Quick Overview
- 1#1: PlanSwift - Digital takeoff and estimating software that accelerates quantity takeoffs and cost calculations for construction professionals.
- 2#2: Bluebeam Revu - PDF-based tool for precise takeoffs, measurements, annotations, and estimating with real-time collaboration.
- 3#3: Buildxact - Cloud-based estimating, takeoff, and job management software tailored for residential builders and remodelers.
- 4#4: Stack - AI-powered platform that automates construction takeoffs and generates accurate estimates from digital plans.
- 5#5: ProEst - Cloud estimating software with pre-built assemblies, real-time pricing, and integration for construction bids.
- 6#6: Sage Estimating - Advanced database-driven estimating solution with accounting integration for complex construction projects.
- 7#7: Autodesk Takeoff - Cloud-based quantity takeoff and estimating tool with BIM integration for accurate project costing.
- 8#8: Togal.AI - AI-driven automated takeoff software that extracts quantities from plans to speed up estimating.
- 9#9: Clear Estimates - Simple, affordable estimating software for home builders with customizable templates and quick proposals.
- 10#10: Buildertrend - Construction management platform with integrated estimating, takeoff, and scheduling for builders.
Tools were selected based on a balance of advanced features (like automation and BIM integration), user-friendliness, reliability, and overall value, prioritizing solutions that meet the unique demands of residential to commercial construction professionals.
Comparison Table
This comparison table simplifies choosing builders estimating software, featuring tools like PlanSwift, Bluebeam Revu, Buildxact, Stack, ProEst, and more. Readers will discover key features, usability, and integration strengths to identify the best fit for their project needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PlanSwift Digital takeoff and estimating software that accelerates quantity takeoffs and cost calculations for construction professionals. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | Bluebeam Revu PDF-based tool for precise takeoffs, measurements, annotations, and estimating with real-time collaboration. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 3 | Buildxact Cloud-based estimating, takeoff, and job management software tailored for residential builders and remodelers. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | Stack AI-powered platform that automates construction takeoffs and generates accurate estimates from digital plans. | general_ai | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 5 | ProEst Cloud estimating software with pre-built assemblies, real-time pricing, and integration for construction bids. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | Sage Estimating Advanced database-driven estimating solution with accounting integration for complex construction projects. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 7 | Autodesk Takeoff Cloud-based quantity takeoff and estimating tool with BIM integration for accurate project costing. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | Togal.AI AI-driven automated takeoff software that extracts quantities from plans to speed up estimating. | general_ai | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | Clear Estimates Simple, affordable estimating software for home builders with customizable templates and quick proposals. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 10 | Buildertrend Construction management platform with integrated estimating, takeoff, and scheduling for builders. | enterprise | 7.9/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.0/10 |
Digital takeoff and estimating software that accelerates quantity takeoffs and cost calculations for construction professionals.
PDF-based tool for precise takeoffs, measurements, annotations, and estimating with real-time collaboration.
Cloud-based estimating, takeoff, and job management software tailored for residential builders and remodelers.
AI-powered platform that automates construction takeoffs and generates accurate estimates from digital plans.
Cloud estimating software with pre-built assemblies, real-time pricing, and integration for construction bids.
Advanced database-driven estimating solution with accounting integration for complex construction projects.
Cloud-based quantity takeoff and estimating tool with BIM integration for accurate project costing.
AI-driven automated takeoff software that extracts quantities from plans to speed up estimating.
Simple, affordable estimating software for home builders with customizable templates and quick proposals.
Construction management platform with integrated estimating, takeoff, and scheduling for builders.
PlanSwift
specializedDigital takeoff and estimating software that accelerates quantity takeoffs and cost calculations for construction professionals.
Revolutionary point-and-click takeoff engine that allows instant measurements and area/perimeter calculations directly on digital plans without scaling or templates.
PlanSwift is a leading on-screen digital takeoff and estimating software tailored for construction professionals, enabling rapid quantity takeoffs directly from PDF plans, blueprints, and CAD files using intuitive point-and-click tools. It features customizable assemblies, databases for materials and labor, and automated cost calculations to streamline the bidding process. Users can generate detailed reports, export to Excel or accounting software like QuickBooks, and collaborate efficiently on estimates.
Pros
- Lightning-fast point-and-click takeoffs that drastically reduce manual measuring time
- Highly customizable assemblies and databases for precise, project-specific estimating
- Seamless integrations with QuickBooks, Excel, and other construction management tools
Cons
- Steep initial learning curve for users new to digital takeoff software
- Windows-only compatibility, lacking native Mac or mobile support
- Premium pricing may deter very small operations
Best For
Mid-to-large construction firms and estimators handling complex blueprints who need speed, accuracy, and customization in their takeoff and bidding workflows.
Pricing
Perpetual license starts at $1,595 per user plus annual maintenance (~20% of license cost); subscription plans from $174/month.
Bluebeam Revu
specializedPDF-based tool for precise takeoffs, measurements, annotations, and estimating with real-time collaboration.
Dynamic measurement tools with visual data linking, cutouts, and automatic quantity calculations for precise takeoffs
Bluebeam Revu is a specialized PDF editor designed for the AEC industry, providing powerful tools for markup, measurement, and quantity takeoff crucial for builders' estimating workflows. It enables precise extraction of quantities like lengths, areas, volumes, and counts directly from digital plans, with customizable toolsets and automatic calculations. Users can collaborate in real-time via Studio Sessions and export data to Excel for cost integration, making it a staple for pre-construction estimating. While not a full estimating suite with pricing databases, its accuracy and efficiency rank it highly for takeoff tasks.
Pros
- Exceptionally accurate digital takeoff and measurement tools with dynamic scaling
- Real-time collaboration through Studio Projects and Sessions
- Customizable markups, scripting, and seamless Excel export for estimates
Cons
- Lacks built-in cost databases, labor rates, or assemblies
- Subscription pricing can be steep for small firms or solo estimators
- Learning curve for advanced features like scripting and custom toolsets
Best For
Construction estimators and builders focused on PDF-based quantity takeoffs and collaborative plan reviews.
Pricing
Annual subscriptions start at $240/user (Basics), $360/user (Core), up to $720/user (Complete).
Buildxact
specializedCloud-based estimating, takeoff, and job management software tailored for residential builders and remodelers.
Dynamic supplier price feeds that auto-update estimates in real-time for precision without manual checks
Buildxact is a cloud-based estimating, takeoff, and job management software tailored for residential builders, remodelers, and trade contractors. It streamlines the creation of professional quotes using pre-built templates, digital plan takeoffs, and real-time material pricing from integrated suppliers. The platform also handles job costing, scheduling, and integrations with accounting tools like Xero and QuickBooks for end-to-end project control.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for fast onboarding
- Seamless supplier integrations for accurate, up-to-date pricing
- Robust job costing and variation tracking tools
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for solo operators or very small teams
- Takeoff tools less advanced than dedicated desktop alternatives
- Some customization limited in lower-tier plans
Best For
Small to medium residential builders and remodelers needing quick, accurate estimating with job management integration.
Pricing
Starts at $149 AUD/month (Domestic plan) billed annually; Trade ($299), Commercial ($499), with custom enterprise options.
Stack
general_aiAI-powered platform that automates construction takeoffs and generates accurate estimates from digital plans.
AI Auto-Takeoff that instantly extracts quantities from uploaded plans with high accuracy
Stack (stackct.com) is an AI-powered construction takeoff and estimating software designed specifically for builders and contractors. It automates quantity takeoffs directly from PDF plans, blueprints, or images, generating precise measurements and cost estimates in minutes. The platform supports team collaboration, custom assemblies, and integrations with accounting and project management tools like QuickBooks and Procore.
Pros
- AI-driven automated takeoffs save hours on manual measurements
- Real-time collaboration and cloud-based access for teams
- Strong integrations with popular construction software
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers can be expensive for small teams
- Customization options for assemblies are somewhat limited
- Occasional accuracy issues with complex or non-standard plans
Best For
Small to mid-sized builders and estimators seeking fast, AI-accelerated takeoffs without a steep learning curve.
Pricing
Starts at $99/user/month for Starter plan; Pro at $199/user/month; custom Enterprise pricing available.
ProEst
enterpriseCloud estimating software with pre-built assemblies, real-time pricing, and integration for construction bids.
Vast library of over 21,000 pre-built estimating assemblies customizable for specific trades
ProEst is a cloud-based construction estimating software tailored for builders and contractors, providing tools for digital takeoff, detailed cost estimating, and bid management. It features a comprehensive database of over 21,000 pre-built assemblies, real-time pricing updates from suppliers, and seamless integrations with accounting systems like Sage and project management tools like Procore. The platform supports the entire estimating workflow from quantity takeoff to professional bid proposals, helping teams produce accurate estimates efficiently.
Pros
- Extensive library of pre-built assemblies for quick and accurate estimating
- Strong integrations with ERP, accounting, and PM software
- Real-time labor, material, and equipment pricing updates
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners due to feature depth
- Pricing is custom and can be expensive for smaller firms
- Mobile app functionality is limited compared to desktop version
Best For
Mid-to-large general contractors and subcontractors who require robust, database-driven estimating with enterprise integrations.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $5,000-$10,000 annually per user, depending on modules and support.
Sage Estimating
enterpriseAdvanced database-driven estimating solution with accounting integration for complex construction projects.
Patented pre-built assemblies from integrated cost databases that automatically compute labor, material, and subcontractor costs for unmatched accuracy.
Sage Estimating is a powerful construction estimating software tailored for builders and contractors, offering detailed takeoffs, cost databases, and bid management tools. It supports both conceptual and itemized estimating with a massive library of pre-built assemblies covering materials, labor, and equipment across various trades. The software integrates deeply with Sage's accounting and project management solutions, streamlining workflows from estimate to invoice.
Pros
- Extensive database with over 85,000 line items and assemblies for accurate, rapid estimating
- Strong integrations with Sage 300 and other ERP tools for end-to-end construction management
- Advanced reporting and customization options for professional bid presentations
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface and extensive features
- Premium pricing that may not suit small firms or startups
- Limited native mobile access compared to cloud-first competitors
Best For
Mid-to-large construction firms with complex projects and existing Sage software integrations seeking database-driven precision.
Pricing
Quote-based annual subscriptions starting around $4,000-$6,000 per user, scaling with modules, users, and deployment (cloud or on-premise).
Autodesk Takeoff
enterpriseCloud-based quantity takeoff and estimating tool with BIM integration for accurate project costing.
Hybrid 2D/3D quantity takeoff directly from BIM models with automated issue detection and assembly mapping
Autodesk Takeoff is a cloud-based quantity takeoff and estimating tool within the Autodesk Construction Cloud suite, designed for construction professionals to perform accurate measurements from 2D PDFs, CAD files, and 3D BIM models. It automates quantity extraction, supports custom assemblies for estimating, and enables team collaboration on preconstruction bids. The software streamlines the transition from takeoff to cost estimation and integrates seamlessly with other Autodesk tools like Revit and BIM Collaborate Pro.
Pros
- Powerful 2D and 3D takeoff capabilities with high accuracy
- Deep integration with Autodesk ecosystem for BIM workflows
- Cloud-based collaboration for real-time team access
Cons
- Steep learning curve, especially for non-Autodesk users
- Higher cost may not suit small firms or solo estimators
- Limited advanced customization in reporting and templates
Best For
Mid-to-large construction firms deeply integrated into the Autodesk Construction Cloud for BIM-centric estimating workflows.
Pricing
Subscription tiers start at ~$975/user/year for Takeoff basics, up to $1,190/user/year for Pro with advanced features; often bundled in Autodesk Construction Cloud plans.
Togal.AI
general_aiAI-driven automated takeoff software that extracts quantities from plans to speed up estimating.
Autonomous AI plan analysis that measures quantities without needing predefined templates
Togal.AI is an AI-powered construction takeoff and estimating software that automates the extraction of measurements from blueprints, PDFs, and CAD files in seconds. It identifies elements like walls, doors, and openings with high accuracy, generating detailed reports for estimators to build bids quickly. The platform integrates with tools like Procore and PlanSwift, streamlining workflows for contractors focused on speed and precision.
Pros
- Ultra-fast AI-driven takeoffs that process entire plans instantly
- High measurement accuracy on standard architectural drawings
- Seamless integrations with popular estimating and project management software
Cons
- Premium pricing may not suit small firms
- AI performance can vary on highly complex or non-standard plans
- Limited advanced customization options compared to manual tools
Best For
Mid-sized contractors and estimators who need rapid, accurate takeoffs for competitive bidding on residential and commercial projects.
Pricing
Pro plan at $199/user/month (billed annually); Enterprise custom pricing available upon request.
Clear Estimates
specializedSimple, affordable estimating software for home builders with customizable templates and quick proposals.
Its massive, regularly updated library of 20,000+ residential construction assemblies that auto-calculate costs based on local pricing
Clear Estimates is a Windows-based estimating software tailored for residential builders, remodelers, and contractors, enabling quick creation of detailed estimates, proposals, and job trackers. It features a vast library of over 20,000 pre-built assemblies with up-to-date material and labor pricing, drag-and-drop functionality for assembling estimates, and tools for handling change orders and purchase orders. The software integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks for invoicing and accounting, making it a solid choice for on-site and office-based estimation workflows.
Pros
- Extensive library of 20,000+ pre-built assemblies and regional pricing data
- Strong QuickBooks integration for seamless invoicing and job costing
- Customizable proposal templates that generate professional PDFs
Cons
- Desktop-only (Windows), with limited true cloud or mobile capabilities
- Moderate learning curve for customizing assemblies and advanced features
- Pricing can feel steep for solo contractors or very small teams
Best For
Small to mid-sized residential builders and remodelers focused on detailed, accurate estimating without needing full enterprise-level project management.
Pricing
Starts at $1,250/year per user for the base subscription, with optional add-ons for cloud backup and advanced reporting; one-time purchase options also available.
Buildertrend
enterpriseConstruction management platform with integrated estimating, takeoff, and scheduling for builders.
End-to-end workflow linking estimates directly to job costing and change orders for accurate tracking from bid to completion
Buildertrend is an all-in-one construction management platform with built-in estimating tools designed for home builders, remodelers, and general contractors. It enables digital takeoffs, customizable assemblies, cost databases, and proposal generation, while integrating estimates seamlessly into job costing and scheduling. The software supports real-time collaboration via mobile apps and client portals, making it suitable for managing the full project lifecycle beyond just estimating.
Pros
- Seamless integration of estimating with scheduling, job costing, and financials
- User-friendly interface with mobile app for on-site access
- Pre-built templates, assemblies, and historical cost data for faster estimating
Cons
- Estimating features are functional but less advanced than dedicated takeoff software
- Pricing can be steep for smaller teams or single-project use
- Steep initial learning curve for complex customizations
Best For
Small to mid-sized builders and remodelers who need an integrated platform combining estimating with full project management.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting around $300/month for basic plans, scaling to $500+ based on users, projects, and features; free trial available.
Conclusion
This roundup of top builders estimating software showcases tools with distinct advantages, though PlanSwift leads as the top choice, excelling in accelerating quantity takeoffs and cost calculations for construction professionals. Bluebeam Revu, a strong second, impresses with its PDF-based precision and real-time collaboration, while Buildxact, in third, offers tailored cloud solutions for residential builders and remodelers. Each tool delivers unique value, ensuring there’s a fit for various project needs.
To streamline your estimating process, start with PlanSwift to experience its intuitive acceleration of takeoffs and calculations. If your needs align with PDF-based precision or residential focus, explore Bluebeam Revu or Buildxact—both strong alternatives to consider.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison