16.05.05 Variables You Can Use in Custom Formulas

Last Updated: 2024-02-29 13:22

These are the numerous variables you can use in a Custom Formulas. You probably will never use most of these but they are available, in case you do.

Note

Please note, some variables may mean more than one thing, depending on what Style (linear, area, count, or attachment) of Takeoff Item the Formula is used to calculate against (for example "W" can mean diameter (in formulas for circular Count/Attachment Results) or Width (in most other formulas).

Also, remember that 'Length' refers only to Linear takeoff - how long the object is that you draw on the Takeoff Window. When you write a formula for use in an Area, Count, or Attachment, use the Dimensions "Width" and "Depth".

Just because a variable is marked as "Lineal" (as an example) does not mean you cannot use it in a Volume or Area Formula, it is just an indicator that the UOM is considered a Lineal measurement. Keep in mind the possible UOMs for a Variable when you build formulas. Mathematically, for example, you just cannot add a SF and LF result (you cannot add a linear foot to a square foot, you know). You would have to introduce another step in your formula to convert the SF to a LF - usually by dividing by 1LF). Some variables, of course, are simply not usable in some Takeoff Item Types (Linear, Area, Count), the grids below show you in what Type of Takeoff Item each variable may be used.

Non-Dimensional Variables

(countable, not associated specifically with linear, area, or volume measurements)

Formula Property	Variable	Linears	Areas	Counts & Attachments
				Triangle	Square	Circle	Rectangle	Custom	Linear Attachment (Doors, Windows, etc)
Tile Count Visible	VTC		X
Tile Count Rounded	TCR		X
Exact Tile Count Visible	ETC		X
Perimeter Intersection Count	PIC		X
Field Intersection Count	FIC		X
Slope	S	X	X
Count	C	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X

Lineal Results Variables

Includes lineal results from all Takeoff Item Types (Linear, Area, Count, Attachment).

Formula Property	Variable	Linears	Areas	Counts & Attachments
				Triangle	Square	Circle	Rectangle	Custom	Linear Attachment (Doors, Windows, etc)
Length	L	X
Inner Curve Length	ICL	X
Outer Curve Length	OCL	X
Perimeter	P	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
Height	H	X		X	X	X	X	X	X
Diameter	W					X
Width	W	X		X	X		X	X	X
Depth	D						X	X
Thickness	T		X
Gap Width	GW		X
Tile Height	TH		X
Tile Width	TW		X
Grid Length*	GL		X
Backout Perimeter	BP		X
Attachment Perimeter	AP	X	X
Attachment Width	AW	X	X

*There is a known issue with Grid Length multiplied by Weight per Length. Do not use the GL variable with the WL variable. Create a custom formula for the specific Weight of an object, for example:

CC Takeoff Custom Formula editor

This Custom Formula would result in a calculation of 2.04 LBs per Linear Foot of grid (such as rebar).

Area Results Variables

Includes area results from any Takeoff Item Type (Linear, Area, Count, Attachment)

Formula Property	Variable	Linears	Areas	Counts & Attachments
				Triangle	Square	Circle	Rectangle	Custom	Linear Attachment (Doors, Windows, etc)
Area	A	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
Attachment Area	AA	X	X
Backout Area	BA		X
TileCountAreaVisible	TAV		X
TileCountAreaRounded	TAR		X

Volume Variables

Includes volume results from any Takeoff Item Type (Linear, Area, Count, Attachment)

Formula Property	Variable	Linears	Areas	Counts & Attachments
				Triangle	Square	Circle	Rectangle	Custom	Linear Attachment (Doors, Windows, etc)
Backout Volume	BV		X
Attachment Volume	AV	X	X

Custom Formula Examples - Counts

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