Which fields differ?
A takeoff focuses on what is present and how much. An estimate adds rate, supplier, labour, equipment, allowance and commercial fields.
| Record | Primary question |
|---|---|
| Takeoff | What work and quantity? |
| Rate | What does one unit cost? |
| Estimate | What is the priced basis? |
| Review | What remains open? |
Sources: Construction Specifications Institute: MasterFormat 2026
Why should they be linked?
A linked takeoff and estimate let the team update a quantity or rate without losing the source trail.
Common questions
What else should the bid team know?
Can an estimate exist without a takeoff?
It can, but an unexplained allowance or lump sum is harder to review.
Who approves the takeoff?
The estimator or quantity reviewer checks it, with design input from the responsible engineer.
Does the glossary provide prices?
No. Project rates and quantities must come from approved inputs.
Primary sources
- MasterFormat 2026Construction Specifications Institute
- NFPA 70, National Electrical CodeNational Fire Protection Association
- ANSI/TIA-942 Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard for Data CentersTelecommunications Industry Association
- Tier Standard: TopologyUptime Institute