-
Course intro
-
Defining quantity takeoff and other key terms
-
The project team
-
The phases of a project
-
Steps for quantity takeoff
-
Manual vs. digital quantity takeoff methods
-
Example of estimating quantity takeoff
-
Final knowledge check
-
Summary and key takeaways
-
We want to hear from you!
-
Conclusion
Intro to Estimating Quantity Takeoff
Gain the essential construction skills to perform accurate quantity takeoff and build competitive project bids.
Instructor: Ben Ashburn
1 hour
Last reviewed 12/2025
Multimedia Content
Course Description
If you are looking to improve project accuracy and boost competitive bids, this course is for you. Quantity takeoff is the foundation for accurate estimating, budgeting, and project planning. If the takeoff is wrong, the rest of the project plan will be affected, potentially leading to budget overruns or lost profit. This course is designed to walk you through exactly what quantity takeoff is, why it matters, and how to complete one correctly, showing you how to measure and count the materials and labor a project needs before any pricing is applied.
You will learn the entire quantity takeoff process step-by-step, starting with defining key terms like takeoff, estimating, and bidding. The course will show you where takeoff fits in the larger construction workflow and you will learn how different project team members rely on quantity takeoff information, as well as how to compare the pros and cons of using manual versus digital takeoff methods, helping you decide which approach is best for your project size and complexity.
You will walk away with crucial, tangible skills to strengthen your projects, gaining the ability to read and interpret drawings, perform basic math for calculating quantities using measurement methods like count, area, volume, and length, and convert raw measurements into needed material quantities, equipping you to build clear, reliable budgets and confidently create a strong, competitive bid.
Learning Objectives
-
Explain what quantity takeoff means in construction.
-
Describe how quantity takeoff differs from estimating and bidding.
-
Identify the steps in the takeoff process.
-
Recognize common challenges and mistakes to avoid with quantity takeoffs.
-
Understand how different roles in the project team use the information from a takeoff.
Prerequisites
-
Learning Level: Beginner
-
Prerequisite Knowledge: None.
-
Recommended Knowledge: None.
Continuing Education Course Credits
Course Title: Intro to Estimating Quantity Takeoff
Course Number: PC-04-120225
Session Number: 1
Curriculum Group Name: AIA Providers
Credit: 1 AIA LU
Course Expiration Date: 12/15/2028
Procore's Continuing Education courses may qualify for continuing education credits with other professional organizations or fulfill state licensing requirements. If you are a member of a different organization, you can download your course completion certificate from your learning profile and report your completion yourself to the organization for potential credit. Please refer to the organization's continuing education requirements for course eligibility information.
AIA CES Provider statement
Procore Technologies is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number 40108059. All registered AIA CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs. Any questions or concerns about this provider or this learning program may be sent to AIA CES (cessupport@aia.org or (800) AIA 3837, Option 3).
This learning program is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product. AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.
AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need advanced math skills to succeed in this course?
No, the course covers the basic math required, which includes calculating area, volume, and measurement conversions, as well as reading and interpreting project drawings and specifications.
What exactly will I learn how to do in this course?
You will learn to explain what quantity takeoff means in construction and how it differs from estimating and bidding. You will also learn to identify the steps in the takeoff process and recognize common challenges to avoid.
Where does quantity takeoff fit within the overall construction project timeline?
Quantity takeoff happens during the preconstruction phase. It occurs after the design work is finalized but before the estimating and bidding stages begin.
What's Next
Other Recommended Courses
Intro to PreconstructionIntroduction to Project PhasesProject Team Roles and ResponsibilitiesRelated Resources
Instructors
Ben Ashburn
After a successful career as a construction estimator — working his way up from estimating manager to senior estimator — Ben has spent the most recent part of his career in construction sharing his skills with other as a construction educator. Ben has an extensive background in construction education: He has been an assistant professor in the Department of Construction Science at Texas A&M, and lectured about estimating, scheduling, management, and other related construction topics at Murray State University. He has been a construction training and learning development partner with Procore since 2019.
Contributor/Reviewer
Janine Trinidad
Janine Trinidad is a Construction Educational professional for Procore Technologies. In previous roles, Janine managed all phases of construction on hotel, mixed-use, and institutional projects in the San Francisco Bay area. She was responsible for negotiating contract budgets and change orders, managing RFIs and submittals, and overseeing quality control, among other duties. She is also a certified transformational coach with a focus on women-centered and trauma-informed methods. She is passionate about transforming the construction industry to be a healthier, more successful and welcoming place to work and believes technology and education are allies in doing so.