Wattlebase
Free tool

Free drawing measurement tool

Measure lengths, curves and areas on PDF plans, CAD drawings, scans and photos, to scale, right in your browser. Made for estimators, drafters, sales reps, CAD users and tradies doing take-offs.

Open a drawing and start measuring

No sign-up. Your files stay on your computer.

Open the measuring tool

Opens in a new tab. Works best on a computer in Chrome or Edge.

What you can do with it

How to measure a drawing to scale

  1. Open the drawing. Click Open file, drag the file in, or paste a screenshot.
  2. Set the scale. On the Scale tab, calibrate from the longest dimension you can find. It’s the most accurate way.
  3. Measure. Press T for Trace route or G for Auto-pick, then click on the lines you want.
  4. Check the totals. The Measure tab lists every measurement. Drag a box to total a group.
  5. Export. Use File › Export to send the numbers to Excel or save a marked-up PDF.

Who it’s for

You are…Use it to…
An estimator or tradieTake off lengths and areas from plans for a quote: cable runs, pipe, fencing, skirting, roofing, paving.
A drafter or CAD userCheck dimensions on a PDF when you don’t have the CAD file.
A sales repWork out quantities from a customer’s drawing on the spot.

Common questions

Is it really free?

Yes. There is no sign-up and no limit on drawings or measurements.

Are my drawings uploaded anywhere?

No. Your files open inside your own browser and stay on your computer. The tool only downloads its reading and export helpers from public library sites, so it needs an internet connection.

How accurate is it?

On PDFs exported from CAD, Auto-pick and Trace route follow the real lines in the file, so they are exact to the scale you set. On scans and photos the lines are traced from the pixels, typically within about 1%. For the best result, calibrate from the longest dimension you can find.

What files can I open?

PDF (including multi-page sets), PNG, JPG, GIF, BMP, WebP and TIFF, or paste a screenshot with Ctrl+V. You can also open a whole folder of drawings.

How do I set the scale?

Click both ends of a dimension you know and type its real length, type the ratio (for example 1:100, with a sheet-size option for drawings printed smaller than intended), or let the tool read the scale from the title block.

Does it work on a phone or tablet?

It is built for a computer with a mouse, in Chrome or Edge. Phones and tablets are too small for the tool panels.

More free tools

Measured the job? Quote it in minutes.

Put your lengths and areas into a Wattlebase quote, get it accepted online and turn it into an invoice in one tap. Free for 30 days, no credit card.