Top 10 Best Contractors Estimating Software of 2026

STACK (stackct.com) is a cloud-based takeoff and estimating platform designed specifically for construction contractors, allowing users to perform precise digital takeoffs from PDFs, CAD files, and blueprints with point-and-click simplicity. It automates quantity calculations, assembles professional estimates, and facilitates team collaboration and bid management. With a robust free tier for unlimited takeoffs and scalable paid features, STACK streamlines pre-construction workflows for efficiency and accuracy.

PlanSwift is a desktop-based on-screen takeoff and estimating software tailored for construction contractors, enabling precise digital measurements from PDFs, blueprints, or CAD files using intuitive point-and-click tools. It features drag-and-drop assemblies for rapid bid assembly, automatic cost calculations, and seamless export to Excel or accounting software like QuickBooks. Ideal for streamlining pre-construction estimating workflows, it supports custom databases and reporting to enhance accuracy and efficiency.

ProEst is a cloud-based construction estimating software tailored for contractors, offering digital takeoff, customizable databases, and bid management to streamline pre-construction workflows. It excels in assembling accurate estimates quickly with real-time cost updates and integrates seamlessly with accounting systems like Sage and Viewpoint. The platform supports mobile access and reporting, making it suitable for field and office use in competitive bidding environments.

Sage Estimating is a powerful, database-driven software solution tailored for construction contractors to produce accurate bids and estimates efficiently. It offers an extensive library of pre-built assemblies, items, and labor rates, supporting both 2D takeoffs from PDFs/CAD and advanced reporting. The tool excels in customization and integrates deeply with Sage's accounting and project management products like Sage 300.

Autodesk Takeoff is a cloud-based digital takeoff and estimating tool within the Autodesk Construction Cloud suite, designed for contractors to perform accurate quantity measurements from 2D PDFs, DWGs, and 3D BIM models. It streamlines pre-construction workflows by enabling users to assemble quantities, apply costs, and generate reports for bidding and planning. The software emphasizes collaboration, allowing teams to share takeoffs in real-time across projects.

Bluebeam Revu is a robust PDF editor and markup tool designed for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, with strong capabilities for digital takeoffs and quantity measurements from blueprints. Estimators can calibrate drawings, measure lengths, areas, volumes, and counts, and use dynamic formulas in tool sets to generate summaries exportable to Excel. It excels in collaborative workflows via Bluebeam Studio but functions primarily as a takeoff companion rather than a complete estimating suite with built-in cost databases.

Buildertrend is a comprehensive construction management platform that includes dedicated estimating tools for contractors, enabling digital takeoffs, cost database management, and bid creation. It integrates estimating seamlessly with scheduling, project tracking, financials, and client portals to streamline workflows from bid to job completion. Primarily designed for residential and light commercial contractors, it supports teams in managing estimates alongside day-to-day operations efficiently.

Procore is a cloud-based construction management platform with integrated estimating tools designed for contractors to handle takeoffs, cost estimation, and bid management. It enables digital quantity takeoffs, customizable cost databases, and collaboration on bids within a unified ecosystem that spans the entire project lifecycle. While not a standalone estimating solution, it excels in connecting pre-construction estimates to ongoing project financials and execution.

CoConstruct is a comprehensive construction management platform tailored for custom builders and remodelers, with robust estimating tools for takeoffs, cost databases, and bid management. It integrates estimating seamlessly with scheduling, selections, and client portals to streamline the project lifecycle from bid to completion. While not a standalone estimating tool, it excels in residential construction workflows by linking estimates to real-time project changes and financial tracking.

Knowify is a cloud-based construction management platform designed specifically for contractors and subcontractors, with robust tools for estimating, digital takeoffs, job costing, invoicing, and project tracking. It allows users to create detailed estimates using customizable assemblies, cost databases, and plan imports, while providing real-time visibility into job profitability. The software integrates seamlessly with accounting systems like QuickBooks and offers mobile access for field teams to manage change orders and time tracking.