Quick Overview
- 1#1: PlanSwift - Digital takeoff and estimating software that enables fast measurements and cost calculations directly from PDF plans.
- 2#2: Stack - AI-powered platform for automated takeoff, estimating, and preconstruction planning in construction projects.
- 3#3: Sage Estimating - Advanced database-driven estimating software with integrated takeoffs and job costing for construction.
- 4#4: ProEst - Cloud-based construction estimating and digital takeoff software with real-time collaboration features.
- 5#5: Bluebeam Revu - PDF-based markup and takeoff tool designed for accurate quantity takeoffs and estimating in construction.
- 6#6: Togal.AI - AI-driven automated takeoff software that instantly extracts quantities from construction drawings.
- 7#7: CostX - 5D BIM estimating software that combines 2D takeoffs, 3D models, and live cost links for precise estimates.
- 8#8: ConEst IntelliBid - Comprehensive estimating software with labor units, assemblies, and digital takeoff for electrical and mechanical trades.
- 9#9: Autodesk Takeoff - Cloud-based 2D takeoff and estimating tool integrated with Autodesk Construction Cloud for streamlined workflows.
- 10#10: Buildxact - Estimating, takeoff, and job management software tailored for residential builders and remodelers.
Tools were chosen based on feature depth, user experience, integration potential, and overall utility, ensuring alignment with modern construction demands for efficiency and accuracy.
Comparison Table
This comparison table showcases leading construction cost estimating software tools, such as PlanSwift, Stack, Sage Estimating, ProEst, Bluebeam Revu, and more, to guide professionals in evaluating options. Readers will learn about key features, usability, and practical benefits, aiding in informed decisions for project planning and budget management.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PlanSwift Digital takeoff and estimating software that enables fast measurements and cost calculations directly from PDF plans. | specialized | 9.3/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 2 | Stack AI-powered platform for automated takeoff, estimating, and preconstruction planning in construction projects. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 3 | Sage Estimating Advanced database-driven estimating software with integrated takeoffs and job costing for construction. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | ProEst Cloud-based construction estimating and digital takeoff software with real-time collaboration features. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | Bluebeam Revu PDF-based markup and takeoff tool designed for accurate quantity takeoffs and estimating in construction. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.9/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | Togal.AI AI-driven automated takeoff software that instantly extracts quantities from construction drawings. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | CostX 5D BIM estimating software that combines 2D takeoffs, 3D models, and live cost links for precise estimates. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | ConEst IntelliBid Comprehensive estimating software with labor units, assemblies, and digital takeoff for electrical and mechanical trades. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.1/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 9 | Autodesk Takeoff Cloud-based 2D takeoff and estimating tool integrated with Autodesk Construction Cloud for streamlined workflows. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 10 | Buildxact Estimating, takeoff, and job management software tailored for residential builders and remodelers. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
Digital takeoff and estimating software that enables fast measurements and cost calculations directly from PDF plans.
AI-powered platform for automated takeoff, estimating, and preconstruction planning in construction projects.
Advanced database-driven estimating software with integrated takeoffs and job costing for construction.
Cloud-based construction estimating and digital takeoff software with real-time collaboration features.
PDF-based markup and takeoff tool designed for accurate quantity takeoffs and estimating in construction.
AI-driven automated takeoff software that instantly extracts quantities from construction drawings.
5D BIM estimating software that combines 2D takeoffs, 3D models, and live cost links for precise estimates.
Comprehensive estimating software with labor units, assemblies, and digital takeoff for electrical and mechanical trades.
Cloud-based 2D takeoff and estimating tool integrated with Autodesk Construction Cloud for streamlined workflows.
Estimating, takeoff, and job management software tailored for residential builders and remodelers.
PlanSwift
specializedDigital takeoff and estimating software that enables fast measurements and cost calculations directly from PDF plans.
