Quick Overview
- 1#1: Stack - Cloud-based takeoff and estimating software with AI-powered features for accurate construction cost calculations.
- 2#2: PlanSwift - Digital takeoff and estimating tool that allows contractors to measure and bid directly from PDFs and blueprints.
- 3#3: Bluebeam Revu - PDF-based software with advanced takeoff, measurement, and estimating capabilities for construction professionals.
- 4#4: Buildxact - All-in-one estimating, takeoff, and job management software designed for residential builders and remodelers.
- 5#5: Procore - Comprehensive construction management platform featuring robust estimating and bidding tools integrated with project workflows.
- 6#6: Sage Estimating - Professional-grade estimating software with extensive databases for material and labor costs in large-scale projects.
- 7#7: Xactimate - Industry-standard software for detailed line-item estimating, especially for property damage and restoration work.
- 8#8: Togal.AI - AI-driven automated takeoff software that instantly extracts quantities from blueprints for faster estimating.
- 9#9: Buildertrend - Construction management software with built-in estimating, scheduling, and client proposal tools for home builders.
- 10#10: Knowify - Cloud platform for trade contractors offering job costing, estimating, and invoicing in one integrated system.
Tools were selected based on feature robustness, user-friendliness, integration with project workflows, and overall value, ensuring they meet the needs of residential, commercial, and specialized contractors, from restoration to home building.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores leading contractor estimate software tools, such as Stack, PlanSwift, Bluebeam Revu, Buildxact, and Procore, to help identify the right fit for your workflow. It outlines key features, usability, and specialized capabilities, guiding readers in selecting software that streamlines budgeting and project planning.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stack Cloud-based takeoff and estimating software with AI-powered features for accurate construction cost calculations. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | PlanSwift Digital takeoff and estimating tool that allows contractors to measure and bid directly from PDFs and blueprints. | specialized | 8.9/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 3 | Bluebeam Revu PDF-based software with advanced takeoff, measurement, and estimating capabilities for construction professionals. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 4 | Buildxact All-in-one estimating, takeoff, and job management software designed for residential builders and remodelers. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Procore Comprehensive construction management platform featuring robust estimating and bidding tools integrated with project workflows. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | Sage Estimating Professional-grade estimating software with extensive databases for material and labor costs in large-scale projects. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 7 | Xactimate Industry-standard software for detailed line-item estimating, especially for property damage and restoration work. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 8 | Togal.AI AI-driven automated takeoff software that instantly extracts quantities from blueprints for faster estimating. | general_ai | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | Buildertrend Construction management software with built-in estimating, scheduling, and client proposal tools for home builders. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | Knowify Cloud platform for trade contractors offering job costing, estimating, and invoicing in one integrated system. | specialized | 8.0/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.7/10 |
Cloud-based takeoff and estimating software with AI-powered features for accurate construction cost calculations.
Digital takeoff and estimating tool that allows contractors to measure and bid directly from PDFs and blueprints.
PDF-based software with advanced takeoff, measurement, and estimating capabilities for construction professionals.
All-in-one estimating, takeoff, and job management software designed for residential builders and remodelers.
Comprehensive construction management platform featuring robust estimating and bidding tools integrated with project workflows.
Professional-grade estimating software with extensive databases for material and labor costs in large-scale projects.
Industry-standard software for detailed line-item estimating, especially for property damage and restoration work.
AI-driven automated takeoff software that instantly extracts quantities from blueprints for faster estimating.
Construction management software with built-in estimating, scheduling, and client proposal tools for home builders.
Cloud platform for trade contractors offering job costing, estimating, and invoicing in one integrated system.
Stack
specializedCloud-based takeoff and estimating software with AI-powered features for accurate construction cost calculations.
AI-powered Plan Reader for instant, accurate quantity takeoffs from PDFs and blueprints
Stack (stackct.com) is an AI-powered contractor estimate software designed to streamline pre-construction workflows for contractors. It offers automated quantity takeoffs, intelligent estimating, customizable bid templates, and seamless integrations with tools like QuickBooks and Procore. The platform enables teams to collaborate in real-time, produce professional proposals, and transition bids into projects effortlessly, making it a top choice for efficient estimating.
Pros
- Lightning-fast AI-driven takeoffs and estimating that reduce manual work by up to 80%
- Robust integrations with accounting and project management tools for seamless workflows
- Real-time collaboration and mobile access for on-site adjustments
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers may be steep for solo contractors
- Advanced AI features require initial setup and training
- Limited free tier functionality for testing complex estimates
Best For
Mid-sized contractors and specialty trade firms seeking to scale estimating efficiency and win more bids.
Pricing
Starts at $99/user/month for Pro plan (billed annually), with Team at $149/user/month and Enterprise custom pricing; 14-day free trial available.
PlanSwift
specializedDigital takeoff and estimating tool that allows contractors to measure and bid directly from PDFs and blueprints.
Point-and-click digital takeoff with intelligent assemblies that automatically compute costs from any plan format
PlanSwift is a specialized on-screen takeoff and estimating software tailored for construction contractors, allowing users to measure quantities directly from digital blueprints, PDFs, CAD files, and images with point-and-click precision. It automates calculations using customizable assemblies that factor in materials, labor, subcontractors, and overhead to produce detailed bids and reports. The tool integrates seamlessly with popular accounting software like QuickBooks and Excel, streamlining the entire estimating workflow from plan import to final quote delivery.
Pros
- Lightning-fast digital takeoffs with drag-and-drop tools and real-time quantity calculations
- Highly customizable assemblies and databases for accurate, scalable estimating across projects
- Strong integrations with accounting software and robust reporting for professional bid presentations
Cons
- Steep initial learning curve for advanced assemblies and custom formulas
- Windows-only compatibility limits accessibility for Mac or mobile users
- Higher pricing may not suit very small contractors or one-off users
Best For
Mid-sized construction contractors and estimators who handle frequent digital plan takeoffs and need precise, assembly-based bidding.
Pricing
Perpetual license starts at $1,749 one-time plus $595/year maintenance; subscription options from $174/month per user.
Bluebeam Revu
specializedPDF-based software with advanced takeoff, measurement, and estimating capabilities for construction professionals.
Dynamic quantity takeoff tools with automatic scaling, calibration, and visual chaining for precise measurements across scaled PDFs
Bluebeam Revu is a robust PDF editing and markup software designed for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, with strong capabilities for digital takeoffs and quantity measurements from blueprints. It enables contractors to annotate drawings, perform area, length, and volume calculations, and export data to Excel for estimating purposes. While excelling in pre-bid takeoff workflows, it lacks full estimating features like cost databases or bid assembly.
Pros
- Highly accurate digital takeoff and measurement tools with calibration
- Seamless integration with Excel and other estimating software
- Powerful collaboration via Studio Projects and Sessions
- Customizable markups, counts, and reporting for construction docs
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced takeoff features
- No built-in cost estimating or database management
- Subscription pricing adds up for small teams
- Limited native mobile app functionality
Best For
Contractors and estimators focused on PDF-based quantity takeoffs and blueprint markups who integrate with external estimating tools.
Pricing
Subscription tiers: Basics (~$250/year), Core (~$370/year), Complete (~$620/year) per user; one-time licenses available but phasing out.
Buildxact
specializedAll-in-one estimating, takeoff, and job management software designed for residential builders and remodelers.
Live supplier price feeds that automatically update estimates with current material costs
Buildxact is a cloud-based construction management software tailored for residential builders, remodelers, and trade contractors, focusing on fast digital takeoff, estimating, and quoting. It streamlines the process with pre-built material templates, automatic pricing from supplier integrations, and job costing tools to track profitability in real-time. The platform also offers scheduling, variation management, and seamless accounting integrations like QuickBooks and Xero for end-to-end project control.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop takeoff and estimating interface
- Real-time material pricing from 200+ suppliers
- Strong integrations with accounting and supplier portals
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers may not suit solo contractors
- Limited advanced customization for complex commercial projects
- Reporting features lack depth compared to enterprise tools
Best For
Small to medium residential builders and remodelers seeking quick, accurate estimating without a steep learning curve.
Pricing
Starts at $149 AUD/user/month (Essentials), $299 (Pro), $499 (Premium), with annual billing discounts; free trial available.
Procore
enterpriseComprehensive construction management platform featuring robust estimating and bidding tools integrated with project workflows.
Bid Board, which centralizes bid management, automatic notifications, and side-by-side bid comparisons for efficient subcontractor selection
Procore is a comprehensive cloud-based construction management platform that includes robust estimating and bidding tools tailored for contractors. It enables users to create detailed cost estimates, perform digital takeoffs, manage subcontractor bids through the Bid Board, and seamlessly hand off estimates to project budgets and financial tracking. While not a standalone estimating solution, its integration with the full Procore suite makes it ideal for end-to-end construction workflows.
Pros
- Seamless integration of estimates with project management and financials
- Powerful Bid Board for streamlined subcontractor bidding and comparison
- Extensive library of templates and real-time collaboration tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to platform complexity
- High cost, especially for smaller contractors focused only on estimating
- Overkill for basic estimating needs without leveraging the full suite
Best For
Mid-sized to large contractors who need integrated estimating within a broader construction management ecosystem.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $500-$800 per month per project or user, with enterprise plans scaling higher.
Sage Estimating
enterpriseProfessional-grade estimating software with extensive databases for material and labor costs in large-scale projects.
Comprehensive national cost database with over 100,000 line items and customizable assemblies
Sage Estimating is a robust construction estimating software designed for contractors to produce accurate, detailed bids using a vast database of over 100,000 items, assemblies, and labor rates. It supports digital takeoffs, customizable formulas, and integration with Sage accounting and project management tools like Sage 300. The software excels in handling complex estimates for commercial, industrial, and residential projects, with features for bid management and reporting.
Pros
- Extensive pre-built database of costs, assemblies, and labor data
- Seamless integration with Sage 300 and other construction software
- Advanced takeoff and bid management capabilities
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Outdated user interface
- High pricing with custom quotes required
Best For
Mid-to-large construction firms requiring database-driven estimating for complex projects.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing, typically $5,000+ annually per user, with additional costs for modules and training.
Xactimate
specializedIndustry-standard software for detailed line-item estimating, especially for property damage and restoration work.
Proprietary Xactimate price list, the most comprehensive and trusted database for restoration estimating
Xactimate, from Xactware (a Verisk company), is the industry-standard cloud-based estimating software for property restoration, remodeling, and construction professionals. It enables users to create precise line-item estimates using a comprehensive, regionally adjusted price database updated monthly. Additional tools include Sketch for 2D/3D takeoffs, photo integration, and reporting features tailored for insurance claims.
Pros
- Extensive, accurate pricing database with regional adjustments
- Industry-standard acceptance by insurers and widespread adoption
- Powerful Sketch tool for roofs, walls, and 3D models
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring extensive training
- High subscription costs
- Interface feels dated compared to modern alternatives
Best For
Insurance restoration contractors and claims adjusters needing precise, carrier-accepted estimates.
Pricing
Subscription tiers from $89/month (mobile) to $349/month (full desktop), with annual plans and multi-user discounts available.
Togal.AI
general_aiAI-driven automated takeoff software that instantly extracts quantities from blueprints for faster estimating.
AI computer vision that automatically detects, counts, and measures project elements from uploaded blueprints in seconds
Togal.AI is an AI-driven takeoff and estimating software designed for construction professionals, automating the extraction of quantities from digital blueprints and PDFs. It uses advanced computer vision to detect and measure elements like walls, doors, openings, and fixtures across multiple trades, generating accurate takeoff reports in minutes rather than hours. The platform supports collaboration, custom templates, and exports to popular estimating tools like Procore and PlanSwift.
Pros
- Ultra-fast AI-powered takeoffs that save hours of manual measuring
- High accuracy for standard 2D plans across 50+ object types
- Seamless integrations with estimating and project management software
Cons
- Relies on AI which may require manual corrections for complex or non-standard plans
- Pricing can be steep for small contractors or infrequent users
- Limited advanced 3D BIM support compared to competitors
Best For
Mid-sized construction contractors and estimators focused on speeding up 2D blueprint takeoffs for competitive bidding.
Pricing
Starts at $299/user/month for Pro plan with unlimited projects; Enterprise custom pricing.
Buildertrend
enterpriseConstruction management software with built-in estimating, scheduling, and client proposal tools for home builders.
Bid-to-job integration that automatically flows estimates into schedules, budgets, and change orders
Buildertrend is a comprehensive cloud-based construction management platform with robust estimating tools designed for contractors and builders. It enables digital takeoffs, customizable assemblies, cost databases, and quick bid generation, integrating seamlessly with scheduling, budgeting, and invoicing. This all-in-one solution streamlines the entire project lifecycle from initial estimate to job completion, including client portals for transparency.
Pros
- Integrated estimating with scheduling and budgeting for real-time updates
- Powerful digital takeoff tools and customizable templates
- Mobile app and client portal enhance on-site and stakeholder communication
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features
- Higher pricing may not suit very small contractors
- Setup and customization of cost databases takes time
Best For
Mid-sized contractors and home builders needing an all-in-one platform for estimating integrated with full project management.
Pricing
Starts at $399/month (billed annually) for Essentials plan; Pro at $589/month, Team at $789/month; custom Enterprise pricing; unlimited users per plan.
Knowify
specializedCloud platform for trade contractors offering job costing, estimating, and invoicing in one integrated system.
Real-time job costing dashboard that automatically syncs estimates, expenses, and change orders with QuickBooks for precise profitability tracking
Knowify is a cloud-based construction management software designed specifically for trade contractors and subcontractors, offering robust tools for estimating, job costing, takeoff, invoicing, and project tracking. It streamlines the entire workflow from bid to payment with real-time data and mobile accessibility. The platform integrates deeply with QuickBooks for seamless accounting synchronization, making it a strong choice for managing contractor estimates and finances.
Pros
- Comprehensive estimating and digital takeoff tools with customizable templates
- Deep QuickBooks integration for automated invoicing and job costing
- Mobile app supports on-site time tracking, photos, and approvals
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to extensive features
- Pricing can be high for solo contractors or very small teams
- Limited advanced reporting and customization compared to enterprise tools
Best For
Mid-sized trade contractors and subcontractors who need an all-in-one platform for accurate estimating, job management, and QuickBooks-synced finances.
Pricing
Starts at $99/user/month (billed annually) for Essential plan; Pro at $299/month for up to 3 users; custom Enterprise pricing available.
Conclusion
The reviewed contractor estimate software offers diverse solutions, with Stack standing out as the top choice due to its AI-powered features for accurate cost calculations. PlanSwift and Bluebeam Revu are strong alternatives—PlanSwift excels in direct takeoff from PDFs and blueprints, while Bluebeam Revu impresses with advanced PDF-based capabilities. Choosing the right tool depends on specific needs, but Stack leads as the most versatile option.
Elevate your estimating process by trying Stack first; its AI-driven tools can simplify cost calculations and enhance your project bids, making it the ideal partner for contractors seeking efficiency and accuracy.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison