Quick Overview
- 1#1: Trimble AccuBid - Delivers comprehensive electrical estimating with automated takeoff, labor calculations, and real-time material pricing integration.
- 2#2: Trimble IntelliBid - Offers digital takeoff and advanced estimating tools tailored for electrical contractors with customizable assemblies and reporting.
- 3#3: PataBid - Provides AI-driven estimating for electrical and mechanical trades, automating bids from PDFs with accurate quantity takeoffs.
- 4#4: McCormick CS - Features full electrical estimating with dynamic labor factoring, conduit fill calculations, and integrated pricing databases.
- 5#5: PlanSwift - Enables rapid digital plan takeoff and cost estimating for electrical projects with drag-and-drop assemblies and Excel integration.
- 6#6: Stack - Cloud-based platform for AI-powered takeoffs and collaborative estimating suited for electrical construction bids.
- 7#7: Sage Estimating - Supports detailed electrical cost estimating with item and assembly-based databases, labor rates, and historical data analysis.
- 8#8: Bluebeam Revu - PDF-based markup and measurement tool for precise electrical takeoffs, quantity calculations, and collaborative estimating workflows.
- 9#9: On-Screen Takeoff - Performs accurate digital quantity takeoff from plans and generates electrical estimating reports for bidding.
- 10#10: eTakeoff - Facilitates dimensioned takeoff and area measurements from digital plans for electrical cost estimation.
We selected these tools based on their electrical-specific capabilities (including automated quantity takeoff, labor factoring, and real-time pricing integration), user experience, and overall value, prioritizing software that streamlines workflows and enhances accuracy.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores leading electrical estimating software tools, such as Trimble AccuBid, Trimble IntelliBid, PataBid, McCormick CS, PlanSwift, and more, offering a clear overview of key features and capabilities for professionals seeking efficient tools.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Trimble AccuBid Delivers comprehensive electrical estimating with automated takeoff, labor calculations, and real-time material pricing integration. | specialized | 9.8/10 | 9.9/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Trimble IntelliBid Offers digital takeoff and advanced estimating tools tailored for electrical contractors with customizable assemblies and reporting. | specialized | 9.3/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 3 | PataBid Provides AI-driven estimating for electrical and mechanical trades, automating bids from PDFs with accurate quantity takeoffs. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | McCormick CS Features full electrical estimating with dynamic labor factoring, conduit fill calculations, and integrated pricing databases. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | PlanSwift Enables rapid digital plan takeoff and cost estimating for electrical projects with drag-and-drop assemblies and Excel integration. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 6 | Stack Cloud-based platform for AI-powered takeoffs and collaborative estimating suited for electrical construction bids. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | Sage Estimating Supports detailed electrical cost estimating with item and assembly-based databases, labor rates, and historical data analysis. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | Bluebeam Revu PDF-based markup and measurement tool for precise electrical takeoffs, quantity calculations, and collaborative estimating workflows. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 9 | On-Screen Takeoff Performs accurate digital quantity takeoff from plans and generates electrical estimating reports for bidding. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | eTakeoff Facilitates dimensioned takeoff and area measurements from digital plans for electrical cost estimation. | enterprise | 7.4/10 | 8.0/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
Delivers comprehensive electrical estimating with automated takeoff, labor calculations, and real-time material pricing integration.
Offers digital takeoff and advanced estimating tools tailored for electrical contractors with customizable assemblies and reporting.
Provides AI-driven estimating for electrical and mechanical trades, automating bids from PDFs with accurate quantity takeoffs.
Features full electrical estimating with dynamic labor factoring, conduit fill calculations, and integrated pricing databases.
Enables rapid digital plan takeoff and cost estimating for electrical projects with drag-and-drop assemblies and Excel integration.
Cloud-based platform for AI-powered takeoffs and collaborative estimating suited for electrical construction bids.
Supports detailed electrical cost estimating with item and assembly-based databases, labor rates, and historical data analysis.
PDF-based markup and measurement tool for precise electrical takeoffs, quantity calculations, and collaborative estimating workflows.
Performs accurate digital quantity takeoff from plans and generates electrical estimating reports for bidding.
Facilitates dimensioned takeoff and area measurements from digital plans for electrical cost estimation.
Trimble AccuBid
specializedDelivers comprehensive electrical estimating with automated takeoff, labor calculations, and real-time material pricing integration.
Industry-leading Labor Unit Database with field-verified factors for precise, competitive bidding
Trimble AccuBid is a comprehensive electrical estimating software designed specifically for electrical contractors, enabling precise digital takeoffs, cost calculations, and bid proposals. It features an extensive database of over 100,000 pre-built assemblies and labor units derived from real-world field data, automating complex calculations for conduits, wiring, fixtures, and more. The software integrates seamlessly with project management tools and supports both on-premise and cloud deployments for scalable operations.
Pros
- Massive, industry-validated database with 100,000+ items and accurate labor factors
- Powerful digital takeoff tools with Visual AssemblX for drag-and-drop assemblies
- Robust reporting and integration with Trimble's ecosystem for end-to-end workflows
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to depth of features
- High upfront and ongoing costs for full functionality
- Primarily desktop-focused, with cloud options requiring additional setup
Best For
Large electrical contractors and estimators handling complex commercial and industrial projects who need unparalleled accuracy and detail in their bids.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting at $5,000+ for perpetual licenses or $200+/user/month for subscriptions, with add-ons for advanced modules.
Trimble IntelliBid
specializedOffers digital takeoff and advanced estimating tools tailored for electrical contractors with customizable assemblies and reporting.
Patented Labor Factor system that automatically calculates precise labor units based on project conditions, crew mixes, and installation methods
Trimble IntelliBid is a comprehensive electrical estimating software tailored for contractors, enabling precise bid creation through digital takeoff, automated assemblies, and labor factoring. It features an extensive database of over 100,000 electrical items with real-time pricing integration from suppliers. The tool supports detailed cost breakdowns, change management, and seamless handover to project management systems, streamlining the entire estimating workflow.
Pros
- Vast electrical-specific database with pre-built assemblies
- Advanced labor factoring for accurate manpower estimates
- Robust integrations with Trimble tools and third-party pricing services
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to depth of functionality
- High initial cost and maintenance fees
- Primarily desktop-based with limited mobile access
Best For
Mid-to-large electrical contractors handling complex commercial and industrial projects requiring precise, database-driven estimates.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at around $4,000-$6,000 per user plus annual maintenance (~20%); volume discounts and custom quotes available.
PataBid
specializedProvides AI-driven estimating for electrical and mechanical trades, automating bids from PDFs with accurate quantity takeoffs.
Proprietary electrical database with 100,000+ pre-loaded, customizable items and assemblies for rapid, code-compliant estimating.
PataBid is a cloud-based estimating and bidding software tailored for electrical contractors, enabling digital plan takeoffs, material and labor calculations, and professional bid proposals. It features a comprehensive database of over 100,000 electrical items and assemblies compliant with NEC standards, automating complex estimates for residential, commercial, and industrial projects. The platform integrates takeoff tools, CRM functions, and reporting to streamline workflows from bid preparation to project handover.
Pros
- Vast, NEC-compliant electrical database with assemblies
- Precise automated labor and material takeoffs
- Seamless bid-to-proposal generation and CRM integration
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Pricing can be high for small firms
- Limited native mobile app support
Best For
Mid-sized electrical contractors managing complex commercial and industrial bids who prioritize accuracy and database depth.
Pricing
Starts at $199/user/month for basic plans, up to $399+/user/month for Pro/Enterprise with annual discounts and custom quotes.
McCormick CS
specializedFeatures full electrical estimating with dynamic labor factoring, conduit fill calculations, and integrated pricing databases.
Massive electrical-specific item database with real-world labor units and assemblies
McCormick CS is a specialized estimating software tailored for electrical contractors, featuring a comprehensive database of over 100,000 electrical items, assemblies, and labor units for accurate material takeoffs and cost calculations. It supports detailed bid preparation, job costing integration, and customizable formulas to handle complex electrical projects from residential to commercial. The platform emphasizes precision in electrical-specific estimating, with tools for productivity reporting and change order management.
Pros
- Extensive pre-built electrical database with labor and material details
- Highly customizable assemblies and formulas for precise bids
- Seamless integration with popular accounting and job management systems
Cons
- Dated user interface that feels clunky compared to modern alternatives
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training time
- High upfront and ongoing costs may deter smaller firms
Best For
Mid-sized to large electrical contractors handling complex commercial and industrial projects who prioritize database accuracy over modern UI.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at $5,000-$10,000 depending on modules, plus 18-20% annual maintenance fees.
PlanSwift
enterpriseEnables rapid digital plan takeoff and cost estimating for electrical projects with drag-and-drop assemblies and Excel integration.
Drag-and-drop assemblies for instantly building complex electrical estimates from pre-configured components
PlanSwift is a versatile digital takeoff and estimating software designed for construction professionals, including electrical contractors, to perform precise quantity takeoffs from PDF plans and blueprints using point-and-click tools. It excels in creating customizable assemblies for electrical components like conduits, wiring, panels, and fixtures, enabling quick cost estimations. The software supports integration with Excel and external databases, making it adaptable for electrical bidding workflows.
Pros
- Rapid point-and-click digital takeoff for accurate quantity extraction
- Drag-and-drop assemblies customizable for electrical items like wire runs and devices
- Strong Excel integration and database flexibility for pricing updates
Cons
- Steep learning curve, especially for electrical-specific setups
- Lacks built-in electrical standards like NEC compliance tools
- Higher pricing may not suit small electrical firms
Best For
Mid-sized electrical contractors needing fast, customizable takeoffs from digital plans for competitive bidding.
Pricing
Perpetual license starts at $1,595 per user with ~$600 annual maintenance; subscription from $174/month.
Stack
enterpriseCloud-based platform for AI-powered takeoffs and collaborative estimating suited for electrical construction bids.
Conveyor digital takeoff tool with AI-powered object recognition for rapid, accurate quantity extraction from plans
Stack (stackct.com) is a cloud-based platform designed specifically for electrical contractors, offering digital takeoff, estimating, and bid management tools to streamline preconstruction workflows. It includes extensive electrical assemblies, real-time material pricing from suppliers, and AI-assisted labor calculations for accurate bids. The software supports collaboration, mobile access, and integrations with accounting systems like QuickBooks.
Pros
- Comprehensive electrical-specific databases and assemblies
- Lightning-fast digital takeoff with Conveyor tool
- Real-time pricing integrations and AI estimating assistance
Cons
- Pricing is quote-based and can be expensive for small firms
- Steep initial learning curve for complex projects
- Limited advanced reporting compared to enterprise competitors
Best For
Mid-sized electrical contractors needing an all-in-one cloud solution for takeoff and estimating.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $500-$1,000/month for teams of 5+ users with annual contracts.
Sage Estimating
enterpriseSupports detailed electrical cost estimating with item and assembly-based databases, labor rates, and historical data analysis.
Visual Assembler for graphically building and customizing complex estimating assemblies without coding
Sage Estimating is a robust construction cost estimating software from Sage, widely used for electrical estimating with a comprehensive database of materials, labor rates, and pre-built assemblies tailored to electrical trades. It enables detailed takeoffs, bid creation, and cost analysis through an intuitive interface that supports both manual entry and digital plan integration. The software excels in scalability, integrating seamlessly with Sage's accounting and project management tools for end-to-end workflow automation.
Pros
- Extensive, customizable database with electrical-specific assemblies and real-time pricing updates
- Seamless integration with Sage 300 accounting and project management software
- Supports cloud and on-premise deployment for flexible scalability
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training for new users
- High cost may not suit small electrical contractors
- Overly complex for simple or quick estimating tasks
Best For
Mid-to-large electrical contractors needing enterprise-grade estimating integrated with full construction management workflows.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; annual subscriptions typically start at $5,000-$10,000+ per user, scaling with modules and users.
Bluebeam Revu
enterprisePDF-based markup and measurement tool for precise electrical takeoffs, quantity calculations, and collaborative estimating workflows.
