I want to be honest about the surface and vertices number I include in my store model descriptions. I am a little confused about the data reported to me by my modeling software vs that shown in the "x file" created.

Acd3 (modeling software) indicates one set of numbers, different from the numbers contained in the "x file". Acd3 works in simple 4 sided surfaces (Polys) but the "X" file converts all of the surfaces to 3 sided triangles (obviously a much higher number).

It appears that Max then converts the data contained in the "x" file to a new "Dbo" file that it then uses to replicate the model. The Dbo file is about half the size of the no longer used "X" file. (except in the fpe file).

Acd3 reports 881(surfaces/Polys) and 1274 Vertices
"x" file reports 3,524 Triangular Surfaces/polys and 6004 Vertices

The higher one, as that is the final count after triangulation.

@ wizard of id

Thanks for your guidance. I had a nagging feeling that was the logical answer. Looks like the low poly counts I have reported in the past, for the old shack models, are invalid. The information from the modeling software was correct for the four sided polys but not after the conversion to triangle polys made in the "x" file.

I wouldn't worry, they were correct from your modelling package. I always used Blenders poly count for my models on the store. As long as you have kept them low not an issue

Yup as Wizard said, the number you should use is the triangulated number as that is what an engine will go by. Even if you create the geometry with quads it should still be calculated as triangles because most rendering engines will automatically triangulate a model when imported.

Thanks to everyone for the proper way to determine poly counts.