> 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/how-to-adjust-surface-dimensions.md).

# Adjust Surface Dimensions

Override area dimensions on individual surfaces by editing length, width, height or switching to direct sqft/lnft input.

PaintScout lets you override area dimensions on individual surfaces so each surface can have its own measurements without affecting other surfaces in the same area.

Surfaces automatically inherit dimensions from their parent area. Override these by opening the surface and editing the length, width, and height.

<figure><img src="https://231248629-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FPyUbJF1GXLjxdJqm89IQ%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-4df9c9f60cbbd6141e6541150a663872d181486c%2F9a996c019cc47a2ec90b01b5_Screenshot_2023-12-08_at_4.27.09_PM.png?alt=media" alt="Screenshot showing a surface with length, width, and height dimension fields in the estimate area"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## How do you switch to direct sqft or lnft input?

1\. To input a direct square footage or linear footage amount instead of length/width/height, click the **switch to sqft/lnft** button on the surface.

{% hint style="info" %}
If you don't see the switch button, [contact us](mailto:support@paintscout.com) to have it enabled.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="https://231248629-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FPyUbJF1GXLjxdJqm89IQ%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-252406f17a18f46c1187830446d51820c94a1a1c%2F79cd72e7df3dd4d71c840444_PaintScout_Edit_Estimate_2023-12-08_at_1.34.31_PM.jpg?alt=media" alt="Screenshot showing the switch to sqft/lnft button on a surface in the estimate"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2\. Now, you can customize the sqft or lnft for this particular surface without affecting the measurements of other surfaces in the area.

<figure><img src="https://231248629-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FPyUbJF1GXLjxdJqm89IQ%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-84771feed2388ee6121e22c87574977df1b1e9fb%2Fc97c92124cdf3c4ad38230a0_PaintScout_Edit_Estimate_2023-12-08_at_1.35.03_PM.jpg?alt=media" alt="Screenshot showing the customized sqft or lnft input field for an individual surface"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## How do custom surface dimensions affect work orders?

When you change a surface's dimensions, that surface uses its own measurements everywhere: on the estimate, and in both the Area and Surface views of the work order. The area's dimensions *don't* change.

If dimensions show on your work orders, the area total won't always equal the sum of the surfaces underneath it because of this.

**Example:** A bedroom is entered as 15 × 12 × 8 sqft, so the area shows **432 sqft** of walls. You add an MDF panel and change its height to 4 ft (so it becomes 15 x 12 x 4 sqft). The panel shows **216 sqft** on the estimate and in both work order views, while the area header still shows 15 x 12 x 8 sqft.

<figure><img src="https://231248629-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FPyUbJF1GXLjxdJqm89IQ%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-f7cfd6d41ac7ba40126e9488a45a226eab8a8827%2FScreenshot%202026-10-05%20at%201.03.24%E2%80%AFPM.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
If you want the area's numbers to match a surface you've changed, update the area's dimensions too. Otherwise, a crew note on the surface can explain the difference to your team.
{% endhint %}

&#x20;&#x20;

## Related articles

<table data-card-size="large" data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Adjust Number of Coats</strong></td><td>Adjust the number of paint coats for individual surfaces using the coats dropdown after configuring rates in account settings.</td><td><a href="/support/estimating/areas-and-rates/how-to-adjust-the-number-of-coats-for-a-substrate.md">Adjust Number of Coats</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Adjust Painting &#x26; Prep Hours</strong></td><td>Manually adjust painting hours and prep time on individual substrates when automatic calculations need fine-tuning.</td><td><a href="/support/estimating/areas-and-rates/how-to-adjust-painting-and-prep-hours.md">Adjust Painting &amp; Prep Hours</a></td></tr></tbody></table>


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