Using the Construction Keypad

The BidMagic construction estimating software includes a "keypad" to enter unit cost formulas.

Using the Keypad

To create more complex formulas, use the keypad at upper right. It includes 'keys' for numerals, arithmetic operators, parentheses, commas, and four functions. Whenever you click on one of the keys, that symbol will be placed at the end of the formula.

When you click on a numeral key, the number will be entered directly, if the resulting formula makes sense. If not, an addition sign (+) will be placed before the numeral.

You may use the period key to create decimals.

You may use any of the four arithmetic operators anywhere except after another operator or after the beginning of a function.

EXAMPLE: To base the cost of Contract Preparation on square yards of finished floor area rather than square feet, first click the divide (/) button on the Keypad, then click the 9 button.

Use parentheses to isolate the contents of functions, or to separate portions of a formula so they'll be calculated first. If you type an open parenthesis after a dimension name, a number or an end parenthesis, it will be added automatically. Close parentheses are permitted only if they are 'matched' to an open parenthesis.

Use the comma to separate items when using the Average, Maximum or Minimum functions.

Four functions are available on the Keypad:

• SQRT-- Calculates the square root of what is inside the parentheses following it. For example, if JobTotal is equal to 10,000, SQRT(JobTotal) will be 100. HINT: Square root is useful for calculating a cost that rises more slowly than its unit does. For example, it requires more client meeting time for a project twice as big, but not usually twice as much.
• AVERAGE-- Calculates the average of the items within the pair of parentheses following it. There must be at least two items, and each item to be averaged should be separated by a comma. For example, if Ceil1 is 10 and Ceil2 is 8, then AVERAGE(Ceil1, Ceil2) is equal to 9.
• MAX-- Calculates the maximum of the items within the pair of parentheses following it. There must be at least two items, and each item should be separated by a comma. For example, if Ceil1 is 10 and Ceil2 is 8, then MAX(Ceil1, Ceil2) is equal to 10.
• MIN-- Calculates the minimum of the items within the pair of parentheses following it. There must be at least two items, and each item should be separated by a comma. For example, if Ceil1 is 10 and Ceil2 is 8, then MIN(Ceil1, Ceil2) is equal to 8.

When you enter a function, it will be entered directly if the resulting formula makes sense. If not, an addition sign (+) will be placed before the function.