> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.stru.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Mathcad Calc Sheets

> Ask for a calc and download a formatted, unit aware Mathcad sheet, built live in the Canvas with a PDF report alongside

## From Prompt to .mcdx

Ask the [Structural Agent](/platform-guides/structural-agent) for a calc as a Mathcad sheet and the finished file comes back as a **.mcdx** download with a PDF report alongside: header, assumptions, code references, the calculations, and the final design check, laid out to be reviewed line by line.

The whole workflow fits in one exchange:

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/struai/aJeDnguak6OWj2zX/images/structural-agent-mathcad-result.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=aJeDnguak6OWj2zX&q=85&s=225acd0212c285ae7a575938aea473b5" alt="A chat exchange: a request for a simply supported beam calc and the reply with the beam_calc.mcdx download link" width="640" height="167" data-path="images/structural-agent-mathcad-result.png" />
</Frame>

Calc packages engineers pull this way: wind pressure packages, retaining wall design calcs, post tensioned beam checks, weld and connection checks, and the firm's old Excel sheets rebuilt as Mathcad.

***

## Step-by-Step

<Steps>
  <Step title="Describe the check">
    Give the brief in one message (geometry, loads, materials, code, units) and end with "deliver as a Mathcad calc sheet". [Design Checks](/workflows/design-checks) covers the brief in depth; here is one for a full package:

    ```text Example: wind pressure package theme={null}
    Create a wind pressure calc package for a 45 ft tall office
    building at 1600 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101. ASCE 7-22, Risk
    Category II, Exposure C. MWFRS pressures for both directions
    and components and cladding zones. US units.
    Deliver as a Mathcad calc sheet.
    ```

    Need the site parameters first? See [Wind & Seismic Loads](/workflows/wind-seismic-loads).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Watch it build in the Canvas">
    The sheet takes shape in the [Canvas](/how-to/canvas) beside the chat: header first, then assumptions, code references, calculations, and the design check.

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/struai/aJeDnguak6OWj2zX/images/canvas-mathcad-pane.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=aJeDnguak6OWj2zX&q=85&s=e3aa40c9411493a45b684fe469c8f351" alt="A calc sheet in the Canvas: header fields at the top, then project reference, code references, calculations, and the design check" width="634" height="852" data-path="images/canvas-mathcad-pane.png" />
    </Frame>

    Click anywhere on the sheet to place a cursor. The agent sees where you are pointing, so "add the parapet case here" needs no further explanation.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Refine it in conversation">
    Follow-ups edit the same sheet: "tighten the deflection check", "add the roof uplift case", "switch the exposure to D and update everything downstream". Keep each request to one change and the sheet stays clean.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Download the deliverables">
    The finished files arrive as download links in the chat: the .mcdx, a PDF report, and the supporting files, all saved to your [Files area](/how-to/file-management) automatically.

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/struai/aJeDnguak6OWj2zX/images/structural-agent-deliverables.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=aJeDnguak6OWj2zX&q=85&s=a2162c44c3e1faabcbbc5f99ca2c5626" alt="The deliverables list in the chat: the Mathcad document, PDF report, and JSON definition as download links" width="635" height="164" data-path="images/structural-agent-deliverables.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Rebuild an Excel Sheet as Mathcad

Firms keep years of design spreadsheets. Tag one and have it rebuilt as a calc sheet with the math written out:

```text Example theme={null}
@Base_Plate_Design.xlsx Rebuild this spreadsheet as a Mathcad calc
sheet: same inputs, same checks, every formula written out with
its code reference so it can be reviewed line by line.
```

The agent reads the workbook, traces the formulas, and lays the calc out as a sheet a checker can follow without opening Excel. Tagging is covered in [Mentions & Attachments](/how-to/mentions); the reverse direction (a calc as a living workbook) is [Excel Spreadsheets](/workflows/excel-spreadsheets).

***

## Read It Back Before You Sign

The last step of a strong session is a walkthrough. Ask the agent to read the finished sheet back:

```text Example theme={null}
Open the finished calc and walk me through the governing check:
the demand, the capacity, the clause it comes from, and the margin.
```

You are the engineer of record, and the walkthrough is how you put your confidence behind the numbers before the package goes out.

***

## On Your Firm's Letterhead

Every sheet carries a project header you control: project name, number, task, calc by, checked by, dates, address, and your company logo from the [Standards folder](/how-to/standards-folder). Set the fields once and the .mcdx and the PDF both come out looking issued. The setup is [Branded Reports](/workflows/branded-reports).

***

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Design Checks" icon="clipboard-check">
    How to write the brief that gets a complete calc

    [Design Checks guide](/workflows/design-checks)
  </Card>

  <Card title="Branded Reports" icon="stamp">
    Header fields and your firm's logo on every sheet

    [Branded Reports guide](/workflows/branded-reports)
  </Card>

  <Card title="Excel Spreadsheets" icon="table">
    The same calcs as workbooks with live formulas

    [Excel Spreadsheets guide](/workflows/excel-spreadsheets)
  </Card>

  <Card title="The Canvas" icon="table-columns">
    The workspace where the sheet takes shape

    [Canvas guide](/how-to/canvas)
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Info>
  **Questions?** Email **[support@stru.ai](mailto:support@stru.ai)** or [book a call](https://cal.com/bhosh).
</Info>