Quick Overview
- 1#1: PlanSwift - PlanSwift enables fast digital takeoff and material quantity calculations directly from PDFs, CAD files, and images using intuitive point-and-click tools.
- 2#2: Bluebeam Revu - Bluebeam Revu provides powerful PDF markup and measurement tools for precise construction material takeoffs and quantity estimation.
- 3#3: On-Screen Takeoff - On-Screen Takeoff delivers accurate 2D quantity takeoff and cost estimating from digital plans and blueprints.
- 4#4: Stack - Stack offers cloud-based collaborative takeoff and estimating for streamlined material quantity management in construction projects.
- 5#5: Togal.AI - Togal.AI automates material detection and quantity takeoff from plans using advanced AI technology.
- 6#6: Kreo - Kreo provides cloud-based 2D and 3D takeoff software for precise quantity surveying and material estimation.
- 7#7: Buildxact - Buildxact streamlines takeoff, estimating, and job costing for residential construction material quantities.
- 8#8: Procore - Procore's Takeoff & Estimating tools enable digital material quantity extraction integrated with full project management.
- 9#9: Autodesk Takeoff - Autodesk Takeoff supports 2D digital quantity takeoff and estimating within the Autodesk Construction Cloud ecosystem.
- 10#10: Groundplan - Groundplan uses AI to accelerate accurate material takeoffs and cost estimates from construction drawings.
Tools were curated based on precision, user-friendliness, feature set, and value, ensuring they deliver robust performance across small-scale and large-scale construction environments.
Comparison Table
Navigating construction material takeoff software? This comparison table breaks down top tools like PlanSwift, Bluebeam Revu, On-Screen Takeoff, Stack, and Togal.AI, highlighting their key strengths, usability, and efficiency. Readers will gain clarity to find the right tool for streamlining workflows or enhancing accuracy.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PlanSwift PlanSwift enables fast digital takeoff and material quantity calculations directly from PDFs, CAD files, and images using intuitive point-and-click tools. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 2 | Bluebeam Revu Bluebeam Revu provides powerful PDF markup and measurement tools for precise construction material takeoffs and quantity estimation. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | On-Screen Takeoff On-Screen Takeoff delivers accurate 2D quantity takeoff and cost estimating from digital plans and blueprints. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 4 | Stack Stack offers cloud-based collaborative takeoff and estimating for streamlined material quantity management in construction projects. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 5 | Togal.AI Togal.AI automates material detection and quantity takeoff from plans using advanced AI technology. | general_ai | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | Kreo Kreo provides cloud-based 2D and 3D takeoff software for precise quantity surveying and material estimation. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | Buildxact Buildxact streamlines takeoff, estimating, and job costing for residential construction material quantities. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Procore Procore's Takeoff & Estimating tools enable digital material quantity extraction integrated with full project management. | enterprise | 7.9/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 9 | Autodesk Takeoff Autodesk Takeoff supports 2D digital quantity takeoff and estimating within the Autodesk Construction Cloud ecosystem. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 10 | Groundplan Groundplan uses AI to accelerate accurate material takeoffs and cost estimates from construction drawings. | general_ai | 7.9/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.2/10 |
PlanSwift enables fast digital takeoff and material quantity calculations directly from PDFs, CAD files, and images using intuitive point-and-click tools.
Bluebeam Revu provides powerful PDF markup and measurement tools for precise construction material takeoffs and quantity estimation.
On-Screen Takeoff delivers accurate 2D quantity takeoff and cost estimating from digital plans and blueprints.
Stack offers cloud-based collaborative takeoff and estimating for streamlined material quantity management in construction projects.
Togal.AI automates material detection and quantity takeoff from plans using advanced AI technology.
Kreo provides cloud-based 2D and 3D takeoff software for precise quantity surveying and material estimation.
Buildxact streamlines takeoff, estimating, and job costing for residential construction material quantities.
Procore's Takeoff & Estimating tools enable digital material quantity extraction integrated with full project management.
Autodesk Takeoff supports 2D digital quantity takeoff and estimating within the Autodesk Construction Cloud ecosystem.
Groundplan uses AI to accelerate accurate material takeoffs and cost estimates from construction drawings.
PlanSwift
specializedPlanSwift enables fast digital takeoff and material quantity calculations directly from PDFs, CAD files, and images using intuitive point-and-click tools.
Patented drag-and-drop assemblies that dynamically link takeoff quantities to formulas for instant, accurate cost calculations
PlanSwift is a premier digital takeoff and estimating software designed specifically for construction professionals to perform accurate material takeoffs from PDFs, CAD files, scanned plans, and images. Its point-and-click interface enables rapid measurement of lengths, areas, volumes, and counts, while customizable assemblies and databases automate cost estimating and reporting. Widely used for pre-bid takeoffs, it streamlines workflows by integrating with Excel, QuickBooks, and other estimating tools, making it a top choice for efficient quantity surveying.
Pros
- Lightning-fast point-and-click takeoffs with visual feedback for precision
- Robust assembly library and formula-driven estimating for complex projects
- Seamless export to Excel, PDF reports, and third-party estimating software
Cons
- High upfront perpetual license cost without subscription flexibility
- Windows-only compatibility limits accessibility
- Steep initial learning curve for advanced customization features
Best For
Experienced construction estimators and contractors handling high-volume takeoffs for competitive bidding on commercial and residential projects.
Pricing
Perpetual license starts at ~$1,749 per user plus ~20% annual maintenance; volume discounts available.
Bluebeam Revu
specializedBluebeam Revu provides powerful PDF markup and measurement tools for precise construction material takeoffs and quantity estimation.
Quantity Link for automatic, bidirectional syncing of takeoff measurements to Excel spreadsheets
Bluebeam Revu is a specialized PDF editor and collaboration platform tailored for the AEC industry, enabling precise construction material takeoffs from digital drawings. It offers advanced measurement tools for lengths, areas, volumes, counts, and perimeters, with automatic calculations, customizable symbols, and visual summaries via legends. Users can generate detailed reports and export data dynamically to Excel using Quantity Link, streamlining workflows from takeoff to estimation.
Pros
- Powerful, accurate measurement tools with custom tool sets for efficient takeoffs
- Real-time collaboration and cloud integration for team workflows
- Dynamic Excel export via Quantity Link for seamless data analysis
Cons
- Subscription model is pricey for smaller firms
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customization
- Primarily PDF-focused, requiring conversions for other formats
Best For
Construction estimators and project managers handling PDF blueprints who need precise takeoffs integrated with Excel estimating.
Pricing
Subscription tiers: Basics (~$240/user/year), Core (~$350/user/year), Complete (~$470/user/year); volume discounts available.
On-Screen Takeoff
specializedOn-Screen Takeoff delivers accurate 2D quantity takeoff and cost estimating from digital plans and blueprints.
Visual Assemblies and Routines for automated, point-and-click takeoff of complex building components
On-Screen Takeoff (OST) by Trimble is a robust desktop software solution specialized for construction material takeoffs, allowing users to digitally measure quantities like lengths, areas, volumes, and counts directly from PDF plans, scanned images, or CAD files. It supports customizable assemblies, item conditions, and routines for efficient, repeatable takeoffs, generating detailed reports for bidding and estimating. The tool excels in precision and integrates tightly with companion estimating software like Quick Bid, making it a staple for pre-construction workflows.
Pros
- Exceptionally precise on-screen measurement tools with support for complex assemblies and conditions
- Comprehensive reporting and export options for bids and material lists
- Seamless integration with Quick Bid for full estimating workflow
Cons
- Desktop-only application with limited cloud collaboration features
- Steep learning curve for advanced routines and custom setups
- Higher pricing that may not suit very small firms or solo estimators
Best For
Mid-sized construction estimators and firms requiring detailed, accurate material takeoffs from digital plans in a powerful desktop environment.
Pricing
Subscription starts at around $1,495/year for a single-user license; multi-user and bundled options with Quick Bid increase costs.
Stack
enterpriseStack offers cloud-based collaborative takeoff and estimating for streamlined material quantity management in construction projects.
AI Engine that instantly detects and quantifies materials from any uploaded plan with minimal user input
Stack (stackct.com) is an AI-powered construction takeoff software that automates quantity extraction from digital plans, PDFs, and images, generating precise material counts for items like rebar, drywall, and MEP components in seconds. It streamlines the pre-construction estimating process by eliminating manual measurements and provides customizable reports for bidding. The platform supports team collaboration and integrates with tools like Procore and PlanGrid for seamless workflows.
Pros
- Lightning-fast AI-driven takeoffs saving hours of manual work
- High accuracy (95%+ on standard plans) with easy corrections
- Strong integrations with Procore, Autodesk, and Excel
Cons
- Pricing can add up for high-volume users without enterprise discounts
- AI struggles with highly complex or handwritten plans
- Limited advanced reporting customization compared to desktop rivals
Best For
Mid-sized contractors and estimators focused on speeding up material quantity takeoffs for residential and commercial bids.
Pricing
Pay-per-takeoff starting at $0.25/sheet or subscriptions from $295/month (Pro plan) up to custom enterprise pricing.
Togal.AI
general_aiTogal.AI automates material detection and quantity takeoff from plans using advanced AI technology.
AI-powered object detection that automatically identifies and quantifies hundreds of takeoff items from plans in seconds
Togal.AI is an AI-powered construction takeoff software that automates quantity extraction from blueprints and PDFs by detecting and measuring elements like walls, doors, windows, and areas. It processes plans at scale, providing instant counts, lengths, and areas with high accuracy to streamline bidding and estimating workflows. The platform integrates with popular estimating tools like Procore and PlanSwift, enabling seamless data export for material cost calculations.
Pros
- Lightning-fast AI-driven takeoffs reduce manual work by up to 90%
- High accuracy on standard drawings with scalable cloud processing
- Strong integrations with estimating and project management software
Cons
- High pricing may not suit small firms or low-volume users
- Performance can vary with poor-quality or highly custom drawings
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customization and assemblies
Best For
Mid-to-large construction firms and estimators handling high-volume bids and complex plans.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing starting at around $1,000/month for teams, with pay-per-drawing options available; enterprise plans scale with usage.
Kreo
specializedKreo provides cloud-based 2D and 3D takeoff software for precise quantity surveying and material estimation.
AI-powered object recognition that automatically identifies and quantifies materials from drawings without manual tracing
Kreo is an AI-powered construction takeoff and estimating software designed to automate quantity extraction from 2D PDFs, CAD files, and BIM models. It streamlines material takeoffs, generates detailed reports, and supports real-time collaboration for estimators and quantity surveyors. The platform emphasizes speed and accuracy through machine learning, reducing manual measurement time significantly.
Pros
- AI-driven automatic object detection for fast, accurate takeoffs
- Supports diverse file formats including 2D, 3D BIM, and scans
- Real-time cloud collaboration and Excel integration
Cons
- Learning curve for optimizing AI settings
- Pricing can be high for small teams without volume discounts
- Occasional AI inaccuracies on complex or non-standard drawings
Best For
Mid-sized construction firms and estimating teams needing AI automation to accelerate material takeoffs from digital plans.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at ~$49/user/month for basic plans, with enterprise custom pricing; free trial available.
Buildxact
specializedBuildxact streamlines takeoff, estimating, and job costing for residential construction material quantities.
Real-time material pricing pulled directly from integrated supplier databases for up-to-date cost accuracy
Buildxact is a cloud-based construction software platform designed for builders, remodelers, and subcontractors, focusing on material takeoff, estimating, quoting, and job management. It enables digital takeoffs from PDFs, sketches, or CAD files, automatically generating material lists and costs with integrated supplier pricing. The tool streamlines workflows from takeoff to invoicing, reducing manual errors and improving accuracy for residential projects.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop takeoff tools for quick measurements
- Live supplier pricing integrations for accurate costing
- Seamless transition from takeoff to quotes and job tracking
Cons
- Limited advanced takeoff capabilities compared to specialized tools like Bluebeam
- Pricing tiers can be expensive for solo users or very small teams
- Less suited for large commercial projects with complex plans
Best For
Small to medium residential builders and remodelers who need an all-in-one solution for takeoffs and estimating without a steep learning curve.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at $149 AUD/month for Essentials (basic takeoff/estimating), up to $499 AUD/month for Premium (full job management); annual discounts available.
Procore
enterpriseProcore's Takeoff & Estimating tools enable digital material quantity extraction integrated with full project management.
End-to-end integration that pushes takeoff quantities directly into bids, budgets, and change orders within the Procore platform
Procore is a comprehensive cloud-based construction management platform that includes robust estimating and takeoff tools tailored for construction professionals. Its Estimating module enables digital quantity takeoffs directly from PDF drawings and BIM models, supporting material counts, assemblies, and cost integration. While excelling in workflow integration, it functions best within the broader Procore ecosystem rather than as a standalone takeoff solution.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Procore's full project management suite
- Cloud-based collaboration for real-time team access
- Supports advanced takeoffs from PDFs, CAD, and BIM with customizable assemblies
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to extensive features
- High cost makes it less ideal for small firms or takeoff-only needs
- Relies on integrations for some advanced takeoff functionalities
Best For
Mid-to-large construction companies already using Procore who want integrated takeoff and estimating within their project management workflow.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $375–$675 per month per user plus project fees; volume discounts available.
Autodesk Takeoff
enterpriseAutodesk Takeoff supports 2D digital quantity takeoff and estimating within the Autodesk Construction Cloud ecosystem.
Seamless hybrid 2D/3D model takeoff with direct Revit integration for automated quantity extraction
Autodesk Takeoff is a cloud-based quantity takeoff software that enables construction professionals to extract accurate material quantities, counts, areas, and volumes from 2D drawings like PDFs and CAD files, as well as 3D BIM models. It supports custom assemblies, automated issue tracking, and seamless integration with Autodesk tools such as Revit and Autodesk Construction Cloud for streamlined workflows. Ideal for preconstruction phases, it helps estimators generate reports and share takeoffs collaboratively in real-time.
Pros
- Deep integration with Autodesk ecosystem including Revit and BIM 360
- Robust 2D and 3D takeoff capabilities from multiple file formats
- Cloud collaboration and real-time sharing for teams
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface
- High subscription cost limits accessibility for small firms
- Less flexible for non-Autodesk workflows
Best For
Mid-to-large construction firms already invested in the Autodesk ecosystem needing integrated 2D/3D material takeoff.
Pricing
Annual subscription starting at ~$1,225/user for Takeoff Pro, with tiers in Autodesk Construction Cloud plans.
Groundplan
general_aiGroundplan uses AI to accelerate accurate material takeoffs and cost estimates from construction drawings.
AI Plan Recognition that automatically identifies and quantifies elements from uploaded floor plans in seconds
Groundplan is an AI-powered construction takeoff software designed for quick material quantity extraction from 2D floor plans and blueprints. Users upload PDFs, images, or CAD files, and the software automatically detects rooms, walls, doors, and fixtures to generate accurate takeoffs for materials like flooring, paint, drywall, and electrical. It supports collaboration, custom templates, and exports to Excel or CSV for estimating integration.
Pros
- Rapid AI-driven takeoffs save hours on manual measuring
- Intuitive interface with mobile app support for on-site use
- Strong accuracy for standard residential and light commercial plans
Cons
- Limited support for complex 3D BIM models or advanced detailing
- Requires manual adjustments for non-standard plans
- No native integrations with major estimating platforms like Procore
Best For
Small to mid-sized contractors focused on residential remodeling or flooring trades needing fast 2D plan takeoffs.
Pricing
Freemium with paid plans starting at $49/user/month (billed annually); enterprise custom pricing.
Conclusion
The top three tools stand out for their unique strengths: PlanSwift leads with its fast, intuitive digital takeoff from various files; Bluebeam Revu excels in precise PDF markup and measurement; and On-Screen Takeoff delivers accurate 2D calculations for blueprint workflows. While each caters to different needs, PlanSwift emerges as the top choice for its combination of speed and versatility.
Start with PlanSwift to experience streamlined, point-and-click takeoff and quantity calculations—ideal for boosting efficiency on your next construction project.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison