Quick Overview
- 1#1: AGTEK - Specialized 3D earthwork takeoff and estimating software for precise cut/fill volumes and excavation bidding.
- 2#2: HeavyBid - Comprehensive heavy construction estimating platform optimized for excavation, earthmoving, and sitework cost analysis.
- 3#3: Trimble Business Center - Advanced civil engineering software for earthwork modeling, quantity takeoff, and excavation production planning.
- 4#4: MudShark - Automated earthwork cut and fill calculation software that generates excavation estimates from PDF plans and surfaces.
- 5#5: InSite Elevation Pro - Earthwork takeoff and estimating tool providing detailed volume reports and mass haul diagrams for excavation projects.
- 6#6: Kubla Cubed - Rapid cut/fill earthworks calculator designed for quick and accurate excavation quantity takeoffs.
- 7#7: Carlson Takeoff - CAD-integrated takeoff software for computing earthwork volumes and generating excavation estimates.
- 8#8: PlanSwift - Digital plan takeoff software enabling fast quantity measurement and cost estimating for excavation work.
- 9#9: Bluebeam Revu - PDF-based markup and quantity takeoff tool used for excavation estimating and plan annotations.
- 10#10: Stack - Cloud-based construction takeoff platform supporting earthwork quantity extraction and collaborative estimating.
Tools were selected based on key factors like functionality, user experience, reliability, and overall value, ensuring they cater to the diverse needs of excavation projects
Comparison Table
Selecting the right excavation estimating software is critical for efficiency; this comparison table breaks down key features, workflows, and suitability for tools like AGTEK, HeavyBid, Trimble Business Center, MudShark, InSite Elevation Pro, and more. Readers will learn how each platform aligns with project scale, integration needs, and user expertise to make informed choices tailored to their work.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AGTEK Specialized 3D earthwork takeoff and estimating software for precise cut/fill volumes and excavation bidding. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.9/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | HeavyBid Comprehensive heavy construction estimating platform optimized for excavation, earthmoving, and sitework cost analysis. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 3 | Trimble Business Center Advanced civil engineering software for earthwork modeling, quantity takeoff, and excavation production planning. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 4 | MudShark Automated earthwork cut and fill calculation software that generates excavation estimates from PDF plans and surfaces. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 5 | InSite Elevation Pro Earthwork takeoff and estimating tool providing detailed volume reports and mass haul diagrams for excavation projects. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Kubla Cubed Rapid cut/fill earthworks calculator designed for quick and accurate excavation quantity takeoffs. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Carlson Takeoff CAD-integrated takeoff software for computing earthwork volumes and generating excavation estimates. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | PlanSwift Digital plan takeoff software enabling fast quantity measurement and cost estimating for excavation work. | other | 7.9/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 9 | Bluebeam Revu PDF-based markup and quantity takeoff tool used for excavation estimating and plan annotations. | other | 7.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 10 | Stack Cloud-based construction takeoff platform supporting earthwork quantity extraction and collaborative estimating. | other | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
Specialized 3D earthwork takeoff and estimating software for precise cut/fill volumes and excavation bidding.
Comprehensive heavy construction estimating platform optimized for excavation, earthmoving, and sitework cost analysis.
Advanced civil engineering software for earthwork modeling, quantity takeoff, and excavation production planning.
Automated earthwork cut and fill calculation software that generates excavation estimates from PDF plans and surfaces.
Earthwork takeoff and estimating tool providing detailed volume reports and mass haul diagrams for excavation projects.
Rapid cut/fill earthworks calculator designed for quick and accurate excavation quantity takeoffs.
CAD-integrated takeoff software for computing earthwork volumes and generating excavation estimates.
Digital plan takeoff software enabling fast quantity measurement and cost estimating for excavation work.
PDF-based markup and quantity takeoff tool used for excavation estimating and plan annotations.
Cloud-based construction takeoff platform supporting earthwork quantity extraction and collaborative estimating.
AGTEK
specializedSpecialized 3D earthwork takeoff and estimating software for precise cut/fill volumes and excavation bidding.
Advanced 3D dynamic modeling with real-time cut/fill balancing and GPS staking export for sub-inch field accuracy
AGTEK is a leading 3D earthwork takeoff and excavation estimating software suite tailored for heavy civil construction professionals. It enables precise cut/fill volume calculations, production planning, and cost estimation by importing diverse data sources like surveys, CAD files, PDFs, drone imagery, and point clouds into interactive 3D models. The software excels in generating detailed reports for bidding and integrates directly with GPS machine control systems for field execution.
Pros
- Unmatched accuracy in 3D volume computations and earthwork analysis
- Seamless integration with GPS machine control systems like Trimble and Topcon
- Robust support for multiple data formats including LiDAR and aerial surveys
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training for full proficiency
- High upfront and maintenance costs
- Primarily Windows desktop-based with limited cloud mobility
Best For
Large heavy civil contractors and earthwork estimators handling complex site projects that demand precision and GPS integration.
Pricing
Modular perpetual licenses or subscriptions starting at $10,000+ per module (e.g., ZoneCalc, Gradework), plus annual maintenance fees around 20%.
HeavyBid
enterpriseComprehensive heavy construction estimating platform optimized for excavation, earthmoving, and sitework cost analysis.
Bid Item Intelligence for automatic optimization and leveling of subcontractor bids to ensure the most competitive and accurate project costs
HeavyBid by HCSS is a comprehensive desktop-based estimating, bidding, and project management software tailored for heavy construction, including excavation and earthwork projects. It enables digital takeoffs, detailed cost estimating with unlimited assemblies, bid preparation, and analysis, while integrating with job costing and field management tools. The platform supports complex bids involving subcontractors, equipment, and materials, making it ideal for large-scale operations.
Pros
- Extremely robust feature set for complex excavation estimates and bids
- Strong integration with HCSS ecosystem like HeavyJob for job costing
- Advanced bid leveling and analysis for competitive bidding
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training
- High cost with custom enterprise pricing
- Primarily Windows desktop app, limited cloud mobility
Best For
Large heavy civil contractors managing complex excavation projects that require precise, scalable estimating and bidding workflows.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $5,000+ annually per user for base licenses, scaling up for modules and support.
Trimble Business Center
enterpriseAdvanced civil engineering software for earthwork modeling, quantity takeoff, and excavation production planning.
Advanced surface-to-surface volume comparisons with multiple methodologies for optimized earthwork takeoffs
Trimble Business Center (TBC) is a robust office-based software suite tailored for surveyors, civil engineers, and construction professionals, specializing in survey data processing, 3D terrain modeling, and precise earthwork volume calculations. It enables accurate cut/fill analysis by comparing design surfaces to existing conditions, generating detailed reports for excavation estimating and project bidding. With strong integration to Trimble's GNSS and total station hardware, it streamlines workflows from field data collection to office takeoff and stakeout preparation.
Pros
- Exceptional accuracy in DTM comparisons and volume computations for cut/fill balances
- Seamless integration with Trimble field hardware and point cloud data processing
- Comprehensive reporting tools including spinal column and grid volume reports
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex, feature-dense interface
- High cost may not justify for small-scale or pure estimating users
- Less intuitive for non-surveyors focused solely on quick takeoffs
Best For
Surveying firms and civil contractors needing integrated field-to-office workflows for precise excavation volume estimating from survey data.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at ~$8,000-$12,000 or annual subscriptions ~$2,500+; custom quotes via Trimble sales.
MudShark
specializedAutomated earthwork cut and fill calculation software that generates excavation estimates from PDF plans and surfaces.
Shark Chain technology for automated, chainage-based earthwork analysis and haul optimization
MudShark by Digital Canvas is a specialized excavation estimating software designed for earthwork professionals, enabling digital takeoffs from PDFs, CAD files, and images. It generates precise 3D models to calculate cut and fill volumes, truck loads, and material balances with high accuracy. The tool produces customizable reports for bidding, project tracking, and client presentations, streamlining the entire estimation process.
