def METHOD_NAME(self, element_id=None, node_ids=None, xyz_cid0=None):
    """
    Gets the mass per area of the CQUAD4s on a total or per element basis.
    Parameters
    ----------
    element_id : (N, ) int ndarray; (default=None -> all)
        the elements to consider
    total : bool; default=False
        should the mass be summed
    :param xyz_cid0: the GRIDs as an (N, 3) NDARRAY in CORD2R=0 (or None)
    .. note:: If node_ids is None, the positions of all the GRID cards
              must be calculated
    """
    mass, _area, _normal = self._mass_area_normal(element_id=element_id,
        xyz_cid0=xyz_cid0,
        calculate_mass=True, calculate_area=True,
        calculate_normal=False)
    mpa = mass / _area
    return mpa