> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://manual.karamba3d.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://manual.karamba3d.com/beta/3-in-depth-component-reference/3.6-results/3.7.1-general-results/3.7.3-element-query.md).
# 3.7.1.4 Element Query
The **"Element Query"**-component lets one determine the mass, surface area and the volume of a given set of elements (see fig 3.7.3.1). These and the corresponding model need to be supplied as input at the **"Model"**- and **"Elems"**-input plugs. The 'Select Elements'-component (see section [3.1.16](/beta/3-in-depth-component-reference/3.1-model/3.1.16-select-elements.md)) offers a flexible way of grouping elements for later on querying them.\
In case of shell and membrane elements the surface area is the sum of upper and lower boundary. For beams the outer surface will be returned - the interior of e.g., tubes is not counted.
The meshes of the elements are water-tight and come with caps by default. In case this is not desired, set 'with\_caps' to 'False' in the 'karamba.ini'-settings using "Karamba3D/Settings" from the Grasshopper menu.
The "Axis" output returns the centerline axis in case of linear elements and the middle surface for surface elements.
Fig 3.7.3.1: Information retrieval regarding elements via the 'Element query'-component
{% file src="/files/qsNjePk27wiQunOZ1bkt" %}
---
# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.
## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.
Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:
```
GET https://manual.karamba3d.com/beta/3-in-depth-component-reference/3.6-results/3.7.1-general-results/3.7.3-element-query.md?ask=
```
The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.
Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.