is there free drywall takeoff software?
Yes — Solid Takeoff has a free plan with linear and area measurement, conditions with waste and export (exports carry a small watermark on the free plan).
Try it on your own plan — free
Open a PDF and measure in your browser. No card, no install, no CAD. Free plan forever.