Read the spec first
Start with 09 22 16 Non-Structural Metal Framing and 09 29 00 Gypsum Board. Note the stud gauge rules, the board types and the finish levels. Check if the sections include acoustic insulation and acoustical sealant. Check for a separate shaft wall section.
Sheets and schedules that carry the count
- The wall type legend. It defines each partition: stud size, layers, insulation and height.
- The floor plans. They carry the wall type tags.
- The reflected ceiling plans. They show gypsum ceilings, soffits and ceiling heights.
- The building and wall sections. They show which walls go to the deck.
- The life safety plan. It shows the rated walls.
- The door schedule, for framed openings.
Steps in order
- Read the wall type legend. List what each type contains.
- Measure the walls by type and by length, one floor at a time.
- Set the height for each wall from the legend and the sections.
- Multiply length by height. Then multiply by the number of board layers.
- Measure gypsum ceilings and soffits from the ceiling plans.
- Measure shaft walls, furring and column wraps.
- Count the openings, corners and wall ends for framing and trim.
- Measure control joints and deflection track by length.
Count, length, area or volume
- Count: door and window openings, access panels and column wraps.
- Length: walls by type, track, corner bead, control joints and sealant.
- Area: board by type, finish by level, and acoustic insulation.
- Volume: none.
Conflicts to find, and what to exclude
- The legend says a wall stops above the ceiling. The life safety plan rates that wall.
- The floor plan has walls with no type tag.
- The spec sets one finish level. The finish schedule shows a gloss paint or wall covering.
- The spec gives acoustic insulation to you. The insulation section also lists it.
- Sections and ceiling plans show different heights to the deck.
A wall that runs to the deck can cost far more than one that stops at the ceiling. Check the height of every type. Exclude acoustical tile ceilings and exterior sheathing unless the bid form includes them. Qualify backing. Qualify firestopping at other trades' penetrations.
Trade takeoffs · Updated 11 Nov 2026