Patented point-and-click takeoff engine for instant quantity extraction and real-time estimating from digital plans
PlanSwift is a premier on-screen digital takeoff and estimating software tailored for construction professionals, enabling precise quantity measurements directly from PDF, CAD, or scanned blueprints using intuitive point-and-click tools. It features customizable assemblies, formula-driven calculations, and robust databases to assemble comprehensive cost estimates quickly. The software integrates seamlessly with Excel, QuickBooks, and other accounting systems, streamlining the bidding process from takeoff to final quote.
Pros
- Exceptionally fast and accurate digital takeoffs with point-and-click functionality
- Highly customizable assemblies and databases for complex estimating
- Strong integrations with Excel, QuickBooks, and other construction tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners despite drag-and-drop interface
- Desktop-only application with no native cloud or mobile access
- Annual maintenance fees add to long-term costs
Best For
Experienced construction estimators and contractors managing detailed takeoffs and bids for residential, commercial, or subcontractor projects.
Pricing
Perpetual license starts at $1,595 per user, plus $495 annual maintenance; volume discounts available.
Stack
specializedAI-powered platform for automated takeoff, estimating, and preconstruction planning in construction projects.
Real-time bid marketplace delivering hyper-accurate pricing from verified supplier quotes and historical bids
Stack (stackct.com) is an AI-powered construction cost estimating platform that provides real-time pricing data aggregated from millions of bids, supplier quotes, and market trends. It automates takeoffs, generates accurate estimates, and supports collaborative bidding to help contractors win more projects. The software integrates with tools like Procore and PlanGrid, streamlining workflows from pre-construction to project handover.
Pros
- Real-time, data-driven cost intelligence from actual bids and suppliers
- AI automation for takeoffs and estimating saves significant time
- Strong integrations and collaboration features for team bidding
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very small firms
- Relies heavily on internet access and data network
- Steeper learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
Best For
Mid-sized general contractors and subcontractors seeking accurate, competitive bids backed by live market data.
Pricing
Starts at $299/user/month for core estimating; enterprise plans custom-priced with volume discounts.
Sage Estimating
enterpriseAdvanced database-driven estimating software with integrated takeoffs and job costing for construction.
Patented Visual Assemblies for intuitive drag-and-drop estimate building with built-in labor, material, and productivity logic
Sage Estimating is a powerful construction cost estimating software designed for professional contractors, featuring a comprehensive national database of over 20,000 line items and assemblies for accurate bid preparation. It supports detailed takeoffs, conceptual estimating, and custom formulas with conditional logic to handle complex projects efficiently. The software integrates seamlessly with Sage's ERP and accounting solutions, streamlining workflows from estimate to project management.
Pros
- Extensive, regularly updated cost database with assemblies
- Seamless integration with Sage 300 and other ERP tools
- Advanced customization including Visual Assemblies and Excel export
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training
- High cost with quote-based pricing
- Interface feels dated compared to modern cloud-native alternatives
Best For
Mid-to-large construction firms needing robust, integrated estimating for complex commercial projects.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription; typically $4,000-$12,000 annually per user, depending on modules and deployment (cloud or on-premise).
ProEst
specializedCloud-based construction estimating and digital takeoff software with real-time collaboration features.
Proprietary iterative estimating engine for rapid scenario modeling and cost adjustments
ProEst is a cloud-based construction cost estimating software designed to streamline digital takeoffs, cost estimation, and bid management for contractors and estimators. It features an extensive, regularly updated national cost database, integration with tools like Procore and QuickBooks, and collaborative bidding capabilities. The platform supports accurate quantity takeoffs from PDFs, CAD, and BIM files, making it suitable for general contractors and subcontractors handling complex projects.
