Understanding Area Calculation in Revit
Calculating total area within Revit’s environment is essential for design and construction projects. Here is a comprehensive step-by-step guide to effectively find and calculate areas in Revit for your projects.
Setting Up to Calculate Area
Navigate to the Quantification Tab: Begin by accessing the Quantification tab, which is typically found in the ribbon interface at the top of the Revit workspace. Look for the Areabook Extension panel and identify the option labeled ‘Calculate Areas’.
Open the Calculation Dialog: Once you have accessed the Calculate Areas feature, a dialog box will appear. This is where you will set up your area calculation parameters.
- Choose Calculation Type: In the dialog box, you will need to specify the type of calculation you wish to perform. This could be a standard area calculation or a specific calculation based on room groups or other criteria.
Selecting Rooms and Areas
Make Selections for Calculation: Under the "Selection" section within the same dialog box, find and click the ‘Selection’ button. This will open a new dialog that allows you to choose which rooms and room groups you want included in your area calculation.
- Confirm Your Selections: In the Rooms/Room Groups Selection dialog, select the desired rooms or groups for your calculations. Ensure that you have accurately selected all the areas that you want to measure.
Calculating and Reviewing Results
Perform the Calculation: After the selections have been made, execute the calculation by clicking the relevant button in the dialog. Revit will process the information and calculate the total area based on your specified parameters.
- Review the Output: Once the calculation is complete, review the results presented in the dialog. This will typically include the total area measured in the units you are working with (e.g., square feet or square meters).
Using Additional Area Tools in Revit
Using Boundary Lines for Area Measurement: If you need to measure a custom area, you can utilize boundary lines. Go to the Home tab, find ‘Area’ in the Room & Area panel, and select ‘Boundary Line’. This option allows you to manually pick lines or draw new lines to define the area accurately.
- Measuring Areas with Tools: Use the Measure tool available under the ‘Modify’ tab. This tool lets you obtain dimensions directly by measuring between specified points, which can aid in pinpointing areas that require precise measurements.
Additional Tips for Area Calculations
- Check for Openings: When measuring wall areas, remember that Revit calculates the wall area minus any openings such as doors and windows. This will ensure you get a more accurate total area, considering your specific project needs.
- Adjusting Schedules: If you’re working with schedules in Revit, remember you can add calculated columns for areas and other metrics. Click on the schedule name in the Project Browser, then edit the formatting under the Properties palette to enable total calculations.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I calculate areas for custom shapes in Revit?
Yes, custom shapes can be measured by drawing boundary lines and using the area calculation tools available in the software.
2. Is there a difference between gross wall area and net wall area in Revit?
Yes, gross wall area refers to the total area of a wall including openings, while net wall area accounts for the area after subtracting any openings like windows and doors.
3. How can I ensure my area calculations are accurate?
To ensure accuracy, double-check your selections of rooms and areas, and review the final calculations for any discrepancies that may arise from overlapping or excluded areas. Use the Measure tool for additional verification when necessary.
