STAAD.Pro

How to Use Weight Extractor in Staad Tools

Calculate a STAAD.Pro steel take-off directly from STD or ANL nodes, member incidences, section assignments and the structural profile catalogue.

StruTools · 28 Aug 2026 · 5 min read

The Weight Extractor reads the structural model rather than relying on the optional printed take-off summary. Upload a STAAD STD file or an ANL file containing the numbered input listing. STAAD.Pro does not need to be running.

What it reads

The model parser reads joint coordinates, member incidences, active length units and MEMBER PROPERTY assignments. Member lengths come from their node geometry instead of a report summary.

  • Hot-rolled profiles are matched to the structural section catalogue and totalled by running length.
  • TAPERED built-up members are split into web and flange plate-thickness groups and calculated using a steel density of 7,850 kg/m³.
  • Property-unit changes are respected when a model uses metres for geometry and millimetres for section dimensions.
  • Unmatched user-defined sections stay visible in red and are excluded from the calculated weight.

Workflow

  1. Upload the STAAD .std model or its .anl analysis listing.
  2. Review the source if required, then select Extract Steel Take-off.
  3. Check the consolidated profile and plate schedule, especially any red unresolved rows.
  4. Filter the schedule, download its CSV, or print the A4 report.

How to read the result

Hot-rolled rows show the total running length and calculated mass. Built-up rows show plate thickness and mass; running length is intentionally left blank because flange and tapered-web plate quantities are consolidated by thickness.

Common mistakes

  • An ANL file must contain the numbered input listing with JOINT COORDINATES and MEMBER INCIDENCES.
  • A user-table section needs a matching catalogue mass; otherwise it is listed in red for review.
  • Changing the table filter does not change the calculated total.
  • Verify the schedule against the issued model before procurement.

This article provides general educational information. Project-specific structural design, calculations and drawings should be reviewed by appropriately qualified engineering professionals and checked against applicable project requirements and standards. StruTools does not replace engineering judgement or professional design review.

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