When working with Sketchup, finding the quantity of an object or a group of objects can be a useful feature. Whether you need to calculate the amount of material required for a project or estimate the cost of construction, Sketchup provides several ways to determine quantity. In this tutorial, we will explore different methods to find quantity in Sketchup.
Using the Entity Info Window
The Entity Info window is an essential tool in Sketchup that provides information about selected objects. To access this window, select the desired object(s) and go to Window > Entity Info. The Entity Info window displays detailed information about the selected entity, including its volume and area.
If you have multiple objects that you want to find the total quantity for, select all the objects and check their individual volumes in the Entity Info window. Add up these volumes manually to get the total quantity.
Using Extensions
Sometimes, Sketchup’s built-in tools may not be enough for complex projects with numerous components. In such cases, using extensions can greatly enhance your workflow. There are several extensions available that offer advanced features for finding quantities in Sketchup.
The ‘Quantifier Pro’ Extension
Quantifier Pro is a popular extension that simplifies quantity calculations in Sketchup. It allows you to measure areas, lengths, and volumes directly from your 3D model. Quantifier Pro also enables you to generate bills of materials (BOM) and export them as CSV files for further analysis.
To use Quantifier Pro:
- Step 1: Install the Quantifier Pro extension from the Extension Warehouse.
- Step 2: Activate the extension by going to Extensions > Quantifier Pro > Activate.
- Step 3: Select the objects you want to measure and click on the ‘Measure’ button in the Quantifier Pro toolbar.
- Step 4: The extension will display the measured quantities, including volume, area, and length.
Using Sketchup’s Tape Measure Tool
If you don’t want to use extensions or if your requirements are relatively simple, Sketchup’s built-in Tape Measure tool can come in handy. Although primarily used for measuring distances, it can also provide rough estimates of volumes and areas.
To use the Tape Measure tool:
- Step 1: Select the Tape Measure tool from the toolbar or press ‘T’ on your keyboard.
- Step 2: Click on a point in your model to start measuring.
- Step 3: Move the cursor to another point and click again to complete the measurement.
- Step 4: Sketchup will display the measured distance in an on-screen label. This value can be used as an approximation for quantity calculations.
Note that using Sketchup’s Tape Measure tool for quantity calculations may not be as accurate as using dedicated extensions or manual calculations based on precise measurements. However, it can still provide a rough estimate when needed.
In Conclusion
Finding quantity in Sketchup is essential when planning projects or estimating costs. By utilizing built-in tools like the Entity Info window and the Tape Measure tool, you can get approximate measurements of volumes and areas.
For more advanced quantity calculations and detailed bills of materials, consider using extensions like Quantifier Pro. Remember to evaluate your specific project requirements and choose the most suitable method for finding quantity in Sketchup.