Cost Formula

[sjsl]

Could someone please share a typical cost formula for say the cost of a particular wall type. Area*Unit Cost = Cost (Total). We are struggling with this type of info since there is little or no help available how to set up formulas by example. We just keep getting errors on wrong units, etc.

Thanks Tons!

[LRaiz]

Let's assume that you are using Cost parameter available in Wall type as your unit cost. When you assign numeric value to to Cost Revit has no idea what is the meaning of this parameter. It could be cost per square foot, cost per square inch, cost per linear foot, cost per wall instance, etc. You are the only one who knows the meaning and you use your knowledge while writing a formula for calculated value in schedule. Revit just enforces that units of measurement are the same on the left and right sides of your formula.

Let say you want to compute TotalCost (number parameter) then taking into account the fact that unit Cost is also a number (no units of measurement) and Area parameter has units of length square you would write

If Cost is per square foot then TotalCost = Cost * Area / (1' * 1')
If Cost is per square inch then TotalCost = Cost * Area / (1" * 1")
If Cost is per square meter then TotalCost = Cost * Area / (1m * 1m)
If Cost is per linear foot then TotalCost = Cost * Length / (1')
If Cost is per wall instance then TotalCost = Cost

Makes sense?

[sjsl]

Thanks for trying to help my confusion. But it didn't work, I'm still lost. For the most part I have picked on the logic of the overall program, but I can honestly say this is one area of the program that is poorly documented and understood by few. For example, you state in your formula that length has units squared. or something like that . Where in the world would I find this info to help me? I have absoluetly no idea what this means.And I am not alone.

For now it's back to using Excel and pencil to get our results until we understand better how to achieve this in Revit. We do see a great potential in these schedules but like a plain box of white tiny crystals that only says," Pour as needed", something gets lost in the translation.

Again thanks, we will overcome....eventually!

[beegee]

All Leonid is saying is that the area parameter has units of length squared ( ie 1ft² = 1' x 1' and 1m² = 1 m x 1 m )

So when the cost is based on an area that is a square foot or square metre, you must convert the formula by dividing by that measurement.

So if you have a wall that is 10 M² and the unit cost is $ 100/ m², then The formula is 100 * 10 / 1 *1, as per the image attached.

[sjsl]

Thanks for the reply, we'll start playing with this on Monday after the Easter Bunny comes thru.