Quick Overview
- 1#1: Trimble Accubid - Comprehensive electrical estimating software with automated assemblies, labor factoring, and precise takeoffs for commercial projects.
- 2#2: ConEst IntelliBid - Specialized digital takeoff and estimating tool designed specifically for electrical contractors handling commercial bids.
- 3#3: PlanSwift - Fast digital takeoff software with customizable electrical assemblies for quick and accurate commercial estimating.
- 4#4: STACK - Cloud-based takeoff and estimating platform featuring electrical-specific item libraries for commercial electrical work.
- 5#5: Bluebeam Revu - Powerful PDF markup and digital measurement tool essential for electrical quantity takeoffs in commercial estimating.
- 6#6: On-Screen Takeoff - Advanced 2D takeoff software with point-and-click functionality for detailed electrical material counts in bids.
- 7#7: eTakeoff - Hybrid 2D/3D takeoff solution supporting electrical estimating workflows for commercial construction projects.
- 8#8: PataBid - AI-assisted estimating software optimized for electrical and MEP trades with automated pricing for commercial jobs.
- 9#9: ProEst - Cloud estimating platform with electrical databases and real-time pricing integration for commercial contractors.
- 10#10: Sage Estimating - Robust construction estimating software with customizable electrical item libraries and accounting integrations.
Tools were selected based on electrical-specific features (takeoff, assemblies, pricing), usability, reliability, and overall value, ensuring they meet the demands of modern commercial electrical projects.
Comparison Table
Explore a comparison of leading commercial electrical estimating software, including Trimble Accubid, ConEst IntelliBid, PlanSwift, STACK, Bluebeam Revu, and more. This table highlights key features, workflows, and usability to help readers identify the tool that aligns best with their project requirements, whether prioritizing precision, integration, or simplicity.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Trimble Accubid Comprehensive electrical estimating software with automated assemblies, labor factoring, and precise takeoffs for commercial projects. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.9/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 2 | ConEst IntelliBid Specialized digital takeoff and estimating tool designed specifically for electrical contractors handling commercial bids. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | PlanSwift Fast digital takeoff software with customizable electrical assemblies for quick and accurate commercial estimating. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 4 | STACK Cloud-based takeoff and estimating platform featuring electrical-specific item libraries for commercial electrical work. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 5 | Bluebeam Revu Powerful PDF markup and digital measurement tool essential for electrical quantity takeoffs in commercial estimating. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 6 | On-Screen Takeoff Advanced 2D takeoff software with point-and-click functionality for detailed electrical material counts in bids. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 7 | eTakeoff Hybrid 2D/3D takeoff solution supporting electrical estimating workflows for commercial construction projects. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | PataBid AI-assisted estimating software optimized for electrical and MEP trades with automated pricing for commercial jobs. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | ProEst Cloud estimating platform with electrical databases and real-time pricing integration for commercial contractors. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | Sage Estimating Robust construction estimating software with customizable electrical item libraries and accounting integrations. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.2/10 |
Comprehensive electrical estimating software with automated assemblies, labor factoring, and precise takeoffs for commercial projects.
Specialized digital takeoff and estimating tool designed specifically for electrical contractors handling commercial bids.
Fast digital takeoff software with customizable electrical assemblies for quick and accurate commercial estimating.
Cloud-based takeoff and estimating platform featuring electrical-specific item libraries for commercial electrical work.
Powerful PDF markup and digital measurement tool essential for electrical quantity takeoffs in commercial estimating.
Advanced 2D takeoff software with point-and-click functionality for detailed electrical material counts in bids.
Hybrid 2D/3D takeoff solution supporting electrical estimating workflows for commercial construction projects.
AI-assisted estimating software optimized for electrical and MEP trades with automated pricing for commercial jobs.
Cloud estimating platform with electrical databases and real-time pricing integration for commercial contractors.
Robust construction estimating software with customizable electrical item libraries and accounting integrations.
Trimble Accubid
enterpriseComprehensive electrical estimating software with automated assemblies, labor factoring, and precise takeoffs for commercial projects.
