Top 10 Best Contractor Estimating Software of 2026

PlanSwift is a leading digital takeoff and estimating software tailored for construction contractors, enabling rapid quantity takeoffs from PDF plans, blueprints, and CAD files using intuitive point-and-click tools. It features customizable assemblies, real-time cost calculations, and automated bid generation to streamline the estimating process. The software supports integration with accounting tools like QuickBooks and produces professional reports for accurate project bidding.

Stack (stackct.com) is an AI-powered construction estimating platform designed specifically for contractors, automating takeoffs and bid creation from PDFs, images, and site photos. It uses advanced machine learning to deliver lightning-fast, highly accurate measurements for roofing, siding, and other trades, reducing estimating time from hours to minutes. The software integrates seamlessly with tools like QuickBooks and Procore, enabling efficient project handoffs from estimate to job site.

ProEst is a cloud-based construction estimating software tailored for contractors, offering digital takeoff, assembly-based estimating, and bid management tools to streamline pre-construction workflows. It features a visual database for quick item selection and supports integration with accounting systems like Sage and QuickBooks. The platform emphasizes accuracy and efficiency for commercial projects, enabling collaborative bidding processes.

Buildxact is a cloud-based estimating and takeoff software tailored for residential builders, remodelers, and contractors. It streamlines the creation of professional quotes with digital plan takeoffs, real-time material pricing from suppliers, and job costing tools. The platform also supports project scheduling, variation management, and seamless integrations with accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero.

Bluebeam Revu is a robust PDF editor tailored for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, with strong digital takeoff and measurement tools for contractor estimating. It enables users to measure lengths, areas, volumes, and counts directly from PDF blueprints, annotate plans, and generate detailed quantity reports exportable to Excel. While excelling in document review and basic quantity extraction, it lacks advanced cost databases and bidding automation found in dedicated estimating software.

Sage Estimating is a powerful construction estimating software designed for contractors, offering a comprehensive database-driven approach to creating accurate bids and takeoffs. It features an extensive library of pre-built assemblies, real-time cost data, and tools for labor, material, and subcontractor calculations. The software integrates seamlessly with Sage's accounting and ERP solutions, streamlining workflows from estimate to project execution.

On-Screen Takeoff (OST) is a specialized digital takeoff software from On Center Software (now part of Beck Technology) designed for construction contractors to perform precise quantity takeoffs directly from PDF, CAD, or scanned plans on-screen. It allows users to measure lengths, areas, volumes, and counts with customizable assemblies and routines that automate calculations for estimating. OST excels in 2D plan analysis and integrates tightly with Quick Bid for full estimating workflows, making it a staple for detailed pre-construction quantity extraction.

Xactimate is an industry-standard estimating software primarily used by contractors, restoration professionals, and insurance adjusters for creating precise estimates on property damage claims and construction projects. It features a vast database of line items, regional pricing, labor rates, and tools for sketching floor plans and generating reports. The software streamlines the estimating process with mobile accessibility and integrations, making it a go-to for standardized, defensible estimates accepted by insurers.

Clear Estimates is a contractor-focused estimating software that enables users to create professional proposals, perform digital takeoffs, and manage job costing using customizable assemblies and templates. It supports industries like roofing, siding, remodeling, and painting with features for material pricing updates, labor calculations, and QuickBooks integration. The platform includes mobile apps for field approvals and time tracking, streamlining the bid-to-job process for trade contractors.

Knowify is a cloud-based construction management software designed specifically for trade contractors, providing comprehensive estimating tools that integrate seamlessly with QuickBooks for accurate job costing and financial tracking. It supports digital takeoffs, customizable assemblies, and real-time cost monitoring to help contractors bid competitively and manage projects profitably. Additional features include invoicing, time tracking, and a mobile app for field updates, making it a all-in-one solution for small to mid-sized contracting businesses.