Customizable measurement tool sets with dynamic scripting for automated electrical quantity logging and export
Bluebeam Revu is a robust PDF review and markup software tailored for the AEC industry, enabling precise digital takeoffs and measurements from blueprints essential for electrical estimating. It supports quantifying conduits, wiring runs, fixtures, and panels through customizable tools, counts, and area/length calculations, with data exportable to Excel for cost integration. While not a full-featured estimating suite, it streamlines pre-estimate workflows like quantity extraction and collaboration on project docs.
Pros
- Highly accurate digital takeoff tools for electrical quantities like wire lengths and device counts
- Real-time collaboration via Bluebeam Studio for team reviews
- Customizable symbol libraries and measurement sets for electrical-specific workflows
Cons
- No built-in pricing databases, labor rates, or assemblies—requires Excel integration
- Steep learning curve for advanced scripting and custom tools
- Subscription model can feel pricey for takeoff-only use
Best For
Electrical contractors and estimators who specialize in PDF-based quantity takeoffs and need strong markup collaboration but handle costing externally.
Pricing
Subscription tiers: Basics ~$240/user/year, Core ~$360/user/year, Complete ~$600/user/year; perpetual licenses also available starting ~$350.
On-Screen Takeoff
enterprisePerforms accurate digital quantity takeoff from plans and generates electrical estimating reports for bidding.
Intelligent point-and-click takeoff with auto-scaling and symbol recognition directly from PDF plans
On-Screen Takeoff (OST) from On Center Software is a digital takeoff tool designed for construction estimators, including electrical professionals, to measure quantities directly from PDF plans, blueprints, and images. It excels in counting electrical symbols like outlets and fixtures, measuring linear runs for conduits and cables, and calculating areas for panels or rooms. The software supports customizable assemblies for electrical items and integrates with Quick Bid for full estimating workflows, streamlining pre-bid quantity extraction.
Pros
- Highly accurate point-and-click digital takeoff from PDFs reduces manual errors
- Customizable assemblies and symbol libraries tailored for electrical takeoffs
- Seamless integration with Quick Bid for estimating transition
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for complex assemblies and advanced features
- Full estimating requires additional Quick Bid purchase
- Limited native mobile support; primarily desktop-focused
Best For
Electrical estimators and contractors focused on precise quantity takeoff from digital plans who integrate with broader estimating platforms.
Pricing
Annual subscription starts at ~$1,500 per user for OST alone; bundles with Quick Bid increase to $2,500+; volume discounts available.
eTakeoff
enterpriseFacilitates dimensioned takeoff and area measurements from digital plans for electrical cost estimation.
Advanced assembly builder with electrical-specific templates for automatic quantity calculations from counted devices and measured runs
eTakeoff is a 2D digital takeoff software tailored for construction estimators, including electrical contractors, enabling precise measurements of lengths, counts, and areas directly from PDF blueprints. It features customizable assemblies for electrical components like conduits, wiring, fixtures, and panels, facilitating quick quantity takeoffs and preliminary cost estimates. While excels in takeoff accuracy, it is typically used alongside dedicated estimating tools for full bid management rather than as a standalone solution.
Pros
- Highly accurate PDF-based takeoffs with electrical-specific tools like symbol counting and cable length measurements
- Customizable assemblies and reporting for streamlined workflows
- Integrates well with estimating software like Sage and Quick Bid
Cons
- Dated user interface with a steep learning curve for new users
- Lacks advanced 3D/BIM capabilities and full estimating features like labor/unit pricing
- Subscription model can be pricey for smaller firms
Best For
Mid-sized electrical contractors prioritizing precise 2D takeoffs from digital plans and willing to integrate with complementary estimating tools.
Pricing
Annual subscriptions start at around $1,200 for basic takeoff; advanced features up to $2,500/year; free trial and perpetual options available.
Conclusion
The top-ranked tools showcase the best in electrical estimating, with Trimble AccuBid leading as the top choice, excelling in comprehensive takeoff, labor calculations, and real-time material integration. Trimble IntelliBid follows, offering customizable assemblies and reporting for specialized needs, while PataBid stands out with AI-driven automation from PDFs, catering to efficiency-focused workflows. Each tool brings unique strengths, ensuring contractors find a fit that aligns with their specific project requirements.
Dive into success—try Trimble AccuBid to streamline your estimating, enhance accuracy, and take your bids to the next level.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison