Construction symbol takeoff — key terms
Symbol takeoff
Symbol takeoff is the process of counting every instance of each device symbol on a construction plan set — receptacles, fixtures, sprinkler heads and the like — to build a bid.
Defensible count
A defensible count is a symbol count a person has reviewed and can stand behind in a bid, rather than an unverified estimate. SimplyCount shows unverified counts as a floor (≥).
On-prem takeoff
On-prem takeoff means the software runs on your own machine, with your drawings stored locally and never uploaded. That is how SimplyCount runs: counting is local, with a fully offline build available for air-gapped environments at negotiated pricing.
P&ID
A P&ID (piping and instrumentation diagram) shows process piping, valves and instruments. SimplyCount can count symbols on P&IDs as well as blueprints.
Self-learning detection
Self-learning detection lets you teach the tool a symbol once from your own legend, after which it counts that symbol on every future job.
SimplyCount
SimplyCount is an AI symbol-takeoff tool for electrical and construction estimators that runs on the estimator's own machine. It finds and marks every symbol on a plan set and exports the count to Excel, CSV and PDF.
See it on your own plans
Request early access with your work email — the team reviews every request, nearest bid deadlines first — then run your first plan and see a number you can defend. 168 pages · 60 symbols · ~1 hour.
Free during early access · Your work email · No credit card · Counting runs on your machine