# 3.7.3: 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](/3-in-depth-component-reference/3.1-model/3.1.16-select-elements.md)) offers a flexible way of grouping elements.\
In case of shell and membrane elements the surface area is the sum of upper and lower boundary. For beams the the outer surface are 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'-file.

![Fig 3.7.3.1: Information retrieval regarding elements via the 'Element query'-component](/files/-Mjo5sbZuva4IttKYCVQ)

{% file src="/files/Wur4nrDpo62CvNXGXb64" %}


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# Agent Instructions: 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-2.karamba3d.com/3-in-depth-component-reference/3.6-results/3.7.3-element-query.md?ask=<question>
```

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.