Pros
- Exceptionally accurate 3D cut/fill volume calculations using triangulation methods
- Fast digital takeoff capabilities from various file formats
- Robust reporting and export options including Excel and PDF
Cons
- Moderate learning curve for advanced 3D modeling features
- Limited integrations with broader construction management platforms
- No native mobile app for on-site use
Best For
Excavation contractors and earthwork estimators handling mid-to-large site preparation projects who prioritize precision in volume calculations.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at $149/month for basic plan, with enterprise options up to $299/month; annual discounts available.
InSite Elevation Pro
specializedEarthwork takeoff and estimating tool providing detailed volume reports and mass haul diagrams for excavation projects.
Automated 3D surface generation from PDF contours for instant cut/fill volumes and grading optimization
InSite Elevation Pro is a desktop-based excavation estimating software designed specifically for earthwork contractors, enabling fast digital takeoffs from PDF plans and precise cut/fill volume calculations. It features 3D surface modeling, phase management, and automated reporting for truck hauls, bids, and production tracking. The tool streamlines the estimation process from site plans to detailed proposals, reducing manual errors in complex grading projects.
Pros
- Highly accurate cut/fill volume calculations with 3D visualization
- Efficient PDF plan takeoff and phase-based estimating
- Robust reporting for bids, truck loads, and production
Cons
- Windows-only desktop application with no mobile or cloud access
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Limited integrations with accounting or project management software
Best For
Mid-sized excavation contractors handling complex earthwork projects who rely on PDF plans and need detailed volume reports.
Pricing
One-time purchase starting at $4,995 for the base Elevation Pro license, with optional modules and annual maintenance around $1,000.
Kubla Cubed
specializedRapid cut/fill earthworks calculator designed for quick and accurate excavation quantity takeoffs.
One-click string and surface digitization from PDF plans with automatic 3D volume generation
Kubla Cubed is a specialized desktop software for earthworks and excavation estimating, enabling users to digitize 2D plans into 3D terrain models for precise cut, fill, and haul volume calculations. It supports importing PDFs, CAD files, and survey data to generate mass haul diagrams, production reports, and cost estimates tailored for civil construction projects. Ideal for estimators handling site grading and earthmoving bids, it emphasizes accuracy in complex terrain analysis without requiring full BIM workflows.
Pros
- Highly accurate cut/fill volume calculations with mass haul optimization
- Efficient digitization tools for converting plans to 3D models
- Comprehensive reporting for bids and project documentation
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-CAD users
- Limited native integrations with modern BIM or cloud platforms
- Windows-only, lacking mobile or web access
Best For
Civil estimators and quantity surveyors focused on earthworks takeoffs from 2D plans in mid-sized construction firms.
Pricing
Perpetual license starting at $1,495 for standard edition; Pro version ~$2,995; optional annual maintenance ~20% of license cost.
Carlson Takeoff
enterpriseCAD-integrated takeoff software for computing earthwork volumes and generating excavation estimates.
Advanced 3D surface modeling with dynamic cut/fill balancing and pond/pad elevation tools for site development takeoffs
Carlson Takeoff is a robust earthwork takeoff and estimating software tailored for excavation and sitework professionals in construction. It enables precise quantity calculations from 2D plans, PDFs, and 3D models, including cut/fill volumes, subgrades, slopes, and materials. The tool excels in generating detailed bid reports and integrates with CAD systems and other Carlson modules for comprehensive project workflows.
Pros
- Highly accurate 3D volume computations for cut/fill and earthwork
- Strong CAD/DWG integration and support for PDF takeoffs
- Customizable pay item databases and detailed reporting tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to complex interface
- Primarily Windows-based with limited cloud/mobile options
- Higher upfront cost without free tier or trial for full features
Best For
Experienced excavation contractors and civil engineers handling large-scale sitework projects requiring precise 3D modeling.
Pricing
Perpetual license starts at approximately $4,000-$5,500 depending on modules; annual maintenance ~20% of license cost.
PlanSwift
otherDigital plan takeoff software enabling fast quantity measurement and cost estimating for excavation work.
Patented point-and-click digital measuring from plans, enabling takeoff speeds up to 10x faster than traditional methods
PlanSwift, now part of ConstructConnect Takeoff, is a digital takeoff and estimating software tailored for construction professionals, enabling quick quantity takeoffs from PDF, CAD, and scanned plans. It excels in point-and-click measurements for areas, lengths, volumes, and counts, with customizable assemblies for excavation tasks like cut/fill calculations and earthmoving quantities. While versatile across trades, it supports excavation estimating through 2D plan analysis and integration with cost databases, though it lacks native 3D terrain modeling.
