A takeoff for your own task is a count and a measure: count each device and box from the plan and legend, measure each conduit and conductor run with the drawing scale, then add the routing, termination and waste allowances your crew uses. Mark items off on the drawing as you count so nothing is counted twice, and have your journeyman check the list before you pull from stock.
Steps
- Confirm the drawing scale and that you have the current sheet.
- Count devices by type using the legend: receptacles, switches, fixtures.
- Count boxes and the covers or rings each needs.
- Measure conduit runs, including drops to each box, and add the fittings each run needs.
- For wire, multiply each run length by the number of conductors in it, and add the length your crew allows at each termination.
- Add the waste allowance your crew uses, then round up to what is sold.
Free tool: quick takeoff calculator
Enter your counts and lengths, with up to four wire runs, each with its own length and number of conductors. Measure runs along the planned route, including drops, and ask your crew about field changes. The waste allowance and stick length are set by you; ask your crew what they use. This calculator estimates conduit sticks and conductor length only. It does not choose wire sizes, conductor types, fittings or circuits, and it does not check code compliance. Have your supervising journeyman check the takeoff before anything is ordered. Nothing is saved.
Books on electrical takeoff and estimating
Starting your first year as a Texas apprentice? The US$19 Texas First-Year Electrical Apprentice Kit gives you printable pages for the first months on the job: a tool-check card, a who-to-ask list with a short stop-and-ask script, emergency-contact and heat-and-rest cards, plus a Tool budget sheet and a Tool inventory sheet (CSV).
Log your Texas Journeyman hours free. A free Tsai Electro account keeps your supervised hours, your online practice scores and your exam date in one place. Start with a five-question check to see which topic to practice next.
These go further than your own task list and help when you move toward lead or estimating work.
Electrical Estimating Methods, 4th Edition (RSMeans, Wayne J. Del Pico)
Covers quantity takeoff and pricing for electrical work.
As an Amazon Associate, Tsai Electro earns from qualifying purchases.
See Electrical Estimating Methods on AmazonMike Holt's Illustrated Guide to Understanding Electrical Estimating
An illustrated estimating textbook from Mike Holt Enterprises.
Prices and stock change on Amazon, so check the listing before you buy.
Sources
Product details come from the Amazon listing for each product, checked October 16, 2026. Prices change, so check the listing.
