Top 10 Best Building Construction Cost Estimating Software of 2026

PlanSwift is a premier on-screen takeoff and estimating software tailored for building construction professionals, enabling rapid digital measurements directly from PDF plans, blueprints, and CAD files using intuitive point-and-click tools. It automates quantity takeoffs, applies customizable cost databases and assemblies, and generates detailed bid summaries with real-time cost calculations. The software excels in integrating with accounting systems like QuickBooks and Excel, streamlining the entire estimating workflow from takeoff to final proposal.

Stack (stackct.com) is an AI-powered preconstruction platform specializing in automated takeoff and cost estimating for building construction, particularly electrical, mechanical, and plumbing (MEP) trades. It uses machine learning to analyze plans, PDFs, and images to extract quantities instantly, enabling users to build detailed estimates with labor, material, and overhead costs in minutes rather than days. The software integrates seamlessly with tools like Procore, Autodesk BIM 360, and accounting systems for streamlined workflows.

Buildxact is a cloud-based estimating and takeoff software designed specifically for residential builders, remodelers, and trade contractors in the construction industry. It streamlines the process of digital takeoffs from PDFs or plans, generates professional estimates with drag-and-drop functionality, and provides real-time job costing. The platform integrates with accounting tools like QuickBooks and Xero, and features automated material pricing updates from major suppliers.

ProEst is a cloud-based construction cost estimating software designed for general contractors and subcontractors, offering digital takeoff, detailed estimating, and bid management tools. It features a comprehensive database of over 19,000 pre-built items, assemblies, and labor rates to accelerate accurate bid preparation. The platform integrates with popular accounting software like QuickBooks and Sage, enabling seamless data flow from estimate to project financials.

Sage Estimating is a comprehensive construction cost estimating software tailored for building contractors, featuring an extensive database of over 27,000 pre-built line items and assemblies for accurate bid preparation. It supports digital takeoff from PDFs and CAD files, customizable estimating worksheets, and real-time cost updates from sources like RSMeans. The software integrates deeply with Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate, streamlining workflows from estimate to project management.

RIB CostX is a robust construction cost estimating software that excels in 2D quantity takeoff from PDF, scanned drawings, and CAD files, with seamless live-linking of measurements to cost data for instant recalculations. It supports BIM integration via IFC files for 3D model takeoffs and offers elemental, operational, and lifecycle costing capabilities. Widely used by quantity surveyors globally, it streamlines the creation of detailed bills of quantities and cost plans.

Bluebeam Revu is a PDF-centric software tailored for the AEC industry, providing robust tools for digital plan markup, quantity takeoff, and basic cost estimation workflows. It enables users to measure lengths, areas, volumes, and counts directly from PDFs with high accuracy, generate customizable quantity reports, and export data to Excel for cost integration. While excelling in pre-estimating takeoffs and collaboration, it relies on external databases for comprehensive pricing and lacks advanced bid management features.

On-Screen Takeoff (OST) by ConstructConnect is a specialized digital takeoff software for construction cost estimating, enabling users to measure quantities like lengths, areas, counts, and volumes directly from PDF, CAD, and scanned plans without printing. It features an extensive library of pre-built assemblies and custom conditions for accurate quantity extraction, generating detailed reports exportable to estimating tools. Primarily a Windows desktop application, OST streamlines pre-bid quantity takeoff processes for estimators handling complex projects.

Trimble Accubid is a specialized cost estimating software tailored for electrical contractors in building construction projects. It provides an extensive database of over 100,000 pre-built assemblies, labor units, and material pricing, enabling rapid digital takeoffs and accurate bid generation. The tool supports integration with Trimble's broader ecosystem for project management and automates calculations for labor factors and overheads.

Autodesk Takeoff is a cloud-based quantity takeoff and estimating tool within the Autodesk Construction Cloud suite, enabling users to perform precise 2D takeoffs from PDFs and DWGs, as well as 3D takeoffs from BIM models like Revit. It supports assembly-based quantity calculations, cost estimation with customizable databases, and seamless integration for preconstruction workflows. Designed for construction estimators, it facilitates collaboration and export to bidding tools, streamlining the transition from takeoff to cost analysis.