A line item represents a single cost component attached to a takeoff symbol. Each symbol can have multiple line items covering different cost types, and each line item uses a formula to calculate its quantity from the symbol's measurements.
Cost types
Every line item has a cost type that categorizes what it covers.
Type | What it covers |
Material | Raw materials like concrete, pavers, or mulch |
Labor | Crew time and hourly rates |
Equipment | Rental, fuel, or owned equipment costs |
Subcontract | Work performed by subcontractors |
Other | Miscellaneous costs that don't fit other categories |
In the line items table, each row shows its type with an icon. Click the Type cell to change it using the inline dropdown.
Adding line items
Open a symbol's line item editor to add items. You can add them manually by clicking the + button next to any cost type section, or use the AI input field at the top. Type a description like "concrete pavers with base prep and labor" and the AI generates line items with appropriate formulas and cost types.
In the project-wide Line items table, add a new row by scrolling to the bottom and typing into an empty row. The table auto-saves your edits.
Pricing fields
Each line item has several pricing fields you can set.
Field | Purpose |
Name | Description of the item (or linked product name) |
SKU | Product identifier for tracking |
Cost per unit | Price per unit of measure |
Unit | Unit of measure (ea, sqft, lf, etc.) |
Markup % | Percentage markup applied to this item |
Set these fields directly in the line items table by clicking a cell, or in the expanded line item editor where you also configure formulas.
Formulas and quantity
Formulas calculate quantity from takeoff measurements. A formula references built-in variables like [NetAreaSqFt], [NetLinearFt], or [Count] depending on the symbol type. You can combine variables with arithmetic for complex calculations.
Two additional fields refine the calculated quantity. Waste adds a percentage buffer for material loss. Round up to nearest rounds the quantity up to match how materials are sold, such as rounding to the nearest whole unit or case.
Linking products
When adding or editing a line item, the Name field doubles as a product selector. Start typing to search your product lists, then select a product to inherit its pricing fields. Linked items show the product's SKU, cost per unit, unit of measure, and markup automatically.
If you type a name that does not match any product, it becomes a custom (unlinked) entry. You can also create a new product directly from the selector without leaving the editor.
Editing in the table
The line items table works like a spreadsheet. Click any cell to edit, press Enter to confirm and move down, Escape to cancel, and Tab to move between cells. Select multiple rows with checkboxes for batch deletion.
Filter the table by cost type using the Type dropdown in the toolbar. You can also filter by collection to see only line items from a specific takeoff template group.