Sheet metal estimating, from takeoff to pounds and price.
A working Excel template for HVAC sheet metal estimators: duct runs by size and shape convert to surface area and weight by gauge, fittings and accessories are counted, and labor and markup roll to a price. Below it, what estimating software should take off your plate.
Send one plan set. See what the AI extracts and what it flags for review. No obligation.
- Duct sq ft and lb by gauge
- Fittings and accessories tab
- Live formulas
Free download. No email required.
Yellow cells are inputs; formulas do the rest. Every default is an example you should replace with your own numbers.
Preview: Duct runs
| Run | Size | Shape | Length (ft) | Width (in) | Height (in) | Dia (in) | Material | Gauge | Sq ft | Waste % | Sq ft incl. waste | lb/sq ft | Weight (lb) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supply main | 24x14 | Rectangular | 120 | 24 | 14 | 0 | galv | 22 | ƒ calc | 0.15 | ƒ calc | 1.66 | ƒ calc |
| Branch | 12x8 | Rectangular | 260 | 12 | 8 | 0 | galv | 24 | ƒ calc | 0.15 | ƒ calc | 1.41 | ƒ calc |
| Round runouts | 8 dia | Round | 340 | 0 | 0 | 8 | galv | 26 | ƒ calc | 0.10 | ƒ calc | 1.16 | ƒ calc |
| TOTAL | ƒ calc | ƒ calc | ƒ calc | ƒ calc |
From drawings to a priced line, in order.
Take off runs by size
Measure each duct run on the mechanical plans and enter one row per size, shape and gauge.
Set gauge and weight
Pick the gauge from the spec or SMACNA table for size and pressure class; confirm lb/sq ft against your gauge chart.
Count fittings
Elbows, transitions, takeoffs, dampers and terminals go on the Fittings tab with your unit prices and labor units.
Price on Summary
Enter $/lb, labor units and rate; overhead and profit roll to a total.
What each column is for.
| Column | What goes in it |
|---|---|
| Run | System or run name from the drawing |
| Size | As labeled on the plan, for reference |
| Shape | Rectangular or Round (dropdown) |
| Length (ft) | Measured run length |
| Width (in) | Rectangular width |
| Height (in) | Rectangular height |
| Dia (in) | Round diameter |
| Material | galv, alum, SS |
| Gauge | Per the SMACNA table or spec for the size and pressure class |
| Sq ft | Surface area (formula) |
| Waste % | Seams, laps, cut-offs |
| lb/sq ft | Weight per sq ft for the gauge (editable) |
| Weight (lb) | Sq ft × lb/sq ft |
| Count | Count from plan and details |
| Unit price | Material per each |
| Labor hrs/ea | Your labor unit |
What software should take off your plate.
A spreadsheet prices well. The slow part is the takeoff that feeds it.
Runs and fittings from drawings
Counting diffusers and measuring runs across a floor plan is where hours go. RenderDraw proposes equipment counts and duct runs from mechanical sheets, linked to the source.
Addenda tracking
When a revised set arrives, the changes that matter are size and routing changes. Comparing revisions should show what moved instead of forcing a re-count.
Your pricing stays yours
Weights, labor units and markups belong to your shop. Approved quantities hand off to your pricing, or you can enter them in a workbook like this one.
The AI drafts. Your estimator decides.
Speed is easy to promise. Defensible numbers are the job, so RenderDraw keeps the estimator in control of every quantity that gets priced.
- Source on every row. Each quantity keeps its source sheet, location and reviewer decision.
- Lowest confidence first. The review queue shows the drawing tile with the detection highlighted and the extracted value.
- Uncertain items flagged, not hidden. Anything the AI can't confirm goes to the estimator rather than being guessed.
- Nothing priced before approval. Rows move on to pricing only after they are accepted.
Questions estimators ask
How do you estimate sheet metal ductwork?
Take off each run by size and length, convert to surface area (2 × (W+H) ÷ 12 × length for rectangular, π × D ÷ 12 × length for round), add waste, convert to pounds by gauge, then add fittings, accessories, labor and markup.
What is the weight of sheet metal per square foot?
It depends on gauge and material. Use a published gauge chart for galvanized steel and confirm with your supplier. The template's values are editable examples.
Is there free sheet metal estimating software?
This template is free and covers the pricing math. Software adds value at the takeoff stage: counting and measuring from drawings and tracking revisions.
Does RenderDraw do HVAC takeoffs?
Yes. RenderDraw proposes HVAC equipment counts and duct runs from mechanical sheets with each quantity linked to its source for estimator review.
Can I import the CSV into my estimating system?
Yes. The CSV files contain the same columns as the workbook tabs without formatting.
See what the AI reads on your own drawings.
Send one representative HVAC plan set. RenderDraw reviews it and follows up with what the AI extracted and what it flagged for review. Your files remain private while the request is assessed, and there is no obligation.
- Upload mechanical plans, equipment and air device schedules, duct sections, controls drawings and the Division 23 spec sections.
- RenderDraw reviews the set and the scope you want tested.
- We follow up with extracted quantities, flagged items and next steps.