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Mauro

Calculating the Volume of Identical Elements with a Single Line Item in the Bill of Quantities.

Mauro 2026-04-15 12:57:47


Here's an interesting support request I wanted to share with everyone.

Request
Let’s assume we need to calculate the volume of a series of identical columns and we want to obtain a single measurement line in the bill of quantities that includes:
- the number of columns,
- the side dimensions,
- without directly displaying the calculated volume, which should instead be derived from the shown measurements.

In other words, the goal is to avoid displaying ONLY the final volume in the bill of quantities, while clearly showing the measurements that define it.
Is it possible to achieve this type of representation?

Answer
As we know, when calculating the volume of an IFC entity, it is possible to directly use the volume variable, immediately obtaining the final value in the bill of quantities.


In this specific case, however, the desired representation can be achieved by using a custom formula that explicitly includes the dimensions and the number of elements, while still maintaining the automatic volume calculation.

This approach allows you to keep a compact and readable single measurement line, without sacrificing transparency regarding the dimensions that determine the volume. It is particularly useful when managing repetitive elements and aiming for a more structured and consistent bill of quantities aligned with traditional measurement logic.

Related discussion
How to quantify entities without repeated line items in the bill of quantities