Accurate takeoffs are the foundation for profitable bids — a single error can snowball into wasted materials, blown budgets, and ultimately lost bids. As construction projects grow in complexity, manual takeoffs become a liability.
That’s why construction takeoff software is essential for builders, contractors, and installers alike. This software automates the process of measuring plans and quantifying materials, helping you bid faster, estimate smarter, and eliminate guesswork.
This guide includes:
- Our curated list of the best construction takeoff software
- Insights on how to know when your business is ready to upgrade to takeoff software
- What features matter most in good construction takeoff software
- How to implement your new software
What to look for in construction takeoff software
When looking for the right takeoff tool for your team, consider these features:
- Precision measurement tools
Good takeoff software offers support for linear, area, volume, and count takeoffs. It should provide adjustable scale settings and the ability to create custom assemblies. - File support and speed
Look for software that handles a variety of different file types, such as PDF, DWG, TIFF, and multi-page plans seamlessly, with automatic scale detection. - Assemblies and cost libraries
Reusable assemblies allow you to apply consistent pricing and production rates across similar projects. - Cloud access and collaboration
Cloud-based tools make it easy for multiple estimators or subcontractors to work from the same set of plans in real time. - Integrations
Look for connections with your existing permit management, accounting, or construction project management software. - Ease of use
If a tool is too complicated, your team won’t end up using it regularly. Opt for simple interfaces and tools that offer strong onboarding support. - Reporting and exports
The ability to export quantities to Excel or directly into your estimating platform saves time and reduces manual data transfer errors. - The right pricing model
Compare monthly vs. per-seat vs. project-based pricing and ensure it aligns with your bidding volume and team structure.
Generic tools vs. construction-specific takeoff software
Some smaller businesses and contractors try to manage takeoffs with generic PDF tools or CAD measurement plugins. This process might work for smaller jobs, but as your business scales, you’ll need more capabilities.
Generic software often lacks assemblies, integrations with estimating systems, and collaborative options. This means more manual work for your team members and higher risk of error.
In contrast, construction-specific takeoff estimating software was built exactly for the day-to-day needs of construction teams, offering optimal features like reusable assemblies, cloud-based collaboration, standardized templates, and reporting features that help estimators move from takeoff to estimate seamlessly.
5 best construction takeoff software in 2025
1. STACK
Best for: Small to mid-sized general contractors, remodelers, and specialty contractors
STACK has become a favorite among contractors for its easy-to-use, cloud-based interface. Teams can collaborate seamlessly on the same project in real time, making it ideal for distributed teams or subcontractors working remotely. It includes customizable assemblies, built-in cost libraries, and integrations with other common construction tools like Procore, Buildertrend, and Quickbooks.
- Pros: Cloud access, strong templates, collaboration tools
- Cons: Subscription-based only (no one-time license options available)
2. PlanSwift
Best for: Estimators who prefer a desktop workflow
PlanSwift is one of the most established names in construction takeoff software. It offers robust on-screen measuring, area, linear, and count tools. It’s ideal for contractors who want ownership of their software without ongoing subscription fees.
- Pros: One-time purchase, flexible assemblies, highly customizable to your needs
- Cons: Windows-only, lacks real-time collaboration
3. Bluebeam
Best for: Builders who want to combine drawing management and takeoffs
Bluebeam is more than just a takeoff tool — it’s a full PDF makeup and collaboration suite used across design and construction. The Bluebeam measuring tools help you calculate quantities, add formulas, and layer markups for review. Many contractors pair it with existing Excel-based estimating templates.
- Pros: Professional-grade markups, excellent document management
- Cons: Learning curve for non-technical users
4. Autodesk Construction Cloud Takeoff
Best for: Mid-sized to enterprise-level builders and design-build firms
Autodesk Construction Cloud Takeoff is a cloud-based tool that bridges 2D and 3D workflows, allowing teams to quantify materials from both drawings and BIM models. It integrates seamlessly with Autodesk Docs and Build for unified project data.
- Pros: Powerful BIM capabilities, team permissions, and centralized data
- Cons: Higher price point and enterprise-level complexity
5. On-Screen Takeoff (OST)
Best for: Estimating teams used to desktop software and legacy systems
On-Screen Takeoff from ConstructConnect remains a staple among professional estimators who want precision and deep integrations with cost databases like Quick Bid. It’s a reliable choice for companies that manage estimating from a centralized office.
- Pros: Proven reliability, strong estimating integrations
- Cons: Older interface, not cloud-native
How to implement construction takeoff software
When implementing new processes, there is always a chance for hiccups. Adopting new automated takeoff software is not exempt from this phenomenon.
Below are a few strategies to help streamline the process and minimize disruptions during the transition process:
- Start small
Pilot the software on two or three projects before rolling it out to the entire company. Think of this as test driving a car – find what you like about it and look for areas that might cause issues in the future. - Nominate a power user
Choose one specific team member, such as an estimator or a project manager, to become your internal expert. - Build a company assembly library
Standardize materials, labor rates, and assemblies early for consistent estimates. - Integrate your systems
Connect your takeoff platform with your estimating or accounting tools to avoid duplicate work. - Train with real projects
Use current bids — not sample data — for your onboarding process to help make learning relevant. - Measure results
Track your hours saved and accuracy improvements over the first 90 days. - Document standards
Create simple internal SOPs so every estimator uses the same conventions and naming.
Invest in accuracy, win more bids
Whether you’re a one-person shop or managing a multi-office construction firm, construction takeoff software has evolved into a necessary tool to stay competitive.
No matter which software you choose, digital takeoffs are one of the fastest, most impactful upgrades you can make to your estimating process.
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