Top 10 Best Civil Estimating Software of 2026

HCSS HeavyBid is a premier estimating software tailored for heavy civil construction, including highways, bridges, utilities, and earthwork projects. It supports detailed item-based takeoffs, crew production analysis, subcontractor bid management, and risk assessment to create accurate, competitive bids. The platform integrates with HCSS's ecosystem for digital takeoff, scheduling, and accounting, streamlining the entire bid-to-execution workflow for contractors.

AGTEK is a specialized software suite for civil construction professionals, focusing on earthwork takeoff, 3D modeling, quantity estimating, and GPS machine control integration. It enables users to import survey data, CAD files, and PDFs to perform precise cut/fill volume calculations and generate bid-ready reports. The platform bridges office estimating with field execution through seamless data transfer to staking and machine guidance systems.

InSite Software is a robust civil estimating platform tailored for construction professionals handling sitework, earthwork, utilities, and underground infrastructure projects. It provides digital takeoff tools from PDFs, CAD files, and images, along with advanced earthwork volume calculations using TIN surfaces for accurate cut/fill analysis. The software features customizable assemblies, real-time pricing updates, and detailed bid reporting to streamline the estimating and bidding process for civil contractors.

CostX by Exactal is a powerful estimating and takeoff software tailored for construction and civil engineering projects, enabling precise 2D and 3D quantity takeoffs from CAD, PDF, and BIM files. It features live-linked worksheets that automatically update quantities, rates, and costs in real-time, making it efficient for civil works like earthworks, roads, and infrastructure. The software supports advanced civil-specific tools such as string takeoffs, volume calculations, and profile views, streamlining the estimating process for quantity surveyors and estimators.

Cubit Estimating is a specialized takeoff and estimating software tailored for civil construction projects, enabling precise quantity takeoffs from CAD drawings and PDFs. It excels in earthworks calculations, including cut/fill volumes and grid-based analysis, while integrating pricing databases for accurate cost estimation. Designed primarily for Australian users, it supports tendering, reporting, and compliance with local standards.

RIB Candy from RIB Software is a robust Windows-based suite designed for civil construction estimating, planning, and project control, particularly strong in resource-based quantity takeoffs for infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, and earthworks. It enables detailed cost breakdowns using extensive libraries of rates, resources, and production data, with seamless integration for tendering and BIM models. The software also supports 4D planning and progress tracking, making it ideal for managing complex civil engineering workflows from estimate to execution.

Bluebeam Revu is a versatile PDF editor and markup tool designed for the AEC industry, providing robust quantity takeoff and measurement features for civil estimating from digital plans. It supports length, area, volume, and count measurements with customizable toolsets, automatic calculations, and export to Excel for further analysis. While excellent for 2D plan takeoffs and collaboration, it lacks advanced civil-specific estimating like earthwork modeling or cost databases found in dedicated software.

PlanSwift is a digital takeoff and estimating software that allows civil estimators to perform quick quantity measurements from PDF, CAD, and scanned plans using point-and-click tools. It supports custom assemblies, formulas, and cost databases tailored for civil work like earthwork, paving, and utilities. The software generates detailed bid reports and integrates with Excel for further analysis, making it suitable for 2D-based civil estimating workflows.

STACK (stackct.com) is a cloud-based digital takeoff and estimating platform designed for construction professionals, including those in civil engineering for tasks like earthwork, site preparation, paving, and utilities. It allows users to measure plans from PDFs, CAD files, and images, build assemblies with costs, and generate detailed bid reports collaboratively. While versatile for general construction, it provides solid 2D takeoff capabilities for civil estimators but lacks advanced 3D volume modeling found in specialized tools.

Sage Estimating is a robust construction cost estimating software from Sage that supports detailed bid preparation across various trades, including civil engineering projects like earthwork, site utilities, and infrastructure. It features extensive customizable databases of items, assemblies, and labor rates, with tools for takeoff integration from CAD/BIM files and phased estimating. The software excels in producing accurate, professional bids and integrates seamlessly with Sage's accounting and project management solutions.