Documentation Index

Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help-go.include.com/llms.txt

Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

Units of Measure

Prev Next

Units of Measure (UoM) define how quantities are counted throughout include GO — Each, Hours, Gallons, Square Feet, and so on. Every resource in your catalog is assigned a unit of measure, which then flows through estimates, purchase orders, invoices, and reports.

include GO ships with a starter list of common units. Most businesses tweak it a little (add a unit for bagged bulk materials, for example) and leave it alone.


Where to Find Units of Measure

From anywhere in include GO, click the Settings icon in the left sidebar. In the Settings sidebar that opens, under the Financial Setup section, click Units of Measure.

Navigation path: Dashboard → Settings → Financial Setup → Units of Measure


The Default Units

A fresh tenant comes seeded with eight common units:

NameCodeTypical use
EachEAIndividual items with no sub-units (catalog items, fixtures).
HoursHRLabor time billing.
Square FeetSQFTArea-based materials (sod, mulch coverage, hardscape).
Cubic YardsCYVolume-based materials (soil, concrete, aggregate).
Linear FeetLFTLength-based materials (edging, piping, lumber).
PalletsPLTPalletized bulk (pavers, sod, block).
GallonsGALLiquid materials (paint, sealer, fertilizer concentrate).
BagsBAGBagged bulk materials (mulch, grass seed, ice melt).


The Units of Measure Page

The page shows a table of every unit in the system. Unlike most settings pages in include GO, Units of Measure uses a dialog-based create form rather than inline grid editing — you click Add Unit, fill in the form, and save.

Units of Measure list

What you see on this screen

#ElementWhat it does
1Add Unit buttonThe blue button in the top-right. Opens the Create Unit of Measure dialog.
2Include Archived checkboxOff by default. Turn it on to also show archived units.
3Name columnThe full name of the unit — what shows on dropdowns and reports.
4Code columnThe short abbreviation (EA, HR, GAL) shown as a badge. Used in compact views and printed documents.

More columns to the right: Display Order (sort position in pickers), Usage (whether the unit is in use — shows "Not Used" if no resources reference it), Status (Active or Archived badge), Notes, and Created.


Creating a New Unit of Measure

Click + Add Unit in the top-right of the page. The Create Unit of Measure dialog opens.

Create Unit of Measure dialog

Form fields

#FieldRequired?What to enter
1NameYesThe full name of the unit — examples: Each, Gallon, Pound, Cubic Yard. Max 50 characters.
2CodeYesA short uppercase abbreviation — examples: EA, GAL, LB. Max 10 characters. Auto-uppercased as you type.
3NotesNoOptional context about how and when to use this unit, or any conversion factors (e.g., 1 bag = 2 cubic feet) for your team's reference.

Click Create Unit to save. The new unit appears in the list and becomes available in the unit-of-measure picker on every resource record.

If something's wrong: The form shows the error inline next to the offending field. Most commonly: Code is already in use (codes must be unique), or Name is blank.


Editing a Unit of Measure

Right-click any row to open the menu, then choose Edit. The same dialog opens with the current values pre-filled. Make your changes and click Update Unit.

Note: Changing a unit's Name or Code updates it everywhere the unit is assigned. If "Hour" becomes "Hour (Billable)," every resource using that unit shows the new name.


Archiving and Activating

You can't delete a unit that's assigned to any resources — that would break those records. Instead, archive units you no longer use. Archived units disappear from pickers but existing resources keep their unit assignment.

Right-click any row to see the menu:

Right-click menu on a unit of measure

ActionWhen you'll see itWhat it does
Add New UnitAlwaysSame as clicking the Add Unit button above the table.
EditOn active rowsOpens the Create Unit of Measure dialog pre-filled with the row's values.
ArchiveOn active rowsHides the unit from pickers. A confirmation appears first.
ActivateOn archived rows (after you turn on "Include Archived")Restores the unit so it shows up in pickers again.


How Units of Measure Connect to the Rest of the App

  • Resource Catalog — Every catalog item is assigned a unit of measure (required field).
  • Assemblies — Each assembly has its own unit so quantities on tasks are interpreted correctly.
  • Estimates and Proposals — Line items show their resource's unit so clients know what they're being quoted.
  • Purchase Orders — Vendor orders use the resource's unit on each line.
  • Invoices — Customer invoices show billable units (hours, square feet, etc.).
  • Reports — Quantity columns display the unit so totals make sense.


Who Can Edit This Page?

Anyone with the Settings View permission can see the Units of Measure page. Only users with the Settings Manage Units of Measure permission can add, edit, or archive units. By default this means Super Admin and Accountant roles.


Tips & Best Practices

  • Set up your common units first. Resources can't be created without a unit, so populate the ones your business uses before building the catalog.
  • Keep codes short and intuitive. "SQFT" reads better than "SQUARE-FT" in a compact table view and on printed documents.
  • Use Notes for conversion factors. If a "Bag" is 2 cubic feet, document that in Notes so estimators can convert back to bulk volume when needed.
  • Don't create redundant units. "LFT" and "LF" for linear feet create confusion. Pick one and stick with it.
  • Archive instead of renaming a widely-used unit. Renaming changes the unit everywhere; if you really mean a different thing, archive the old one and add a new one with a different name.
  • Watch the Usage column. "Not Used" means no resources reference the unit — these are safe to archive or delete. Units with a usage count need archiving, not deletion.


Common Questions

Can I rename "Each" to "Item"? Yes — right-click the row, Edit, change the Name. Every resource using that unit instantly shows the new name.

What happens to resources if I archive their unit? Resources keep their unit assignment. The archive just hides the unit from the picker on new or existing resources — you can still see it in historical records.

Can I delete a unit? Only if it's not assigned to any resources. The Usage column shows this at a glance. If "Not Used," Delete is available; otherwise archive instead.

Does Code have to be uppercase? The app uppercases it automatically as you type, so whatever you enter ends up uppercase. Stick with 2–5 character abbreviations for readability.

Why are some units showing "Not Used"? That means no resources in your catalog reference them yet. Seeded defaults often start this way — they become "In Use" as soon as a resource is assigned the unit.

I archived a unit by mistake. How do I get it back? Turn on Include Archived at the top of the page, right-click the archived row, and choose Activate.


Related Topics

  • Resource Catalog — Where every resource is assigned a unit of measure
  • Assemblies — Pre-built bundles of catalog items that use units
  • Chart of Accounts — The financial accounts that resource costs post to
  • Pricing Types — Define how resources are priced by category