Pros
- Comprehensive national cost database with frequent updates for accurate pricing
- Seamless integrations with accounting, PM software like Procore and Sage
- Cloud-based collaboration for real-time team access and bid management
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to extensive features
- Pricing can be high for smaller firms without scalable entry options
- Mobile app functionality is limited compared to desktop version
Best For
Mid-to-large general contractors and subcontractors who require precise, database-driven estimating for commercial projects.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing starting at approximately $5,000/year for base plans, scaling with users and add-ons like advanced takeoffs.
Bluebeam Revu
specializedPDF-based markup and takeoff tool designed for accurate quantity takeoffs and estimating in construction.
Quantity Link for automatic syncing and updating of takeoff measurements with Excel spreadsheets
Bluebeam Revu is a versatile PDF editor and collaboration tool tailored for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, with strong capabilities for quantity takeoff and measurement that support construction cost estimating. Users can extract lengths, areas, volumes, and counts directly from digital blueprints using precise digital measurement tools, then export data to Excel for cost calculations via Quantity Link. While it excels in pre-estimating takeoffs and document management, it lacks native pricing databases or advanced estimating assemblies found in dedicated software.
Pros
- Highly accurate digital takeoff tools for quantities from PDFs
- Seamless Excel integration via Quantity Link for cost exporting
- Robust collaboration features through Studio for team reviews
Cons
- No built-in cost databases or pricing integration
- Limited advanced estimating features like assemblies or labor calculations
- Subscription costs can add up for small teams without full utilization
Best For
AEC professionals and estimators who need precise quantity takeoffs from PDFs as part of a broader estimating workflow using external tools like Excel.
Pricing
Annual subscriptions: Basics $240/user, Core $360/user, Complete $480/user (perpetual licenses available at higher upfront cost).
Togal.AI
specializedAI-driven automated takeoff software that instantly extracts quantities from construction drawings.
Patented AI computer vision for instant, trainable quantity takeoffs directly from uploaded blueprints
Togal.AI is an AI-powered construction takeoff and estimating platform that automates quantity extraction from digital blueprints and PDFs using advanced computer vision. It rapidly detects and measures elements like walls, doors, areas, and counts objects, drastically reducing manual takeoff time from hours to minutes. The tool supports collaboration, custom assemblies, and exports to popular estimating software, making it ideal for streamlining pre-bid processes in construction estimating.
Pros
- Lightning-fast AI-driven takeoffs saving up to 90% of manual time
- High accuracy with user-trainable AI that improves over time
- Cloud-based collaboration and integration with tools like Procore and Excel
Cons
- Pricing is custom and can be expensive for small firms
- Performance depends on plan quality and may require manual corrections
- Fewer native integrations than established competitors
Best For
Mid-sized to large construction estimators and GCs seeking AI automation to accelerate bid preparation from digital plans.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing via sales contact; typically starts at $500+/month or project-based for teams.
CostX
enterprise5D BIM estimating software that combines 2D takeoffs, 3D models, and live cost links for precise estimates.
Live-Linking technology that dynamically synchronizes takeoffs with estimates for real-time accuracy
CostX by Exactal is a powerful construction cost estimating and takeoff software designed for accurate quantity measurement from 2D drawings (PDFs, CAD) and 3D BIM models (Revit, IFC). It features live-linking technology that automatically updates bills of quantities and estimates whenever takeoffs change, streamlining workflows. Widely used in Australia, UK, and New Zealand, it supports customizable databases, advanced reporting, and integration with ERP systems for comprehensive project costing.
Pros
- Seamless 2D/3D takeoff from diverse file formats including BIM
- Live-linking ensures instant estimate updates from takeoff changes
- Robust customization, querying, and reporting tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface
- High upfront and ongoing costs
- Limited native integrations outside core markets like AU/NZ/UK
Best For
Medium to large construction firms or estimators handling complex projects with BIM models who need precise, automated quantity takeoffs.
Pricing
Quote-based; perpetual licenses start at ~AUD 5,000-10,000 per module plus annual maintenance (~20%), or subscription from ~AUD 2,500/year.
ConEst IntelliBid
specializedComprehensive estimating software with labor units, assemblies, and digital takeoff for electrical and mechanical trades.
Extensive pre-built assembly database that auto-populates labor, material, and equipment costs for trade-specific accuracy
ConEst IntelliBid is a specialized construction cost estimating software tailored for electrical, mechanical, and general contractors, featuring digital takeoff tools and an extensive library of over 20,000 pre-built assemblies. It streamlines bid preparation by automating labor, material, and equipment cost calculations while supporting detailed reporting and integration with accounting systems like QuickBooks and Sage. The software excels in accuracy for trade-specific estimates, making it a reliable choice for complex projects.
Pros
- Vast library of pre-built assemblies for quick and accurate estimating
- Powerful digital takeoff and measurement tools
- Seamless integrations with accounting and project management software
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Windows-only desktop application, lacking cloud accessibility
- High upfront cost with ongoing maintenance fees
Best For
Electrical and mechanical contractors handling complex bids who prioritize precision and trade-specific assemblies over modern cloud interfaces.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; base license starts around $5,000-$10,000 with annual maintenance at 20% of license cost.
Autodesk Takeoff
enterpriseCloud-based 2D takeoff and estimating tool integrated with Autodesk Construction Cloud for streamlined workflows.
Hybrid 2D/3D takeoff from PDFs and Revit models with direct export to Autodesk Build for estimating
Autodesk Takeoff is a cloud-based tool within the Autodesk Construction Cloud suite designed for digital quantity takeoff and basic cost estimating from 2D PDFs, CAD files, and 3D models. It enables construction teams to measure quantities accurately, generate reports, and collaborate in real-time. While strong in integration with Autodesk's BIM ecosystem, it focuses more on takeoff than advanced estimating workflows.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Autodesk Construction Cloud and BIM 360 for end-to-end workflows
- Accurate 2D and 3D quantity takeoff with automated issue detection
- Real-time collaboration and cloud accessibility for team-based estimating
Cons
- Limited advanced estimating capabilities like assemblies or conditional pricing compared to specialized tools
- Learning curve for users unfamiliar with Autodesk interface
- Higher cost for full features, less ideal for small firms or solo estimators
Best For
Mid-to-large construction firms already in the Autodesk ecosystem needing reliable takeoff integrated with project management.
Pricing
Included in Autodesk Construction Cloud subscriptions; Takeoff tools start free with basic ACC plans, Pro features from ~$1,075/year/user (billed annually).
Buildxact
specializedEstimating, takeoff, and job management software tailored for residential builders and remodelers.
Live supplier pricing integration that auto-updates material costs from major vendors
Buildxact is a cloud-based construction management software focused on cost estimating, digital takeoffs, and job costing for residential builders and remodelers. It enables users to create professional quotes, track project costs in real-time, and integrate with accounting tools like QuickBooks and Xero. The platform also supports scheduling, supplier price updates, and mobile access for on-site use.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop takeoff tools for quick measurements
- Automatic supplier price updates for accurate material costing
- Strong integrations with QuickBooks and Xero for seamless accounting
Cons
- Limited advanced customization for large-scale commercial projects
- Higher pricing tiers may not suit solo contractors
- Mobile app occasionally lags with complex takeoffs
Best For
Small to medium residential builders and remodelers seeking efficient, user-friendly estimating without enterprise-level complexity.
Pricing
Starts at $149/month for Solo plan (billed annually), up to $499/month for Premium teams; free trial available.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools cater to varied needs, with PlanSwift leading as the top choice, renowned for fast, accurate measurements from PDF plans. Stack excels with AI-driven automation, streamlining takeoff and preconstruction, while Sage Estimating impresses with its robust database integration and job costing. Each offers unique strengths, ensuring projects of all types find a fit.
Explore PlanSwift to unlock efficient, precise cost estimates—its intuitive PDF-based workflows make it a standout for anyone looking to simplify construction planning.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison