Quick Overview
- 1#1: Stack - AI-powered construction takeoff and estimating platform that automates quantity takeoffs and cost estimates.
- 2#2: ProEst - Cloud-based construction estimating software for creating accurate bids and managing project costs.
- 3#3: PlanSwift - Digital takeoff and estimating tool that speeds up measurements from PDFs and CAD files.
- 4#4: Sage Estimating - Comprehensive estimating solution with databases for material and labor costs across industries.
- 5#5: Togal.AI - AI-driven automated takeoff software that instantly measures plans for faster project estimates.
- 6#6: Bluebeam Revu - PDF-based markup and takeoff tool with estimating features for construction professionals.
- 7#7: Buildxact - All-in-one estimating, quoting, and job management software for residential builders.
- 8#8: Destini Estimator - Advanced 5D estimating software integrated with BIM for conceptual and detailed cost estimation.
- 9#9: Methvin - Cloud-based estimating platform with customizable templates for construction and engineering projects.
- 10#10: Clear Estimates - Simple residential construction estimating software that generates professional proposals quickly.
We ranked these tools based on key factors: functionality (such as takeoff automation, cost database integration, or 5D modeling), user experience (intuitive design and learning curves), technical reliability (performance and updates), and overall value (features relative to pricing). This ensures the list reflects the most impactful solutions for professionals across scales and industries.
Comparison Table
Choosing the right project estimating software is crucial for accuracy and efficiency, and this comparison table breaks down top options like Stack, ProEst, PlanSwift, Sage Estimating, Togal.AI, and more. Readers will discover key features, strengths, and ideal use cases to make informed decisions tailored to their project needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stack AI-powered construction takeoff and estimating platform that automates quantity takeoffs and cost estimates. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | ProEst Cloud-based construction estimating software for creating accurate bids and managing project costs. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | PlanSwift Digital takeoff and estimating tool that speeds up measurements from PDFs and CAD files. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Sage Estimating Comprehensive estimating solution with databases for material and labor costs across industries. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 5 | Togal.AI AI-driven automated takeoff software that instantly measures plans for faster project estimates. | general_ai | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Bluebeam Revu PDF-based markup and takeoff tool with estimating features for construction professionals. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | Buildxact All-in-one estimating, quoting, and job management software for residential builders. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 8 | Destini Estimator Advanced 5D estimating software integrated with BIM for conceptual and detailed cost estimation. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | Methvin Cloud-based estimating platform with customizable templates for construction and engineering projects. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | Clear Estimates Simple residential construction estimating software that generates professional proposals quickly. | other | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.0/10 |
AI-powered construction takeoff and estimating platform that automates quantity takeoffs and cost estimates.
Cloud-based construction estimating software for creating accurate bids and managing project costs.
Digital takeoff and estimating tool that speeds up measurements from PDFs and CAD files.
Comprehensive estimating solution with databases for material and labor costs across industries.
AI-driven automated takeoff software that instantly measures plans for faster project estimates.
PDF-based markup and takeoff tool with estimating features for construction professionals.
All-in-one estimating, quoting, and job management software for residential builders.
Advanced 5D estimating software integrated with BIM for conceptual and detailed cost estimation.
Cloud-based estimating platform with customizable templates for construction and engineering projects.
Simple residential construction estimating software that generates professional proposals quickly.
Stack
specializedAI-powered construction takeoff and estimating platform that automates quantity takeoffs and cost estimates.
AI Auto-Takeoff that instantly quantifies materials from plans with 99% accuracy
Stack (stackct.com) is an AI-driven project estimating software tailored for construction professionals, automating quantity takeoff, cost estimation, and bid management from digital plans. It processes PDFs, CAD files, and images to generate precise material and labor takeoffs in seconds, integrated with real-time pricing databases. The platform enables seamless team collaboration, custom assemblies, and exportable bid sheets to streamline the entire pre-construction workflow.
Pros
- AI-powered takeoffs that drastically reduce manual measurement time
- Real-time material pricing and historical bid data for accurate estimates
- Robust collaboration tools with cloud-based access and integrations
Cons
- Higher pricing may deter very small contractors
- Steeper learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- Primarily focused on construction, less versatile for other industries
Best For
Mid-sized to large construction firms and estimators seeking to automate and accelerate bidding processes with AI precision.
Pricing
Subscription starts at $99/user/month for basic access, with project-based and enterprise plans up to custom quotes.
ProEst
enterpriseCloud-based construction estimating software for creating accurate bids and managing project costs.
Real-time dynamic pricing database with supplier-sourced material and labor costs
ProEst is a cloud-based construction estimating software tailored for electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and general contractors, enabling accurate takeoffs, bid creation, and cost analysis. It features a comprehensive database of over 25,000 pre-built assemblies with real-time material and labor pricing updates from suppliers. The platform integrates seamlessly with tools like Procore, Sage, and Viewpoint, streamlining workflows from estimate to project handover.
Pros
- Extensive pre-built assemblies and real-time pricing database for fast, accurate estimates
- Powerful digital takeoff and invitation-to-bid management tools
- Robust integrations with accounting, PM, and CRM software
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users despite intuitive interface updates
- Custom quote-based pricing lacks transparency
- Limited advanced mobile editing capabilities
Best For
Mid-to-large MEP contractors needing scalable, database-driven estimating with strong ERP integrations.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around $5,000-$10,000 annually per user, depending on features and user count.
PlanSwift
specializedDigital takeoff and estimating tool that speeds up measurements from PDFs and CAD files.
Point-and-click digital takeoff that allows instant measurements and assemblies directly on PDFs and CAD files
PlanSwift is a powerful on-premise takeoff and estimating software tailored for construction professionals, enabling precise digital measurements from PDF plans, blueprints, and CAD files using point-and-click tools. It features customizable assemblies for rapid cost estimation, real-time calculations, and robust reporting with exports to Excel, QuickBooks, and other accounting systems. Ideal for detailed project bidding, it streamlines workflows from takeoff to final bid generation.
Pros
- Lightning-fast point-and-click takeoffs with high accuracy
- Extensive customizable assemblies and databases for complex estimates
- Seamless integrations with accounting software like QuickBooks
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training
- Desktop-only with no native cloud or mobile access
- High upfront licensing costs without subscription flexibility
Best For
Experienced construction estimators and contractors who need precise, customizable takeoffs from digital plans for detailed project bidding.
Pricing
Perpetual license starts at $1,595 per user, plus annual maintenance (~20%) and optional training fees.
Sage Estimating
enterpriseComprehensive estimating solution with databases for material and labor costs across industries.
Proprietary Craftsman cost database with millions of pre-built assemblies and real-time updates.
Sage Estimating is a professional-grade construction estimating software that enables users to create precise bids using a vast database of material, labor, and equipment costs from Craftsman Book Company. It supports both itemized and assembly-based estimating, digital takeoffs, and customizable reports for bid management. The tool integrates deeply with Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate, streamlining workflows from estimate to project accounting.
Pros
- Extensive, regularly updated national cost database for accurate pricing
- Seamless integration with Sage accounting and project management tools
- Advanced bid analysis and reporting capabilities
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring extensive training
- High upfront and ongoing costs
- Interface feels dated compared to modern cloud-native alternatives
Best For
Mid-to-large construction firms needing database-driven estimates integrated with enterprise accounting systems.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically $5,000+ per user license with annual maintenance, or subscription models starting at $150/user/month.
Togal.AI
general_aiAI-driven automated takeoff software that instantly measures plans for faster project estimates.
AI-powered automatic detection and quantification of blueprint elements from uploaded PDFs or images in under a minute
Togal.AI is an AI-powered construction takeoff and estimating platform that automates the extraction of measurements, quantities, and counts from digital blueprints and PDFs. By using advanced computer vision, it identifies elements like walls, doors, windows, and areas in seconds, significantly reducing manual takeoff time. The tool integrates with popular estimating software like Procore and PlanSwift, enabling seamless project workflows and collaborative estimating.
Pros
- Lightning-fast AI-driven takeoffs that save hours compared to manual methods
- High accuracy in detecting complex plan elements with minimal training data needed
- Strong integrations with leading construction management and estimating tools
Cons
- Premium pricing may be prohibitive for small contractors or solo estimators
- Occasional AI misinterpretations require manual corrections on intricate drawings
- Primarily focused on 2D plans, with limited native 3D BIM support
Best For
Mid-sized to large construction firms and estimators handling high-volume blueprint takeoffs who need speed and scalability.
Pricing
Subscription-based with custom enterprise pricing; typically starts at $500-$1,000 per user/month depending on volume and features.
Bluebeam Revu
specializedPDF-based markup and takeoff tool with estimating features for construction professionals.
Dynamic Quantity Link for live, interactive takeoff summaries that update automatically across multiple drawings
Bluebeam Revu is a PDF-centric software designed for the AEC industry, providing robust tools for document markup, collaboration, and quantity takeoff critical for project estimating workflows. It enables users to measure lengths, areas, volumes, and counts directly from PDF blueprints with high accuracy, supporting custom properties for material and labor assignments. Data can be summarized in interactive tables and exported to Excel for further cost estimation and bidding. While versatile, it excels most in the digital takeoff phase rather than full-scale estimating with integrated databases.
Pros
- Precise digital takeoff tools with customizable measurements and summaries
- Seamless PDF editing, markup, and collaboration via Studio Sessions
- Strong integration with Excel and other construction software for data export
Cons
- Lacks built-in cost databases or advanced bidding automation found in dedicated estimating tools
- Mac version has fewer features than Windows
- Initial learning curve for complex measurement sets and scripting
Best For
Construction estimators and project managers focused on PDF-based quantity takeoffs and early-stage estimating within collaborative workflows.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses from $349/user (Basics) to $699/user (Extreme), plus $174-$349 annual maintenance; subscription starts at $240-$600/user/year.
Buildxact
specializedAll-in-one estimating, quoting, and job management software for residential builders.
Live supplier pricing that pulls real-time costs directly into estimates for instant accuracy
Buildxact is a cloud-based construction estimating and management software tailored for residential builders, remodelers, and small contractors. It enables fast digital takeoffs, accurate material pricing from integrated suppliers, and professional quote generation to streamline the estimating process. The platform also includes job costing, scheduling, and progress tracking, with seamless integrations to accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for quick takeoffs and estimates
- Live pricing integration with major suppliers for accurate costing
- All-in-one tools for estimating, job management, and invoicing
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for solo users or small teams
- Less suited for large-scale commercial projects
- Advanced customization options are limited
Best For
Small to medium residential builders and remodelers who need fast, accurate estimating combined with basic job tracking.
Pricing
Starts at $149 AUD/month (Solo), $249 (Build), $349 (Build+) when billed annually; 14-day free trial available.
Destini Estimator
enterpriseAdvanced 5D estimating software integrated with BIM for conceptual and detailed cost estimation.
Destini AI for automated quantity takeoff and pricing directly from PDFs and drawings
Destini Estimator, from Trimble, is a cloud-based estimating platform tailored for construction estimators, especially in MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) trades. It automates 2D/3D takeoffs, applies AI-driven assemblies for rapid quantity calculation, and generates accurate bids with real-time cost data integration. The software excels in collaborative workflows, integrating seamlessly with Trimble Connect for project data sharing across teams.
Pros
- AI-powered automated takeoff and estimating accelerates bid preparation
- Deep integration with Trimble ecosystem for seamless workflows
- Cloud-based real-time collaboration and mobile access
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-expert users
- Pricing geared toward enterprise users, less ideal for small firms
- Primarily optimized for MEP trades, limiting general construction versatility
Best For
MEP estimators and contractors in mid-to-large firms needing AI-assisted tools within the Trimble suite.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing; typically $5,000+ annually per user with enterprise plans requiring quotes.
Methvin
specializedCloud-based estimating platform with customizable templates for construction and engineering projects.
Massive global library of over 1 million construction rates and recipes for instant, accurate estimating
Methvin is a cloud-based estimating software tailored for construction professionals, offering tools for cost estimation, bill of quantities (BOQ), digital takeoff, and tender management. It features a vast library of over 1 million pre-built rates, recipes, and templates to accelerate project bidding. The platform supports collaborative workflows, allowing teams to work on estimates in real-time from any device.
Pros
- Extensive library of rates, recipes, and templates for quick setup
- Cloud-based collaboration for team tendering and real-time updates
- Free basic calculator and affordable entry-level plans
Cons
- Interface feels somewhat dated and clunky for advanced users
- Limited native integrations with popular accounting or CAD software
- Advanced customization requires higher-tier subscriptions
Best For
Small to medium construction firms and estimators needing fast, template-driven project costing without complex setups.
Pricing
Free basic calculator; Professional plans start at $49/user/month, with Enterprise options for larger teams.
Clear Estimates
otherSimple residential construction estimating software that generates professional proposals quickly.
Pre-built assemblies library that automates material, labor, and waste calculations for common exterior projects
Clear Estimates is a cloud-based estimating software tailored for construction contractors specializing in roofing, siding, windows, and remodeling projects. It enables digital takeoffs from PDFs or images, uses pre-built assemblies to quickly build estimates, and generates professional PDF proposals. The tool integrates with QuickBooks for seamless invoicing and offers mobile access for on-site use.
Pros
- Rapid digital takeoff and assembly-based estimating speeds up bid creation
- Strong QuickBooks integration and mobile app for field use
- Extensive pricing database and customizable templates
Cons
- Primarily focused on exterior trades, limiting versatility for general contractors
- Subscription pricing can add up for solo users
- Steeper learning curve for advanced assemblies
Best For
Small to mid-sized contractors focused on roofing, siding, and window installation who need quick, trade-specific estimates.
Pricing
Starts at $99/user/month (Basic) up to $149/user/month (Pro), with annual discounts and a 14-day free trial.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools highlight diverse paths to streamlined project estimation, with Stack leading as the top choice—its AI prowess excels in automating takeoffs and cost analyses. Close behind, ProEst and PlanSwift stand out: ProEst for robust cost management, and PlanSwift for rapid measurements from PDFs and CAD, each tailored to specific needs.
Ready to elevate your estimation process? Start with Stack today to unlock its time-saving, accurate features and see how it can transform your workflow.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison