Electrical takeoff software
In short
Electrical takeoff is counting first, measuring second: tally accessories and fittings (sockets, switches, luminaires, points) by type, then measure containment and cable runs (tray, trunking, conduit) in metres. Solid Takeoff drops numbered count markers per type and traces runs on the PDF, then exports the schedule — free to start.
Most of an electrical takeoff is counting — sockets, switches, light fittings, data outlets, detectors, distribution boards — usually against a symbol schedule. The rest is linear: cable, tray, trunking and conduit.
The pitfalls are miscounting dense drawings and forgetting the containment and cable that connect it all. Numbered markers and per-type conditions fix the first; linear runs handle the second.
What you measure in an electrical takeoff
| Item | Unit | How you take it off |
|---|---|---|
| Socket outlets (by type) | nr | Count each symbol into a per-type condition (single, twin, RCD, floor box). |
| Switches & dimmers | nr | Count by gang/way; keep two-way pairs consistent with the schedule. |
| Luminaires | nr | Count each fitting type from the lighting/RCP layout. |
| Data / comms points | nr | Count outlets; note back-boxes and faceplate ports. |
| Containment (tray/trunking/conduit) | m | Trace runs as linear measurements, one condition per size/type. |
| Cable | m | Measure/derive run lengths; add drops and a slack allowance. |
| Distribution boards / isolators | nr | Count and locate against the schedule. |
Count by schedule reference, not just 'sockets'
Electrical drawings key everything to a symbol schedule, so count into a condition per reference (e.g. "Twin socket", "EM downlight", "RJ45"). Solid Takeoff drops a numbered marker for each click, so you can see exactly what you've counted and cross-check totals against the schedule — mismatches usually mean a missed symbol.
Colour-code each type so a busy small-power or lighting layout stays readable.
Don't leave the containment and cable behind
Counting the accessories is the easy half. The metres of cable tray, trunking, conduit and cable are where the value (and the risk) sits. Trace each containment run as a linear measurement, one condition per size/type, then estimate cable from the runs plus drops and a slack allowance.
Vertical drops don't show as length on a plan — add riser and drop allowances so the cable quantity is realistic.
Estimator's tips
- •One count condition per schedule reference; cross-check totals to the schedule.
- •Numbered markers stop double-counting on dense layouts — sweep room by room.
- •Containment: one linear condition per size (50 mm tray vs 100 mm tray price differently).
- •Add drops/risers and slack to cable — plan length alone under-reads it.
- •Right-click a marker to reassign it if you clicked the wrong type.
Frequently asked questions
How do I do an electrical takeoff from a PDF?
Count accessories and fittings by type using numbered markers (one condition per schedule reference), then measure containment and cable runs as linear metres. Solid Takeoff does both on the PDF and exports the schedule.
How do I count sockets and lights without miscounting?
Use numbered count markers: each click drops a numbered pin into that type's condition, so the running total and the numbers on the plan make omissions and double-counts obvious.
Can I measure cable and containment too?
Yes — trace tray, trunking, conduit and cable runs as linear measurements (one condition per size/type), and add drops and slack for a realistic cable quantity.
Is there free electrical takeoff software?
Yes — Solid Takeoff's free plan includes counting and linear measurement with export (watermarked on free).
Try it on your own plan — free
Open a PDF and measure in your browser. No card, no install, no CAD. Free plan forever.