Construction Estimating Software [2025]: Top 15 Tools for Accurate Bid Pricing

Quick Summary: Top Picks for 2025

• Best Overall: ProEst - Comprehensive cloud platform
• Best for Takeoff: Bluebeam Revu - Industry-standard PDF markup
• Best for Small Contractors: STACK - Affordable cloud takeoff
• Best for Specialty Trades: ConEst - Electrical/MEP focus
• Best Budget Option: Clear Estimates - Simple, affordable
• Best Enterprise: Sage Estimating - Full ERP integration

Takeoff-Focused Tools

Primarily for measuring quantities from plans. Examples include Bluebeam Revu, PlanSwift, and On-Screen Takeoff. These tools excel at the measurement phase but may require separate pricing solutions.

Complete Estimating Platforms

Integrated solutions combining takeoff, pricing, and proposal generation. Examples include ProEst, Sage Estimating, and STACK. These provide end-to-end estimating workflows in a single platform.

Trade-Specific Solutions

Designed for specific trades with specialized features. Examples include ConEst (electrical), McCormick (MEP), and Trimble (heavy civil). These offer deeper functionality for their target trades.

Takeoff Capabilities

• PDF Support: Import and measure from PDF drawings
• Scale Calibration: Automatic and manual scale setting
• Area/Linear/Count: Multiple measurement types
• Condition-Based Takeoff: Apply different conditions to measurements
• 3D/BIM Support: Work with Revit, IFC files
• Layer Management: Organize takeoffs by trade or phase

Pricing and Cost Data

• Cost Databases: RSMeans, Craftsman, regional data
• Labor Rates: Crew composition and productivity
• Material Pricing: Current supplier pricing
• Custom Assemblies: Build your own cost assemblies
• Historical Data: Learn from past projects
• Automatic Updates: Keep pricing current

Collaboration and Workflow

• Cloud Access: Work from anywhere
• Multi-User: Team collaboration on estimates
• Version Control: Track estimate revisions
• Approval Workflows: Review and sign-off processes
• Sharing: Share with subcontractors and teams

Output and Integration

• Proposal Templates: Professional bid documents
• Export Options: Excel, PDF, accounting formats
• Accounting Integration: Sync with job costing
• Project Management: Connect to PM platforms
• Bid Management: Integration with bid tracking

1. ProEst

Best Overall Cloud Platform

Cloud-based estimating platform offering comprehensive takeoff, pricing, and proposal tools with strong collaboration features.

Key Strengths:

• Full cloud-based platform
• Integrated takeoff and pricing
• RSMeans cost data included
• Professional proposal generation
• Team collaboration features
• CRM and PM integrations

Best For:

Mid-size to large contractors wanting comprehensive cloud estimating.

Pricing:

Starting around $200-400/month per user.

2. Bluebeam Revu

Industry-Standard PDF Markup and Takeoff

The most widely used PDF tool in construction, offering powerful markup, measurement, and collaboration capabilities.

Key Strengths:

• Industry-standard PDF markup
• Powerful measurement tools
• Studio collaboration platform
• Custom tool sets for trades
• Extensive training resources
• Widely adopted—easy to share

Best For:

All contractors needing professional takeoff and plan collaboration.

Pricing:

$240-400/year per license (perpetual licenses also available).

3. STACK Construction Technologies

Cloud-based takeoff and estimating platform with accessible pricing and strong collaboration features.

Key Strengths:

• Cloud-based accessibility
• Intuitive interface
• Pre-built assemblies
• Team collaboration
• Free plan available
• Good value for small contractors

Best For:

Small to mid-size contractors wanting affordable cloud takeoff.

Pricing:

Free tier available; Pro from $1,999/year.

4. PlanSwift

Popular takeoff software offering quick learning curve and flexible pricing options including perpetual licenses.

Key Strengths:

• Easy to learn
• Perpetual license option
• Flexible measurement tools
• Custom assembly builder
• Excel integration
• Good plugin ecosystem

Best For:

Contractors wanting straightforward takeoff with one-time purchase.

Pricing:

$1,595 perpetual or subscription options.

5. Sage Estimating

Enterprise estimating solution with deep integration to Sage construction accounting and project management.

Key Strengths:

• Sage ecosystem integration
• Robust cost database
• Advanced reporting
• Multi-user capabilities
• Historical job analysis
• Enterprise-grade features

Best For:

Companies using Sage accounting/PM wanting integrated estimating.

Pricing:

Contact for enterprise pricing.

6. On-Screen Takeoff (OST)

Established takeoff solution from ConstructConnect, offering reliable measurement capabilities with plan room integration.

Key Strengths:

• Reliable measurement tools
• ConstructConnect integration
• Established user base
• Good training resources
• Condition-based takeoff

Best For:

ConstructConnect users wanting integrated takeoff.

Pricing:

Starting around $2,000-3,000/year.

7. ConEst

Specialized electrical estimating software with comprehensive features for electrical contractors.

Key Strengths:

• Electrical-specific features
• Detailed labor units
• Material pricing integration
• Panel schedule integration
• Change order tracking

Best For:

Electrical contractors needing trade-specific estimating.

Pricing:

Contact for pricing.

8. McCormick Systems

Comprehensive MEP estimating solution for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical contractors.

Key Strengths:

• Complete MEP coverage
• Detailed labor database
• Visual pipe/duct takeoff
• Extensive training
• Industry-specific features

Best For:

MEP contractors wanting comprehensive trade-specific estimating.

Pricing:

Contact for pricing (typically $3,000-10,000+).

9. Buildertrend

All-in-one construction management platform with estimating capabilities, popular with residential contractors.

Key Strengths:

• Complete project management
• Estimating integrated with PM
• Client portal
• Scheduling integration
• Mobile app

Best For:

Residential builders wanting all-in-one solution.

Pricing:

Starting around $99/month.

10. Clear Estimates

Simple, affordable estimating tool designed for small contractors and remodelers.

Key Strengths:

• Very easy to use
• Affordable pricing
• Pre-built templates
• Quick estimates
• Good for residential

Best For:

Small contractors, remodelers, handymen.

Pricing:

Starting around $59/month.

11. Trimble Estimation

Heavy civil and infrastructure estimating from Trimble, integrating with surveying and machine control systems.

Key Strengths:

• Heavy civil specialty
• 3D model integration
• Machine control connection
• Earthwork calculations
• Highway/infrastructure

Best For:

Heavy civil and infrastructure contractors.

Pricing:

Contact for enterprise pricing.

12. Benchmark Estimating

Australian-origin estimating software gaining traction globally with strong reporting capabilities.

Key Strengths:

• Powerful reporting
• Flexible structure
• Cloud and desktop options
• Good for commercial
• Resource management

Best For:

Commercial contractors wanting flexible estimating.

Pricing:

Contact for pricing.

13. B2W Estimate

Heavy civil estimating software designed for earthwork, paving, and utility contractors.

Key Strengths:

• Heavy civil focus
• Equipment costing
• Crew-based estimating
• Production tracking
• B2W ecosystem integration

Best For:

Heavy civil and utility contractors.

Pricing:

Contact for pricing.

14. Autodesk Takeoff

Cloud-based takeoff tool from Autodesk, integrating with BIM 360 and Autodesk Construction Cloud.

Key Strengths:

• Autodesk ecosystem
• Cloud-based
• BIM integration
• Modern interface
• Mobile support

Best For:

Autodesk users wanting integrated takeoff.

Pricing:

Part of Autodesk Construction Cloud subscription.

15. Esticom

Cloud-based electrical and low-voltage estimating with quick learning curve and affordable pricing.

Key Strengths:

• Electrical/low-voltage focus
• Cloud-based
• Easy to learn
• Pre-built assemblies
• Affordable

Best For:

Electrical contractors wanting cloud-based solution.

Pricing:

Starting around $150/month.

General Contractors

• Small: STACK, Clear Estimates, or Bluebeam
• Mid-Size: ProEst, PlanSwift + pricing software
• Large: Sage Estimating, ProEst Enterprise

Electrical Contractors

• Small: Esticom, Countfire
• Mid-Size: ConEst, McCormick
• Large: Accubid, ConEst Enterprise

Mechanical/HVAC Contractors

• Small: FastDUCT, STACK
• Mid-Size: McCormick, FastPIPE
• Large: McCormick Enterprise, QuoteSoft

Heavy Civil Contractors

• Small: STACK, PlanSwift
• Mid-Size: B2W Estimate, HCSS HeavyBid
• Large: Trimble, InEight Estimate

Concrete/Masonry Contractors

• Small: STACK, PlanSwift
• Mid-Size: Bluebeam + custom assemblies
• Large: ProEst, specialized solutions

Integrated Workflow

1. Discovery: ConstructionBids.ai surfaces relevant opportunities
2. Qualification: Review and decide to pursue in bid management
3. Takeoff: Import plans into estimating software
4. Pricing: Apply cost databases and assemblies
5. Proposal: Generate professional bid documents
6. Submission: Submit and track in bid management

What is the best construction estimating software for small contractors?

For small contractors, STACK offers an excellent balance of features and affordability with a free tier available. Clear Estimates is ideal for residential contractors wanting simple, quick estimates. Bluebeam Revu is worth the investment if you need professional takeoff capabilities.

How much does construction estimating software cost?

Costs range from free (STACK Free tier) to $10,000+ annually for enterprise solutions. Most contractors find good solutions in the $1,500-4,000/year range. Perpetual licenses (one-time purchase) are available from some vendors like PlanSwift.

Is Bluebeam Revu estimating software?

Bluebeam Revu is primarily PDF markup and takeoff software, not complete estimating software. It excels at measuring quantities from plans but doesn't include cost databases or pricing. Many contractors use Bluebeam for takeoff combined with separate pricing/estimating tools.

What's the difference between takeoff and estimating software?

Takeoff software measures quantities from plans (linear feet, square feet, counts). Estimating software prices those quantities using labor and material costs. Complete estimating platforms include both functions, while some contractors use separate specialized tools for each.

Do I need trade-specific estimating software?

Trade-specific software (electrical, MEP, heavy civil) offers features and databases tailored to your work. General estimating software can work for any trade but may require more customization. If your trade has specific calculation requirements, trade-specific software usually provides better accuracy and efficiency.

Find More Opportunities to Estimate

Great estimating software means nothing without opportunities to bid. ConstructionBids.ai uses AI to surface relevant construction bids from federal, state, local, and private sources. Pair with your estimating tools for a complete bid pursuit workflow.