> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.paintscout.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.paintscout.com/support/estimating/areas-and-rates.md).

# Areas & Rates

Areas and rates are the core building blocks of every PaintScout estimate. Add named spaces, choose room or surface area types, apply production rates, and fine-tune dimensions, coats, and hours when the job needs an override.

## In This Section

* [Adding Areas](/support/estimating/areas-and-rates/adding-areas-to-an-estimate.md) — Create named spaces, enter dimensions, choose room or surface mode, and add substrates
* [Adding Rates](/support/estimating/areas-and-rates/adding-rates-to-an-estimate.md) — Apply production rates to surfaces, edit them on the estimate, or create one-off custom rates
* [Adjust Surface Dimensions](/support/estimating/areas-and-rates/how-to-adjust-surface-dimensions.md) — Override surface measurements or switch to direct sqft or lnft input
* [Adjust Number of Coats](/support/estimating/areas-and-rates/how-to-adjust-the-number-of-coats-for-a-substrate.md) — Change coat counts on a surface and update pricing automatically
* [Adjust Painting & Prep Hours](/support/estimating/areas-and-rates/how-to-adjust-painting-and-prep-hours.md) — Fine-tune painting and prep hours when the automatic calculation needs adjustment
* [Prep Hours](/support/estimating/areas-and-rates/prep-hours.md) — Add manual prep time and have PaintScout calculate the prep cost from your hourly rate


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