True/False Statements and Check Boxes

Overview

Check boxes in takeoff software serve as true/false indicators for formulas. Understanding how these work is essential for creating dynamic calculations.

Key Concepts:

• Checked box = True = 1

Results from Formula

• Unchecked box = False = 0

Results from Formula

Basic Usage

You can use check boxes to control whether quantities are included in calculations by multiplying or adding the checkbox variable.

Example Formula:

[Point Count] * [Include in Bid?]

Results:

• When checkbox is checked (true): Formula calculates normally
• When checkbox is unchecked (false): Result becomes zero

AND Statements (&&)

Purpose

Use AND statements when all conditions must be true for the formula to return a positive result. If any condition is false, the entire expression evaluates to false.

Syntax

(condition1 && condition2 && condition3) * [value]

Example

(if([Point Count]>=10,1,0) && if([Width]>=2,1,0)) * [Point Count]

How it works:

• Both conditions true: Returns the calculated value
• Any condition false: Returns zero

Sample Results:

• Point Count = 10, Width = 2: ✓ Both true → Returns 10
• Point Count = 11, Width = 1: ✗ Width condition false → Returns 0

In this example, I set the Point Count Variable to 11 which produced a negative (false) or zero. Both were not True.

OR Statements (||)

Purpose

Use OR statements when at least one condition must be true for the formula to return a positive result. Only one condition needs to be satisfied.

Syntax

(condition1 || condition2 || condition3) * [value]

Example

(if([Point Count]>=12,1,0) || if([Width]>=5,1,0)) * 1

How it works:

• Any condition true: Returns the calculated value
• All conditions false: Returns zero

Sample Results:

• Point Count = 8, Width = 5: ✓ Width condition true → Returns 1
• Point Count = 15, Width = 3: ✓ Point Count condition true → Returns 1
• Point Count = 8, Width = 3: ✗ Both conditions false → Returns 0

Best Practices

Formula Construction

1. Test your conditions individually before combining them
2. Use parentheses to group logical operations clearly
3. Multiply by zero to exclude items from calculations
4. Combine with other variables for complex conditional logic

Common Use Cases

• Quality control: Only include measurements that meet specifications
• Bid inclusion: Toggle items in or out of cost calculations
• Material optimization: Apply different Materials based on dimensions

Troubleshooting

• Unexpected zeros: Check if all AND (&&) conditions are satisfied
• Always getting results: Verify OR (||) conditions aren't too permissive
• Formula errors: Ensure proper parentheses grouping
• Logic issues: Test each condition separately first
• 
  

Quick Reference

Operator Symbol Purpose Result when TRUE Result when FALSE

Check Box N/A Simple true/false 1 0

AND && All must be true Calculation proceeds Returns 0

OR || At least one true Calculation proceeds Returns 0

Remember: These logical operators are powerful tools for creating intelligent, conditional formulas that adapt based on your project requirements and user inputs.