Formwork quantity is a contact area. It is not the concrete volume, and it is not automatically the area of plywood you must buy. Reuse, cutting and the formwork system can change the purchase without changing the concrete contact area.
The Whatson Formwork Area Calculator records columns, beams and slab soffits in one schedule. Each type uses a different surface model.
The row labels need this interpretation
For a column, L is its height and W and D are the two cross section dimensions. The calculator counts four vertical faces: 2 × (W + D) × L.
For a beam, L is its length, W is soffit width and D is side depth. The counted area is the soffit plus two sides: (W + 2D) × L. End faces are not included.
For a slab, L × W gives the soffit area. Slab edges, drops and openings are not automatically added or deducted. All dimensions follow the selected measurement unit.
Four columns, 160 sq ft
In the checked example, select columns and enter height 10 ft, width 1 ft, depth 1 ft and quantity 4.
Each column has 40 sq ft of side contact. The schedule totals 160 sq ft, equivalent to about 14.86 m².
That is the area to compare with a contact area based shuttering quote. It does not mean four separate column tops and bases have been counted as formed faces.
Use separate rows for different elements
A 1 ft square column and a wider rectangular column should not share one averaged row. Record their dimensions separately so the quantity can be traced back to the drawing.
At beam and slab junctions, the actual contact surfaces can differ from the simple beam model. Check how your takeoff treats shared surfaces and reduced beam side depth instead of blindly adding overlapping estimates.
Plywood sheets need another decision
The tool does not count sheets, supports, ties, props or the number of reuse cycles. A contractor using reusable steel forms may price the same contact area differently from a plywood system.
The optional rate is PKR per sq ft of contact area. Confirm that scope before comparing it with a quote per element or a lump sum that includes other work.
Concrete quantities can be recorded separately with the Concrete Volume Calculator. Keeping the volume and shuttering area on different lines prevents an attractive single total from hiding an inconsistent unit.