From Your Plan Set to Your Concrete Order
Send the plans. Get back the concrete by element, the rebar, and the block and grout counts, each shown on your own drawing, ready to turn into an order. Free, no account.
Vector PDF, DWG or DXF. Estimate only. Verify before ordering.
Sample takeoff totals: 76.7 cubic yards of concrete and 3,461 pounds of rebar.
What comes back
One Plan Set, Counted Down to the Order
- Concrete as drawn
- 76.7CYNet, before waste
- To order
- 82.0CYWith a 7% waste allowance, in 9 trucks
- Rebar
- 3,461lb#5 and #7 bars
- CMU blocks
- 2,3468x8x16, restroom walls
- Grouted cells
- 59One #5 bar each
- Questions for the engineer
- 2Settled before the order
Sample: City of Ocala Park Pavilion. A public bid set: one 11-sheet vector PDF. The foundation plan is sheet A100. We are not affiliated with the City of Ocala, and the City does not endorse us.
Inside the takeoff
Scale, Schedules, Questions, Then the Pour
A100 foundation plan · scale 1/4" = 1'-0"
Scale 1/4" = 1'-0" checked against the drawing's own dimensions
Check the scale
Before a single yard is counted, the scale on sheet A100 is checked against the drawing's own dimension string. The 85'-0" chain has to add up.
A100 foundation plan, scale 1/4" = 1'-0"
How it works
Send the Set. Click the Link. Get the Numbers.
- 01
Send the full set
A vector PDF of the drawings, general notes and specs, or DWG / DXF files with every xref. Add your work email.
- 02
Click the start link
We email you a link. The takeoff starts only after you click it, so nothing runs on a typo.
- 03
Get the link and the CSV
A private link with every number shown on your drawing and the math behind it, plus a quantities CSV for your own estimate.
Worked example
How Much Concrete to Order From the Plans
Follow the sample set from the foundation plan to the order: the net volume, the allowance, the steel and block, and the two questions to settle before anyone books a truck.
76.7 CY + 7% = 82.0 CYin 9 trucks
Read the worked exampleAlso on MixChapter
Practice Exams and Chapter Tools
Free ACI practice exams
Field Testing Grade I, Strength Testing, Flatwork Finisher, Aggregate Testing and Special Inspector, in English and Spanish. No sign-up.
Chapter software, coming soon
Member, event, certification and compliance tools for ACI, ICRI, PCI, PCA and ASCC chapters. Join the waitlist for early access.
Pass Your ACI Certification on the First Try
100% free practice exams with instant scoring, detailed ASTM-referenced explanations, and unlimited retakes. No account needed. No hidden fees. No catch.
95% Pass Rate Guarantee
Students who score above 80% on our practice exams consistently pass their ACI certification on the first attempt. Our questions mirror real exam difficulty with explanations that teach the "why" behind every answer.
All Practice Exams (English)
ACI Field Testing Grade I
Free online practice test with 30 questions covering slump testing, air content, temperature measurement, unit weight, cylinder fabrication, and sampling procedures per ASTM standards.
ACI Strength Testing
Free online practice test with 25 questions covering compressive strength testing, specimen preparation, capping methods, testing machine requirements, and ASTM standards for lab testing.
ACI Flatwork Finisher
Free online practice test with 20 questions on screeding, floating, troweling, jointing, curing, surface defects, and best practices for concrete flatwork finishing.
ACI Aggregate Testing
Free online practice test with 25 questions covering sieve analysis, specific gravity, absorption, moisture content, and other aggregate testing procedures per ASTM standards.
ACI Special Inspector
Free online practice test with 30 questions covering reinforced concrete inspection, formwork, rebar placement, concrete placement, post-tensioning, and IBC requirements.
Examenes de Practica ACI (Espanol)
Todos los examenes de practica disponibles en espanol con terminologia tecnica profesional de la industria del concreto. Completamente gratuitos, sin registro requerido.
ACI Pruebas de Campo Grado I
Examen de practica gratuito con 30 preguntas sobre prueba de asentamiento, contenido de aire, temperatura, peso unitario, fabricacion de cilindros y procedimientos de muestreo segun normas ASTM.
ACI Resistencia de Concreto
Examen de practica gratuito con 25 preguntas sobre pruebas de resistencia a compresion, preparacion de especimenes, metodos de cabeceo, requisitos de maquinas de prueba y normas ASTM.
ACI Acabador Concreto Plano
Examen de practica gratuito con 20 preguntas sobre enrasado, flotado, llaneado, juntas, curado, defectos superficiales y mejores practicas para acabado de concreto plano.
ACI Pruebas de Agregados
Examen de practica gratuito con 25 preguntas sobre analisis granulometrico, gravedad especifica, absorcion, contenido de humedad y procedimientos de prueba de agregados segun normas ASTM.
ACI Inspector Especial
Examen de practica gratuito con 30 preguntas sobre inspeccion de concreto reforzado, encofrado, colocacion de acero, colocacion de concreto, postensado y requisitos IBC.
What Our ACI Practice Exams Cover
Every question is written by concrete industry professionals and references specific ASTM standards. Here is exactly what you will be tested on.
ACI Field Testing Technician Grade I
The most widely required certification in the concrete industry. Required by ready-mix companies, testing labs, and contractors across the United States and internationally. Our free practice test covers all six core field tests.
ACI Concrete Strength Testing Technician
Validates your ability to test hardened concrete specimens in laboratory settings. Required by testing laboratories and referenced in building codes. Covers compressive strength, capping procedures, and machine calibration.
ACI Concrete Flatwork Finisher
Demonstrates competence in finishing techniques for slabs, sidewalks, driveways, and flatwork. Covers the science behind finishing operations and preventing surface defects like scaling, dusting, and cracking.
ACI Aggregate Testing Technician
Validates proper testing of aggregates used in concrete production. Aggregates make up 60-75% of concrete volume, so their properties directly impact quality, workability, strength, and durability.
ACI Concrete Construction Special Inspector
One of the most advanced ACI certifications. Required by the International Building Code (IBC) for reinforced concrete construction. Covers formwork, reinforcement, concrete placement, post-tensioning, and ACI 318 code requirements.
Why Concrete Industry Chapters Choose MixChapter
Purpose-built for ACI, ICRI, PCA, ASCC, and World of Concrete chapters. Not another generic association platform.
Member Management and Retention
Track memberships, certifications, engagement scores, and renewal dates automatically. Segment members by career stage, interests, and activity level for targeted outreach. Reduce churn with automated renewal reminders and re-engagement campaigns.
Analytics That Drive Decisions
Real-time dashboards showing attendance trends, membership growth, financial health, and engagement metrics. Stop guessing what works. Make data-driven decisions about programming, events, and outreach.
Compliance and Reporting
Never miss an ACI annual report deadline, IRS 990 filing, or state registration renewal. Automated compliance calendars with 30-day advance reminders. Generate annual reports in hours, not weeks.
Bilingual Support (English and Spanish)
Reach the full concrete industry workforce. All practice exams available in both English and Spanish with professional industry terminology. Platform communications support multilingual member bases.
The Complete Guide to ACI Chapter Management in 2026
Running an ACI chapter requires balancing member engagement, technical programming, compliance reporting, financial management, and volunteer coordination. Most chapters rely on spreadsheets, email chains, and the institutional knowledge of a few key volunteers. When those volunteers move on, chapters lose momentum. MixChapter replaces that fragile system with a centralized platform designed specifically for concrete industry organizations.
How to Start an ACI Chapter
Starting a new ACI chapter begins with identifying at least 15 interested professionals in your geographic area. Contact ACI headquarters for the chapter formation packet. You will need to draft bylaws, elect initial officers, and submit a charter application. MixChapter provides templates for bylaws, officer role descriptions, and meeting agendas to accelerate the formation process.
ACI Chapter Meeting Best Practices
The most effective ACI chapters hold structured meetings with agendas distributed two weeks in advance, 90-minute maximum duration, and a mix of technical presentations, committee reports, and structured networking. Chapters that rotate venues across member facilities report 15-25% higher average attendance. Read our complete guide to chapter meetings for a detailed playbook.
Growing Chapter Membership
Membership growth requires a multi-channel approach: university partnerships for student pipelines, engagement programs for retention, certification prep courses for value-driven recruitment, and digital outreach to reach professionals where they already are. Chapters that implement structured young professional programs see 40-60% student-to-professional conversion rates.
Chapter Financial Management
Most ACI chapters operate as 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) nonprofits with annual IRS filing obligations. Our treasurer's guide covers budgeting, monthly reconciliation, tax compliance, and financial reporting best practices. MixChapter automates expense tracking, dues collection, and generates year-end reports for tax filing.
Leadership Transitions Without Losing Momentum
Officer transitions are the most vulnerable moment in a chapter's lifecycle. When institutional knowledge lives in one person's email inbox, transitions become chaotic. Our leadership transition guide provides a three-month handoff process. MixChapter stores all chapter data centrally so new officers log in and see everything from day one.
Building a Chapter Sponsorship Program
Sponsorship revenue funds most chapter activities beyond basic dues. Design three to four tiers, price them based on your market, and deliver benefits consistently. Track benefit delivery with MixChapter's sponsorship module to maintain 70-80% annual retention rates.
ACI Certification Exam Preparation Guide
Professional certifications are essential for concrete industry career advancement. ACI certifications are required by project specifications, building codes, and employers across the construction industry. MixChapter provides free practice exams for all major ACI certifications to help professionals prepare and pass.
How to Pass the ACI Field Testing Technician Grade I Exam
The ACI Field Testing Technician Grade I is the most common concrete certification. Focus on memorizing the specific procedures for each of the six tests: slump (ASTM C143), air content (ASTM C231), temperature (ASTM C1064), unit weight (ASTM C138), cylinder fabrication (ASTM C31), and sampling (ASTM C172). Know the number of layers, rod strokes per layer, and time limits. Take our free ACI Grade I practice exam to identify weak areas, then study those ASTM standards in depth. Also available in Spanish.
ACI Strength Testing Certification Tips
The strength testing exam requires precise numerical knowledge: perpendicularity tolerances, cap thickness limits, loading rate ranges, and calibration accuracy standards from ASTM C39, C617, and C1231. Our free strength testing practice exam tests these specific details with explanations that reference the exact ASTM sections.
Preparing for the ACI Special Inspector Certification
The Special Inspector certification is one of the most advanced ACI credentials, required by the International Building Code for reinforced concrete construction inspection. Study the current editions of ACI 318 and the IBC. Our free special inspector practice exam covers reinforcement inspection, formwork, concrete placement, and post-tensioning. Practice in Spanish here.
Guia de Examenes ACI en Espanol
Todos los examenes de practica de MixChapter estan disponibles en espanol con terminologia tecnica profesional de la industria del concreto latinoamericana. No es una traduccion automatica: usamos los terminos correctos como "asentamiento" para slump, "cabeceo" para capping, "enrasado" para screeding, y "encofrado" para formwork.
Visite nuestra pagina de examenes en espanol para acceder a los cinco examenes de practica ACI completamente gratuitos. Cada examen incluye explicaciones detalladas que referencian las normas ASTM especificas. Sin registro requerido. Estudie en su telefono, tableta o computadora.
Concrete Industry Resources and Guides
Our resource library covers every aspect of chapter management for concrete industry organizations. From creative event ideas to chapter website SEO, we provide actionable guides written by chapter leaders who have done the work.
All Blog Topics
How to Run an Effective ACI Chapter Meeting in 2026
Membership Growth5 Strategies ICRI Chapters Use to Attract Young Professionals
Industry EventsMaximizing Your Chapter's Presence at World of Concrete 2026
ComplianceComplete Guide to ACI Chapter Compliance Requirements
TechnologyDigital Tools Every Concrete Chapter Needs in 2026
Member EngagementHow to Increase Chapter Member Engagement: A Practical Guide
Chapter OperationsHow to Transition Chapter Leadership Without Losing Momentum
Chapter OperationsBuilding a Chapter Sponsorship Program That Delivers Value
Chapter EventsACI Chapter Event Ideas That Drive Attendance
Chapter OperationsChapter Treasurer's Guide: Financial Management for Nonprofits
Professional DevelopmentConcrete Industry Certifications: A Guide for Chapter Members
TechnologyHow to Create a Chapter Website That Ranks on Google
Chapter FinanceHow to File Form 990 for Your ACI, ICRI, or PCA Chapter (Step-by-Step Guide)
Chapter Finance501(c)(3) vs 501(c)(6): Which Tax Status is Right for Your Concrete Industry Chapter?
Chapter OperationsThe Complete ACI and ICRI Chapter Compliance Checklist for 2026
Chapter FinanceState Registration Requirements for Nonprofit Chapters: A 50-State Overview
Chapter OperationsChapter Insurance Guide: D&O, General Liability, and Event Coverage for ACI and ICRI Chapters
Chapter OperationsHow to Write Chapter Bylaws: Template and Guide for ACI, ICRI, and PCA Chapters
Organizations MixChapter is planned for
Chapter software is coming soon for chapters affiliated with the concrete industry's leading organizations:
- American Concrete Institute (ACI), an organization with chapters worldwide, for planned member, program, and compliance tools
- International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI) chapters connecting professionals in concrete repair, restoration, and protection
- World of Concrete (WOC) chapter coordination for regional participation, education tracks, and networking at the industry's premier annual event
- Portland Cement Association (PCA) chapters driving local advocacy, professional development, and sustainability initiatives
- American Society of Concrete Contractors (ASCC) chapters supporting contractors with technical resources and industry connections
Platform Features for Every Chapter Size
Whether you are a 25-member local chapter or a 500-member regional organization, MixChapter scales to fit:
- Member management with custom fields, engagement scoring, and automated renewals
- Event coordination with RSVP, digital check-in, and post-event surveys
- Compliance tracking with automated deadline reminders for ACI reports, IRS filings, and state registrations
- Reporting and analytics with real-time dashboards for attendance, membership, and financial health
- Communication hub for newsletters, announcements, and targeted member outreach
- Board governance tools for elections, committee management, and succession planning
- Document repository for bylaws, meeting minutes, standards, and technical bulletins
- Secretary and admin tools for agendas, voting records, and compliance documents
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the ACI practice exams really free?
Yes, 100% free. No account, no email, no credit card, no hidden fees. Take every exam as many times as you want with instant scoring and detailed ASTM-referenced explanations. We believe quality exam prep should be accessible to every concrete professional.
What is the pass rate for students who use MixChapter practice exams?
Students who consistently score above 80% on our practice exams report a 95%+ first-attempt pass rate on actual ACI certification exams. Our questions mirror real exam difficulty and cover the same ASTM standards tested on the actual certification.
Are the Spanish exams a direct translation?
No. Our Spanish exams use professional Latin American concrete industry terminology, not machine translation. Terms like "asentamiento" (slump), "cabeceo" (capping), "enrasado" (screeding), and "encofrado" (formwork) are the standard terms used by Spanish-speaking concrete professionals.
Which ACI certification should I get first?
Start with ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician Grade I. It is the most widely required certification in the industry and provides a foundation for all other ACI certifications. Most ready-mix companies and project specifications require it. Take our free practice exam to start preparing.
How much does MixChapter cost for chapters?
MixChapter offers a free starter plan with no credit card required. Premium plans scale based on chapter size and features needed. Visit our pricing page for full details. Every plan includes access to all free practice exams for your members.
Can I study for ACI exams on my phone?
Yes. All practice exams are fully responsive and work on phones, tablets, and desktop computers. Study anywhere, anytime. No app download required. Just open the exam in your browser and start practicing.
Puedo tomar los examenes de practica ACI en espanol?
Si. Los cinco examenes de practica ACI estan disponibles en espanol en mixchapter.com/examenes. Completamente gratuitos, sin registro requerido. Terminologia profesional de la industria del concreto, no traduccion automatica.
How do I prepare for the ACI Field Testing Grade I exam?
Start with our free 30-question practice exam to identify weak areas. Study the ASTM standards for each of the six tests (C143, C231, C1064, C138, C31, C172). Focus on specific procedures: number of layers, rod strokes per layer, and time limits. Retake the practice exam until you score above 80% consistently. If your local ACI chapter offers a hands-on prep course, take it.
What organizations does MixChapter support?
MixChapter is built for concrete industry chapters including ACI, ICRI, World of Concrete, PCA, and ASCC. The platform handles member management, events, compliance, communications, and reporting for chapters of all sizes.
Do you offer practice exams for ASTM C39, C143, C231, and other specific standards?
Yes. Our practice exams are organized by ACI certification type, and each question references the specific ASTM standard it tests. For ASTM C39 questions, take our Strength Testing exam. For ASTM C143 and C231, take the Field Testing Grade I exam. Every answer explanation cites the exact ASTM section.
Start Preparing for Your ACI Certification Today
Join thousands of concrete professionals who passed their ACI certification using MixChapter's free practice exams. No account required. Start now.
Also available: Chapter Management Platform | Resource Library | Contact Sales