Industry-leading electrical-specific labor database with automated factoring for conduit, wire, devices, and fixtures
Trimble AccuBid is a leading commercial electrical estimating software that enables contractors to perform precise digital takeoffs, access an extensive database of materials and labor units, and generate accurate bids quickly. It supports integration with CAD files, PDFs, and Trimble's ecosystem for seamless project management from estimate to job costing. Renowned for its depth in handling complex commercial and industrial electrical projects, it minimizes errors through automated calculations and customizable assemblies.
Pros
- Vast database with over 140,000 pre-built electrical items and labor factors for unmatched accuracy
- Powerful digital takeoff tools supporting DWG, PDF, and BIM integration
- Robust reporting and bid presentation features that streamline client approvals
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training for new users
- High initial cost and ongoing maintenance fees
- Less intuitive interface compared to more modern cloud-based alternatives
Best For
Large commercial electrical contractors handling complex bids who prioritize precision and comprehensive databases over simplicity.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start around $5,000-$10,000 per seat plus annual maintenance; custom enterprise quotes available.
ConEst IntelliBid
specializedSpecialized digital takeoff and estimating tool designed specifically for electrical contractors handling commercial bids.
Intelligent Assemblies that allow users to build complete electrical systems with a single click, automating complex calculations
ConEst IntelliBid is a powerful estimating software tailored for electrical contractors, specializing in commercial projects with digital takeoff from PDFs and plans. It features an extensive library of pre-engineered electrical assemblies that automate material, labor, and conduit calculations for accuracy and speed. The software supports bid management, reporting, and integrations with accounting systems like Sage 300.
Pros
- Vast library of pre-built electrical assemblies for rapid, accurate estimating
- Precise digital takeoff tools with automated labor factoring and productivity rates
- Robust customization, reporting, and integrations with popular accounting software
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to its depth and complexity
- Higher pricing may not suit very small contractors
- Limited native mobile functionality compared to cloud-first competitors
Best For
Mid-to-large electrical contractors focused on commercial projects needing detailed, precise bids at scale.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at around $4,995 per seat with annual maintenance fees of 20%; subscription plans available upon request.
PlanSwift
specializedFast digital takeoff software with customizable electrical assemblies for quick and accurate commercial estimating.
Drag-and-drop assemblies that automatically calculate quantities for repetitive electrical patterns like lighting layouts and conduit runs
PlanSwift is an on-screen takeoff and estimating software tailored for construction trades, including commercial electrical estimating, enabling users to import digital plans like PDFs and CAD files for rapid quantity extraction. It features point-and-click tools and drag-and-drop assemblies specifically useful for electrical components such as conduits, wiring, panels, devices, and lighting layouts. The software supports customizable databases for labor, materials, and costs, generating professional bid sheets and integrating with accounting systems for streamlined workflows.
Pros
- Lightning-fast point-and-click takeoffs with visual accuracy
- Powerful drag-and-drop assemblies for complex electrical items like conduit bends and fixture grids
- Robust customization of item databases and export options to Excel or accounting software
Cons
- Initial learning curve for advanced assemblies and patterns
- Primarily Windows-only with limited mobile support
- Annual maintenance fees add to long-term costs
Best For
Commercial electrical contractors focused on high-volume digital takeoffs from blueprints who need speed and precision in quantity calculations.
Pricing
One-time license starting at $1,749 for standard edition, plus $500+ annual maintenance and optional training fees.
STACK
specializedCloud-based takeoff and estimating platform featuring electrical-specific item libraries for commercial electrical work.
Unlimited users on every plan, including free, for cost-free team collaboration
STACK (stackct.com) is a cloud-based takeoff and estimating platform designed for construction professionals, including commercial electrical contractors, offering on-screen digital measurements from PDFs and CAD files. It enables users to create detailed takeoffs, build customizable assemblies for electrical items like conduits, wiring, and fixtures, and generate professional bid reports. The software supports real-time collaboration, project management, and integrations with accounting tools, streamlining the pre-construction bidding process for electrical projects.
Pros
- Generous free plan with unlimited users and projects
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for quick on-screen takeoffs
- Real-time cloud collaboration for team bidding
Cons
- Lacks advanced electrical-specific calculations like voltage drop or conduit fill
- Custom reporting requires Pro plan and some setup
- Fewer native integrations than specialized enterprise tools
Best For
Mid-sized commercial electrical contractors needing affordable, collaborative takeoff and estimating without complex installations.
Pricing
Free plan with unlimited users/projects; Pro at $2,495/year for advanced reporting and assemblies; Enterprise custom.
Bluebeam Revu
specializedPowerful PDF markup and digital measurement tool essential for electrical quantity takeoffs in commercial estimating.
Dynamic electrical tool sets that allow drag-and-drop symbols with automatic length, count, and area calculations that update in real-time across multi-page plans
Bluebeam Revu is a powerful PDF review and markup software widely used in construction for digital takeoffs and measurements, making it adaptable for commercial electrical estimating by enabling precise quantification of conduits, fixtures, panels, and wiring from blueprints. It supports custom toolsets tailored to electrical symbols, automatic quantity tracking, and exportable reports for integration with spreadsheets or estimating tools. While excelling in the takeoff phase, it lacks built-in pricing databases or automated bid generation, positioning it as a strong supplementary tool rather than a full estimating suite.
Pros
- Exceptional accuracy in measurements and quantity takeoffs for electrical components like circuits and devices
- Customizable electrical tool chests and sets for rapid symbol placement and counting
- Robust collaboration features via Bluebeam Studio for team reviews of plans
- Seamless integration with Excel and other estimating software for exported data
Cons
- No native cost databases, labor factors, or electrical-specific pricing tools
- Requires additional software for complete bid assembly and costing
- Subscription pricing adds up for multi-user teams without perpetual options
- Advanced scripting and customization have a learning curve for non-experts
Best For
Commercial electrical contractors who specialize in PDF-based takeoffs and pair Bluebeam with dedicated estimating platforms like Excel or Accubid.
Pricing
Annual subscriptions per user: Basics at $240, Core at $349, Complete at $549 (with volume discounts available).
On-Screen Takeoff
enterpriseAdvanced 2D takeoff software with point-and-click functionality for detailed electrical material counts in bids.
Advanced on-screen point-and-click takeoff with auto-counting and assembly replication for complex electrical plans
On-Screen Takeoff (OST) by ConstructConnect is a digital takeoff software designed for construction professionals to perform accurate quantity measurements directly from PDF plans, blueprints, and CAD files. It excels in on-screen takeoffs for materials like conduits, wiring, fixtures, and panels, allowing users to build assemblies for repetitive electrical items in commercial projects. While versatile across trades, it integrates with external estimating tools for cost calculations rather than offering built-in electrical-specific estimating. OST streamlines pre-construction workflows by reducing manual errors and enabling collaborative plan reviews.
Pros
- Highly accurate on-screen digital measurements from PDFs and CAD
- Customizable assemblies for efficient repetition of electrical items like runs and devices
- Strong integration with Excel, Quick Bid, and other estimating software
Cons
- No native electrical databases or automated calculations like voltage drop
- Steep learning curve for advanced takeoff techniques
- Relatively high cost without full standalone estimating capabilities
Best For
Commercial electrical estimators focused on precise quantity takeoffs who pair it with specialized estimating software.
Pricing
Annual subscription starts at ~$1,495 per user; multi-user and enterprise plans offer discounts, with a free trial available.
eTakeoff
specializedHybrid 2D/3D takeoff solution supporting electrical estimating workflows for commercial construction projects.
Dynamic assembly library that automates complex electrical quantity takeoffs (e.g., conduit runs with bends and fittings) from simple plan markups
eTakeoff is a robust digital takeoff and estimating software tailored for construction trades, including commercial electrical estimating, enabling precise quantity extraction from PDF plans, CAD files, and scanned drawings. It features customizable assemblies specifically for electrical components like conduits, wiring, devices, and lighting, automating calculations for labor, materials, and costs. The tool supports detailed reporting, bid generation, and integration with accounting and project management systems, streamlining the pre-construction bidding process for electrical contractors.
Pros
- Highly accurate 2D takeoff tools with support for large-scale plans
- Extensive library of electrical-specific assemblies and customization options
- Strong reporting and export capabilities for bids and client presentations
Cons
- Limited native full-cycle estimating; best paired with integrations like Sage or QuickBooks
- Subscription pricing may strain smaller firms or infrequent users
- Lacks advanced 3D/BIM modeling compared to top-tier competitors
Best For
Mid-sized commercial electrical contractors needing reliable takeoff accuracy and assembly-driven preliminary estimates without heavy reliance on full ERP systems.
Pricing
Annual subscriptions start at ~$1,800/user for Dimension takeoff edition; Structure estimating edition ~$3,600+/user/year, with volume discounts available.
PataBid
specializedAI-assisted estimating software optimized for electrical and MEP trades with automated pricing for commercial jobs.
Patented Digital Labor Units (DLU) system for highly accurate, project-specific labor calculations
PataBid is a cloud-based estimating and digital takeoff software tailored for electrical contractors, enabling fast PDF plan imports, automated quantity takeoffs, and precise bid generation using a massive database of over 1 million items. It features patented Digital Labor Units (DLU) technology for accurate labor calculations and AI-powered bid optimization to streamline commercial electrical estimating workflows. The platform supports assemblies, real-time pricing updates, and exports to accounting software like QuickBooks.
Pros
- Vast electrical-specific database with frequent pricing updates
- Rapid digital takeoff tools and automated assemblies
- AI bid assistant and patented DLU for precise labor factoring
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-expert users
- Pricing can be high for smaller firms
- Primarily focused on electrical/mechanical, limited general construction support
Best For
Mid-sized commercial electrical contractors needing accurate, database-driven estimates for competitive bidding.
Pricing
Starts at $149/month per user for basic plans, scaling to $299+/month for Pro/Enterprise with advanced features and unlimited projects.
ProEst
enterpriseCloud estimating platform with electrical databases and real-time pricing integration for commercial contractors.
Extensive pre-built electrical assemblies database that automates detailed cost breakdowns and reduces manual data entry.
ProEst is a cloud-based construction estimating platform tailored for commercial electrical contractors, offering digital takeoff, customizable assemblies, and bid management tools. It provides an extensive library of pre-built electrical assemblies, real-time material pricing updates, and labor calculators to generate accurate estimates quickly. The software integrates with accounting and project management systems like QuickBooks and Procore, facilitating seamless workflows from estimate to project execution.
Pros
- Comprehensive electrical assembly library with thousands of pre-built items
- Cloud-based platform enables real-time collaboration and remote access
- Strong integrations with Procore, QuickBooks, and other construction tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to extensive customization options
- Pricing is quote-based and can be expensive for smaller firms
- Mobile app lacks full takeoff and estimating capabilities
Best For
Mid-sized commercial electrical contractors seeking assembly-driven estimating with robust integration needs.
Pricing
Custom quote-based; plans typically start at $4,000-$6,000 per year for basic access, scaling with users and features.
Sage Estimating
enterpriseRobust construction estimating software with customizable electrical item libraries and accounting integrations.
Visual Assemblies library with electrical-specific, parametric takeoff tools for rapid, accurate quantity estimation
Sage Estimating is a robust construction cost estimating software from Sage, widely used for commercial electrical projects with a comprehensive database of pre-built assemblies, labor units, and material pricing specific to electrical trades. It enables detailed takeoffs, bid creation, and scenario analysis, supporting integration with CAD, BIM, and Sage accounting systems. The software excels in handling complex commercial jobs by allowing customization of cost data and generating professional reports for accurate bidding.
Pros
- Extensive electrical-specific database with thousands of customizable assemblies and labor factors
- Strong integration with Sage 300 accounting and project management tools
- Advanced reporting and what-if analysis for precise commercial bid preparation
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring extensive training for new users
- High cost may not suit small to mid-sized electrical firms
- Interface feels dated compared to newer cloud-native competitors
Best For
Established commercial electrical contractors with large teams needing enterprise-grade integration and detailed cost control.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; cloud subscriptions start around $5,000-$15,000 annually per user, with perpetual licenses and maintenance fees available.
Conclusion
Trimble Accubid leads as the top choice for commercial electrical estimating, celebrated for its comprehensive automation, labor factoring, and precise takeoffs that cater to complex project demands. Close behind, ConEst IntelliBid shines with specialized takeoff tools designed for electrical contractors, while PlanSwift impresses with fast, customizable assemblies for quick, accurate bids—each offering distinct strengths to align with varied workflows. Together, these tools underscore the shift toward efficient, digital estimating solutions that prioritize accuracy and speed in commercial construction.
Elevate your estimating process by trying Trimble Accubid to leverage its robust capabilities, or explore the strong alternatives like ConEst IntelliBid and PlanSwift to find the ideal fit for your unique needs.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison