Quick Overview
- 1#1: Bluebeam Revu - Enables precise digital quantity takeoffs, measurements, and annotations directly from PDF blueprints for construction estimating.
- 2#2: PlanSwift - Automates takeoff measurements from digital plans with drag-and-drop assemblies for fast construction quantity estimation.
- 3#3: Stack - Cloud-based takeoff software that uses AI to extract measurements from plans and generate accurate estimating reports.
- 4#4: On-Screen Takeoff - Provides detailed 2D takeoff capabilities from digital drawings with customizable assemblies for construction measurement.
- 5#5: Togal.AI - AI-powered platform that automatically detects and measures elements in construction drawings for rapid takeoffs.
- 6#6: Kreo - AI-driven takeoff and estimating tool that measures quantities from 2D plans and BIM models in the cloud.
- 7#7: Autodesk Takeoff - Integrated takeoff tool within Autodesk Construction Cloud for measuring quantities from 2D and 3D models.
- 8#8: Groundplan - Online takeoff software for quick measurements and cost estimates from PDF and CAD files.
- 9#9: Buildxact - All-in-one estimating platform with digital takeoff features tailored for residential construction builders.
- 10#10: Methvin - Flexible web-based takeoff and estimating software for measuring construction quantities from plans.
Tools were selected based on feature robustness, ease of use, integration capabilities, and overall value, ensuring they deliver reliable performance across 2D plans, BIM models, and digital blueprints, catering to both residential and large-scale construction teams.
Comparison Table
This comparison table outlines key construction measurement software, such as Bluebeam Revu, PlanSwift, Stack, On-Screen Takeoff, Togal.AI, and more, to assist users in evaluating options for their projects. Readers will gain insights into features, workflow integration, and unique strengths, helping them make informed choices to streamline measurement processes and boost productivity.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bluebeam Revu Enables precise digital quantity takeoffs, measurements, and annotations directly from PDF blueprints for construction estimating. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | PlanSwift Automates takeoff measurements from digital plans with drag-and-drop assemblies for fast construction quantity estimation. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Stack Cloud-based takeoff software that uses AI to extract measurements from plans and generate accurate estimating reports. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | On-Screen Takeoff Provides detailed 2D takeoff capabilities from digital drawings with customizable assemblies for construction measurement. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Togal.AI AI-powered platform that automatically detects and measures elements in construction drawings for rapid takeoffs. | general_ai | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 6 | Kreo AI-driven takeoff and estimating tool that measures quantities from 2D plans and BIM models in the cloud. | general_ai | 8.3/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 7 | Autodesk Takeoff Integrated takeoff tool within Autodesk Construction Cloud for measuring quantities from 2D and 3D models. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | Groundplan Online takeoff software for quick measurements and cost estimates from PDF and CAD files. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | Buildxact All-in-one estimating platform with digital takeoff features tailored for residential construction builders. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | Methvin Flexible web-based takeoff and estimating software for measuring construction quantities from plans. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.3/10 | 7.4/10 |
Enables precise digital quantity takeoffs, measurements, and annotations directly from PDF blueprints for construction estimating.
Automates takeoff measurements from digital plans with drag-and-drop assemblies for fast construction quantity estimation.
Cloud-based takeoff software that uses AI to extract measurements from plans and generate accurate estimating reports.
Provides detailed 2D takeoff capabilities from digital drawings with customizable assemblies for construction measurement.
AI-powered platform that automatically detects and measures elements in construction drawings for rapid takeoffs.
AI-driven takeoff and estimating tool that measures quantities from 2D plans and BIM models in the cloud.
Integrated takeoff tool within Autodesk Construction Cloud for measuring quantities from 2D and 3D models.
Online takeoff software for quick measurements and cost estimates from PDF and CAD files.
All-in-one estimating platform with digital takeoff features tailored for residential construction builders.
Flexible web-based takeoff and estimating software for measuring construction quantities from plans.
Bluebeam Revu
specializedEnables precise digital quantity takeoffs, measurements, and annotations directly from PDF blueprints for construction estimating.
Dynamic Measurement tools with automatic scaling, visual legends, and exportable quantity data for error-free construction takeoffs
Bluebeam Revu is a leading PDF-based software tailored for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, specializing in digital takeoffs, measurements, and markup on blueprints and drawings. It provides precise tools for quantity estimation, including area, length, volume, and count measurements with automatic scaling, calibration, and customizable markups. The platform supports seamless collaboration through Studio Projects and integrates with popular construction management tools, making it ideal for streamlining construction measurement workflows.
Pros
- Exceptionally accurate and customizable measurement tools with dynamic scaling and takeoff summaries
- Powerful collaboration via Bluebeam Studio for real-time cloud sharing and markups
- Comprehensive toolsets optimized for AEC workflows, including batch processing and OCR
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to extensive features
- Limited native support on Mac (Windows primary platform)
- Subscription pricing may be costly for solo practitioners or small firms
Best For
Construction estimators, quantity surveyors, and project teams requiring precise digital takeoffs and collaborative PDF review on large drawing sets.
Pricing
Subscription tiers: Basics ($169/user/year), Core ($239/user/year), Complete ($349/user/year); volume discounts available.
PlanSwift
specializedAutomates takeoff measurements from digital plans with drag-and-drop assemblies for fast construction quantity estimation.
Point-and-click digital plan takeoffs with real-time quantity calculations and drag-and-drop assemblies
PlanSwift is a leading on-screen digital takeoff and estimating software tailored for construction professionals, allowing users to import PDFs, CAD files, and images for precise quantity measurements. It features point-and-click tools to calculate areas, lengths, volumes, and counts, with drag-and-drop assemblies for quick cost estimating and customizable reporting. The software integrates with popular accounting and project management tools, making it efficient for bid preparation and pre-construction workflows.
Pros
- Intuitive point-and-click takeoff tools for rapid measurements
- Highly customizable assemblies and templates for tailored estimating
- Robust reporting and export options for professional bids
Cons
- Desktop-only (Windows), lacking cloud collaboration
- Initial learning curve for advanced customization
- Higher upfront cost compared to some cloud-based alternatives
Best For
Construction estimators and contractors handling complex blueprints who prioritize speed and accuracy in digital takeoffs.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at ~$1,600 per user with annual maintenance (~20%), or subscription options from $150/month.
Stack
specializedCloud-based takeoff software that uses AI to extract measurements from plans and generate accurate estimating reports.
Patented measurement engine for automatic, ultra-fast area and volume detection from digital plans
Stack (stackct.com) is a cloud-based construction takeoff and estimating software that enables precise measurements from PDFs, CAD files, and images. It automates quantity takeoffs for areas, lengths, counts, and volumes, speeding up the pre-construction bidding process. The platform supports real-time team collaboration and integrates seamlessly with accounting and estimating tools like QuickBooks and Sage.
Pros
- Lightning-fast PDF and CAD takeoffs with high accuracy
- Robust cloud collaboration for teams
- Strong integrations with popular construction software
Cons
- Learning curve for advanced customization
- Higher pricing for small solo users
- Limited offline functionality
Best For
Mid-sized construction estimators and teams handling complex takeoffs who need speed and collaboration.
Pricing
Starts at $2,495/year for Solo plan; Team and Enterprise pricing custom, with 14-day free trial.
On-Screen Takeoff
specializedProvides detailed 2D takeoff capabilities from digital drawings with customizable assemblies for construction measurement.
Dynamic Assemblies with conditional logic for creating complex, project-specific item builds
On-Screen Takeoff by ConstructConnect is a powerful desktop-based software for construction professionals, enabling precise digital measurements and quantity takeoffs directly from PDF, CAD, and image files. It features customizable assemblies, condition-based estimating, and automated reporting to streamline pre-construction bidding processes. The tool supports bid management, collaboration via cloud digitizer services, and seamless integration with Excel and other estimating software.
Pros
- Exceptionally accurate and fast on-screen takeoffs from digital plans
- Extensive customizable assembly library with conditions for detailed estimating
- Strong integration with Excel, Quick Bid, and other construction tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to dense feature set
- Primarily Windows desktop app with limited mobile access
- Pricing can be prohibitive for very small firms
Best For
Mid-to-large construction estimators and bidding teams handling complex projects with digital plans.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing, typically $1,495–$1,995 per user per year depending on modules and volume discounts.
Togal.AI
general_aiAI-powered platform that automatically detects and measures elements in construction drawings for rapid takeoffs.
AI Plan Reader that automatically detects and measures 1,000+ building elements from uploaded PDFs or CAD files in seconds
Togal.AI is an AI-powered construction takeoff software that automates quantity extraction from blueprints by detecting and measuring elements like walls, doors, areas, and openings with high accuracy. It streamlines the pre-construction measurement process, enabling faster bid preparation and reducing manual errors. Users upload plans, and the AI generates editable takeoffs that integrate with estimating software like Procore and PlanSwift.
Pros
- Lightning-fast AI-driven takeoffs that process entire plans in minutes
- High accuracy on standard architectural drawings with trainable AI models
- Seamless cloud collaboration and integrations with major estimating tools
Cons
- Requires manual corrections for highly complex or non-standard plans
- Pricing is enterprise-focused and opaque without a demo
- Limited support for 3D models or BIM files compared to competitors
Best For
Mid-sized construction firms and estimators handling high volumes of 2D blueprints who need speed without sacrificing precision.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting around $5,000/year per user; contact sales for quotes.
Kreo
general_aiAI-driven takeoff and estimating tool that measures quantities from 2D plans and BIM models in the cloud.
AI Object Recognition that automatically detects and measures construction elements from uploaded drawings
Kreo is an AI-powered construction takeoff and measurement software that automates quantity extraction from 2D PDFs, images, and CAD files. It streamlines the measurement process by using machine learning to identify and quantify elements like walls, doors, and areas with high accuracy. The platform also supports collaborative estimating, reporting, and integration with tools like Excel and Procore for efficient project workflows.
Pros
- AI-driven automation significantly speeds up takeoffs
- High accuracy in measurements from various file formats
- Cloud-based collaboration for team efficiency
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small firms or low-volume users
- Limited advanced 3D BIM capabilities compared to competitors
- Occasional AI inaccuracies requiring manual verification
Best For
Mid-sized construction firms and estimators seeking AI automation to accelerate 2D takeoffs and quantity surveying.
Pricing
Subscription starts at ~$99/user/month for Pro plan; custom enterprise pricing and pay-per-project options available.
Autodesk Takeoff
enterpriseIntegrated takeoff tool within Autodesk Construction Cloud for measuring quantities from 2D and 3D models.
Native support for 3D model quantity extraction directly from Revit and other BIM files
Autodesk Takeoff is a cloud-based construction measurement software designed for accurate quantity takeoffs from 2D PDFs, CAD files, and 3D BIM models. It automates measurements, supports custom assemblies for material estimation, and facilitates team collaboration through the Autodesk Construction Cloud platform. The tool helps estimators generate precise bids by integrating takeoff data directly into cost estimating workflows.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Autodesk ecosystem like Revit and Construction Cloud
- Supports both 2D plan-based and 3D model-based takeoffs
- Cloud collaboration for real-time sharing and markup
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-Autodesk users
- Higher cost for full Pro features
- Limited offline capabilities compared to desktop alternatives
Best For
Mid-to-large construction firms already invested in the Autodesk suite needing integrated BIM-driven quantity takeoff.
Pricing
Basic version included with Autodesk Construction Cloud subscriptions; Pro plan starts at ~$1,140/user/year for advanced 3D features.
Groundplan
specializedOnline takeoff software for quick measurements and cost estimates from PDF and CAD files.
AI Plan Reader for instant, automatic detection and measurement of plan elements without manual tracing
Groundplan is an AI-powered construction takeoff and measurement software designed to automate quantity takeoffs from PDF plans, images, and CAD files. It rapidly identifies and measures areas, lengths, counts, and other elements, significantly reducing manual effort for estimators and surveyors. The platform supports collaboration, custom templates, and exports to popular estimating tools, making it efficient for construction bidding and planning.
Pros
- AI-driven automation speeds up takeoffs dramatically
- Supports diverse file formats including PDFs and DWGs
- Cloud-based collaboration for teams
Cons
- AI accuracy may need manual tweaks on complex plans
- Fewer advanced reporting options than top competitors
- Limited integrations with some enterprise estimating software
Best For
Small to mid-sized construction contractors and estimators seeking fast, affordable AI-assisted plan measurements.
Pricing
Freemium with paid plans starting at $49/user/month (Pro) up to $99/user/month (Enterprise), billed annually.
Buildxact
specializedAll-in-one estimating platform with digital takeoff features tailored for residential construction builders.
Builder-specific material templates and live supplier pricing integration for accurate, real-time cost estimates
Buildxact is a cloud-based construction management platform tailored for residential builders and remodelers, focusing on digital takeoff, estimating, quoting, and job management. It enables users to import PDFs or CAD files, perform precise measurements, calculate material quantities automatically, and generate professional estimates quickly. The software also handles job costing, scheduling, and invoicing, with strong integrations to accounting tools like Xero and QuickBooks.
Pros
- Intuitive digital takeoff tools with PDF/CAD import and auto-quantity calculations
- Seamless end-to-end workflow from measurement to invoicing
- Strong integrations with accounting software and supplier pricing databases
Cons
- Limited advanced customization for complex commercial projects
- Higher pricing may not suit very small operations
- Occasional glitches in mobile app functionality
Best For
Small to medium residential builders and remodelers seeking an all-in-one tool for quick takeoffs and estimates.
Pricing
Subscription tiers starting at $149/user/month (Select plan), up to $499/user/month (Enterprise), billed annually.
Methvin
specializedFlexible web-based takeoff and estimating software for measuring construction quantities from plans.
Free, browser-based takeoff tool that measures quantities instantly from any digital plan without requiring a subscription.
Methvin is a cloud-based construction takeoff and estimating software that specializes in precise quantity measurements from PDF, CAD, and image files. It streamlines the process of digital takeoffs, cost estimation, and tender management for construction professionals. The platform supports collaborative workflows and includes built-in rate libraries to enhance bidding accuracy.
Pros
- Highly accurate digital takeoff tools with support for multiple file formats
- Cloud-based collaboration for team access anywhere
- Free unlimited takeoff version for basic measurements
Cons
- Limited integrations with popular accounting or project management software
- Learning curve for advanced estimating and tendering features
- Occasional performance lags with large plan files
Best For
Small to medium construction contractors and estimators needing affordable takeoff and basic estimating capabilities.
Pricing
Free for unlimited takeoffs; paid Pro plans start at $29/user/month for estimating and tendering features.
Conclusion
The reviewed construction measurement software proves instrumental in streamlining estimating processes, with leading tools prioritizing precision and efficiency. At the top, Bluebeam Revu stands out for its seamless digital takeoff from PDFs, making it a versatile choice for diverse projects. PlanSwift and Stack紧随其后, offering exceptional automation and AI-driven accuracy, respectively, as strong alternatives for specific needs.
Whether for detailed quantity takeoffs or rapid estimating, Bluebeam Revu remains a top pick—start exploring its capabilities to elevate your construction workflows today.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison