A better mass summary requires rigid or semi-rigid diaphragms. Go to Assign > Shell > Diaphragm and ensure:

Typically, use 1.0 for Dead/SIDL and 0.25 for Live Load (depending on your local building code).

, include 100% of dead load and a percentage (typically 25% or 50%) of live load in the mass source for seismic weight. Unit Conversion

If you have a mechanical penthouse, the default summary lumps the penthouse floor mass into the roof story below it. This makes it look like your roof weighs 2x what it should. Better means decoupling these.

Now, let’s translate the story back into engineering steps. When you open the , do these three things:

: ETABS calculates these values by lumping half the mass from the story below and half from the story above at the floor level, providing a realistic distribution for lateral force analysis. Key Review Points & Tips Mass Source Configuration : The accuracy of this table depends entirely on your Mass Source

: It reveals if elements meshed between stories are lumping mass to the wrong level.