A construction takeoff is the process of accurately determining and calculating all materials, products, services, and labor required to complete a construction project. The process includes analyzing detailed plans and specifications to determine exact material quantities, describing each item, and assigning an estimated cost. The purpose of a takeoff is to provide a comprehensive list of materials needed to bid on or complete the construction project, ensuring that there will be no delays caused by missing or incorrect materials.

Takeoffs are often done by experienced estimators and requires great attention to detail as even small errors can lead to significant changes in costs when multiplied across large projects.