Pros
- Rapid point-and-click takeoff tools speed up excavation quantity extraction
- Highly customizable assemblies and databases for earthwork estimating
- Seamless integration with popular construction accounting and estimating software
Cons
- No built-in 3D surface modeling for complex cut/fill volume analysis
- Limited advanced excavation-specific features like GPS machine control integration
- Subscription pricing can feel steep for niche excavation-only users
Best For
Construction estimators and general contractors handling mixed-trade projects who need fast 2D takeoffs including basic excavation quantities.
Pricing
Annual subscription starts at ~$1,749 per user; multi-user and enterprise plans offer discounts, with a free trial available.
Bluebeam Revu
otherPDF-based markup and quantity takeoff tool used for excavation estimating and plan annotations.
Dynamic measurement tools with automatic scaling, summaries, and customizable legends for efficient 2D quantity takeoffs
Bluebeam Revu is a robust PDF editing and markup software designed for the AEC industry, allowing users to perform precise measurements, quantity takeoffs, and annotations directly on digital blueprints. For excavation estimating, it supports 2D area, length, and volume calculations from plan sheets, with tools for scaling, counting, and exporting data to Excel for further analysis. While effective for basic earthwork takeoffs, it lacks advanced 3D terrain modeling, cut/fill balancing, and production rate integrations found in dedicated excavation software.
Pros
- Highly accurate 2D measurement tools with dynamic scaling and calibration
- Seamless collaboration via Studio Sessions and real-time markups
- Excellent Excel export and integration for custom estimating workflows
Cons
- No native 3D DTM or cut/fill volume computation capabilities
- Lacks built-in excavation-specific features like haul optimization or machine costing
- Subscription model can add up for teams without advanced needs
Best For
Construction estimators and takeoff specialists who primarily work with 2D PDF plans and need reliable markup tools for basic excavation quantities.
Pricing
Annual subscriptions start at $249/user (Basics), $349/user (Core), $549/user (Complete); perpetual licenses from $1,099.
Stack
otherCloud-based construction takeoff platform supporting earthwork quantity extraction and collaborative estimating.
AI Digital Takeoff that automatically detects and quantifies excavation elements like areas, lengths, and volumes directly from uploaded PDFs
Stack (stackct.com) is an AI-powered cloud-based takeoff and estimating software designed for construction professionals, including excavation estimators, enabling rapid quantity extraction from PDF plans and drawings. It automates measurements for cut/fill volumes, earthmoving, grading, and sitework with high accuracy, integrating seamlessly with popular estimating tools like Excel and QuickBooks. While versatile across trades, it shines in speeding up the takeoff process for excavation projects by reducing manual digitizing.
Pros
- AI-driven instant takeoffs drastically reduce time on PDF measurements
- Strong collaboration tools for team-based excavation estimating
- Integrates well with accounting and estimating software
Cons
- Limited native 3D modeling for complex earthwork volume calcs
- Customization options can feel restrictive for highly specialized excavation workflows
- Subscription pricing adds up for infrequent users
Best For
Mid-sized excavation contractors seeking fast, automated 2D takeoffs from plans without needing advanced 3D capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $99/user/month (Pro plan), with higher tiers up to $199/user/month for advanced features; annual discounts available.
Conclusion
The top 10 excavation estimating tools represent cutting-edge solutions, with AGTEK leading as the standout choice—specializing in precise 3D earthwork takeoff and bid volume calculations. While HeavyBid and Trimble Business Center offer robust alternatives, each excelling in their unique strengths, AGTEK’s focus on excavation-specific needs solidifies its position as the top contender. Whether for small projects or large siteworks, the reviewed tools elevate accuracy and efficiency, with AGTEK setting the benchmark for excellence.
Unlock streamlined, precise excavation estimating by starting with AGTEK—its tailored features can transform how you plan, measure, and bid, ensuring success on every project.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison