Setting the correct sheet scale is one of the most important steps in the takeoff process. The scale determines how measurements on a plan are converted into real-world quantities. All measurements in Pipeline Takeoff are calculated based on the sheet scale. If the scale is incorrect or not set, quantities such as lengths, areas, and counts will be inaccurate.

This article explains when to use Standard Scale versus Manual Scale and how to apply each option correctly.

• Standard Scale: Use when you trust the PDF, such as vector-based drawings or files exported directly from CAD or BIM software.
• Manual Scale: Use when working with scanned drawings, images, or PDFs where the printed scale may not be reliable.

Set a Standard Scale

Use Standard Scale to apply a known scale value to a sheet.

1. Open the sheet you want to scale in the Takeoff workspace.
2. In the Sheets panel, select the ellipsis (… ) next to the sheet name.
3. Choose Set Scale.
4. Select the Standard Scale
5. Choose a preset scale or enter a custom scale value.
6. Select Apply.

Set a Manual Scale

Use Manual Scale to define scale by measuring known distances directly on the drawing.

1. Open the sheet you want to scale.
2. Select the ellipsis (… ) next to the sheet name and choose Set Scale.
3. Select the Manual Scale
4. Enter a known horizontal and vertical distance (for example, overall building dimensions).
5. Select Apply.
6. Click two points on the sheet to measure the horizontal distance.
7. Click two points to measure the vertical distance.
8. Select Stop Recording (or press R) when finished.

Apply scale to multiple sheets

After setting scale on one sheet, you can apply a consistent scale to multiple sheets at once.

1. In the Sheets panel, select the checkboxes for the sheets that need scale applied.
2. Select Scale Selected Sheets at the bottom of the panel.
3. Choose the desired preset scale.
4. Select Apply.

When scale is applied successfully, a scale indicator appears on the sheet, and a scale icon appears next to the sheet name in the Sheets panel.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Measuring before setting the scale.
• Using Standard Scale on scanned or distorted drawings.
• Forgetting to apply scale to all relevant sheets.