Abstract: A method in a computer system for estimating an area of an object comprises the step of placing a scaling object adjacent a first side of the object. A first digital image of the object first side and the scaling device is taken. The scaling device is then placed adjacent the second side of the object, and a second digital image of the object second side and the scaling device is taken. The first image is converted into a first pixel grid and the second image is converted into a second pixel grid. An input device is used to mark respectively on the first and second pixels grids the endpoints of the scaling device along with endpoints of the first and second sides. Numerical values for a height and a width of the scaling device are entered using the input device.