Can you provide an example of a material takeoff?
Here is an illustrative material takeoff for a small parking lot: 37,650 SF of net paving, or 4,183.33 SY, needs 682.41 tons of 3-inch hot mix asphalt and 929.63 CY of 8-inch aggregate base, which is 1,694.25 tons at a generic crusher run density. Every quantity comes from the one measured area.
Measured inputs for the material takeoff example
The example lot's traced outline is 39,000 SF, with a 1,350 SF landscaped island inside it. Subtracting the island gives 39,000 − 1,350 = 37,650 SF of net paving. The pavement detail calls for 3 inches of compacted hot mix asphalt (HMA) over 8 inches of aggregate base. These are example values for showing the arithmetic, not a pavement design.
Material takeoff example for a parking lot
| Material line | Calculation | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Net paving area | 39,000 SF − 1,350 SF | 37,650 SF |
| Paving area in square yards | 37,650 ÷ 9 | 4,183.33 SY |
| 3-inch HMA volume | 37,650 × 3 ÷ 12 | 9,412.5 cubic feet |
| 3-inch HMA weight | 9,412.5 × 145 ÷ 2,000 | 682.41 tons |
| 8-inch base volume | 37,650 × 8 ÷ 12 ÷ 27 | 929.63 CY |
| 8-inch base weight | 37,650 × 8 ÷ 12 × 135 ÷ 2,000 | 1,694.25 tons |
How the material takeoff quantities are calculated
Divide square feet by 9 for square yards. For volume, multiply the area by the thickness in inches and divide by 12 for cubic feet, then by 27 for cubic yards. For weight, multiply cubic feet by a density in pounds per cubic foot and divide by 2,000 for short tons.
The densities are generic values from the site's material table: 145 lb/ft³ for compacted HMA and 135 lb/ft³ for crusher run or dense-graded aggregate. On a real job, use the mix design or the supplier's value. Carry the unrounded 37,650 SF through every step and round only the final quantity.
Build the material takeoff example in Zip Takeoff
In Zip Takeoff the paving outline is one area condition with the island cut out. Bid items attached to the condition calculate each material from that area. Weight (TON) multiplies square yards by a depth in inches and a density in lb/SY·in, then divides by 2,000, so 145 lb/ft³ is entered as 145 × 9 ÷ 12 = 108.75 lb/SY·in: 4,183.33 × 3 × 108.75 ÷ 2,000 = 682.41 tons. Volume (CY) uses the area and a depth in inches.
On the Estimate page you can change a bid item's depth and its quantity recomputes. Export XLSX writes the quantities by pay item.
What this material takeoff example leaves out
- Waste or ordering allowance. Add it as its own line, with its basis, after the net quantity.
- Tack coat, striping, curb and drainage, which are separate items with their own units.
- Base that extends past the pavement edge. Measure its own boundary when the section shows it wider.