> 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/adding-areas-to-an-estimate.md). # Adding Areas In PaintScout, you build estimates by adding areas — named spaces or rooms where work will be done (e.g., Bedroom, Office, East Wall, Porch). Each area holds dimensions and surfaces that drive automatic price calculations. ## What is an area? An area is a space or room where the work will be done, such as a Bedroom, Office, East Wall, or Porch. *** ## How do you add an area to an estimate? 1\. On the estimate, click **Add Area or Line Item**
Screenshot showing the Add Area or Line Item button on the estimate
2. Select **Area.**
Screenshot showing the Area option selected from the add menu
3. Choose from your list of pre-built areas from your settings or create a custom area.
Screenshot showing the list of pre-built areas to choose from or create a custom area
4. Once you have chosen an area, you can start customizing the details.
Screenshot showing the area customization form with name, dimensions, and settings
* **Personalize:** You have the flexibility to customize every field, including the name. Simply click on each box to make edits. * **Add dimensions:** Input the dimensions of the area in the designated width, length, and height boxes. If you wish to override the automatically calculated linear or square footage, click the **customize dimensions** button. To revert to the default value, click the triangle icon. * **Select an area type:** Choose **room** to calculate the space as if it has four walls, or **surface** for a single plane (e.g., the front side of a house). You can set the default type per estimate type in your settings.
Screenshot showing the area type selection between Room and Surface
5. Select the surfaces you want to paint. Choose a rate category (e.g., *Walls*), then pick a specific surface (e.g., *8 ft walls*). PaintScout calculates painting hours and price from the production rate and area dimensions. Click **+ Add Substrate** for more surfaces, then click **Add Area** when finished.
Animation showing the process of selecting rate categories and adding substrates to an area
## Related articles * [Adding Rates](/support/estimating/areas-and-rates/adding-rates-to-an-estimate.md) — Apply production rates to surfaces within each area. * [Area Names](/support/customization/templates-and-presets/area-names.md) — Create reusable room and location labels for faster estimating. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://help.paintscout.com/support/estimating/areas-and-rates/adding-areas-to-an-estimate.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.