Running (cumulative) measurements are a fundamental surveying and setting-out technique. Instead of measuring each section individually (compounding errors), all dimensions are taken from a single datum point.
Running vs Individual Measurements
Method
Error Accumulation
Best For
Running (cumulative)
None — each point independent
Setting out walls, piers, posts
Individual (successive)
Errors compound
Short runs, few points
Calculation
Running Total at Point N = Sum of all segments from 1 to N. To convert back: subtract each running dimension from the previous one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are running measurements?
Cumulative dimensions from a single datum. Instead of 3m, 4m, 2m between points, you record 3m, 7m, 9m from the start.
Why use running dimensions?
Each measurement is independent — an error at one point does not affect others. Individual measurements compound errors.
How to convert back to individual?
Subtract each running dimension from the previous. E.g., 2400, 5000, 7200 → 2400, 2600, 2200mm.
Stop Guessing. Start Building Smarter.
Built Simple gives you calculators, estimating tools, scheduling, and project management — all in one platform built for Australian builders.
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
