Do you have any idea of how construction companies actually estimate materials, labour and total costs long before they start a project? Will those estimates be accurate? What can they do to prevent the significant errors that can cost them money?
Estimating materials, labour and total costs without using a computer is a difficult process that can take too long to do manually! Construction software now allows construction professionals to perform this complex task quickly and easily.
By 2025, most contractors will have moved to quantity takeoff and estimating systems that provide them with the ability to quickly develop estimates and provide an accurate assessment of all necessary costs.
If you’re searching for the top quantity takeoff software available in 2025, you have come to the right spot.
What Defines the “Best” Takeoff Software in 2025?
For contemporary construction firms, it is crucial to adopt software that aligns with their specific workflows, seamlessly integrates with their existing systems, and can adapt to the rapid pace of technological innovation.
Increasingly, modern takeoff tools leverage the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI can automatically count symbols in drawings and accurately identify key building elements such as plumbing, electrical systems, windows, doors, walls, and fixtures.
It is also vital for precisely determining rooms, areas, and volumes, identifying repeating elements within a plan, and recommending material categories based on plan annotations.
- Cloud solutions offer real-time, multi-device access (Mac, iPad, PC) for collaborative teams, with zero setup, backups, and seamless upgrades.
- Desktop tools provide more individualised options, robust offline capability, and advanced equation control favoured by power users.
- The choice depends on a business’s need for high customisation versus mobility. Estimating software must integrate with programs like MS Excel, Procore, QuickBooks, Xero, ACC/Revit, and RSMeans.
- A smooth interface prevents double-entry, streamlining estimating, pricing, and reporting.
- BIM-based processes are replacing 2D blueprints, enabling precise take-offs and markups from PDFs, Revit, or 3D models.
- Major projects increasingly favour 3D-capable take-off equipment.
8 Best Quantity Takeoff Software (Detailed Reviews)
Below are the seven top-performing take-off tools of 2025, based on accuracy, automation power, cost, integrations, and user feedback. Based on accuracy, automation power, cost, integrations, and user feedback, the following are the seven top-performing quantity takeoff tools for 2025.
1) Beam AI – Takeoff Software for Construction Estimators
Beam AI is the sole AI-driven construction takeoff software offering 100% automated outputs with human-reviewed Quality Assurance. This allows you to reclaim 90% of your time, submit twice the number of bids, and benefit from integrated bid tracking features.
By fully automating your takeoffs, Beam AI gives you back 90% of your time. Our software functions as a full-time estimator, eliminating the associated overhead, so your team can dedicate their efforts to critical tasks such as pricing, strategy development, and securing contracts.
Best Suited For:
- General Contractors
- Subcontractors
- Suppliers/ Distributors
Key Features
- Automated quantity takeoff from uploaded PDF drawings
- Supports multi-trade takeoffs (civil, MEP, structural, interiors, landscaping, etc.)
- Cloud-based platform with bid tracking dashboard
- Data export to Excel/PDF for costing and estimation workflows
- QA-checked output for higher accuracy
Advantages (Pros)
- Saves up to 90% time vs manual takeoffs
- Helps generate more bids with the same team
- Reduces human errors through automation + QA
- Easy to collaborate and access from anywhere
- Suitable for contractors, suppliers & estimators
Disadvantages (Cons)
- Output is not instant (typically 24–72 hours)
- May not be cost-effective for small or low-volume users
2) STACK – Best Overall Cloud-Based Solution
STACK stands out as the industry-standard, best all-around cloud-based solution for quantity takeoffs in 2025, ideally suited for Commercial General Contractors (GCs) and Subcontractors who require remote collaboration.
Key Strengths and Target Users:
- Powerful and Accessible: It is highly effective yet remarkably user-friendly.
- Designed For: General contractors, subcontractors, virtual estimators, and teams needing multi-user access.
Key Features:
- 100% Browser-Based: Works seamlessly on Mac, PC, and tablets, ensuring accessibility.
- Real-Time Collaboration: Facilitates smooth teamwork and communication.
- AI-Assisted Tools: Includes AI-assisted auto-count and measure functions for efficiency.
- Cloud Functionality: Offers cloud-based drawing storage and plan overlay for easy revision comparison.
Pros:
- Zero Setup & Easy to Use: Minimal setup is required, and the user interface (UI) is very simple and intuitive.
- Device Flexibility: It is functional on any device, making it ideal for remote teams.
- Consistent Updates: Users receive frequent updates without any service interruptions.
Cons:
- Cost: The subscription cost might be perceived as expensive, potentially impacting small businesses.
- Internet Dependency: A reliable internet connection is necessary for operation.
- Limited Customization: It offers less configuration flexibility compared to traditional desktop tools.
This software is the perfect solution for teams who need flexible, cloud-based estimating and adheres to new industry standards. It’s the ideal choice if accessibility and real-time collaboration are priorities.
3) Bluebeam Revu – Best for Complex PDF Markups & Engineering
Bluebeam Revu goes beyond a simple take-off tool, acting as a robust platform for managing PDFs, markups, and collaborative workflows. Its precision is highly valued, particularly among engineers and architects.
Ideal Users: Engineers, Architects, and Tech-Savvy Estimators working on commercial projects will find its feature set most beneficial.
Key Features:
- Visual Search: Allows for the easy detection of symbols.
- Personalized Tool Chest: Enables users to store and reuse common components.
- Advanced PDF Markup Tools: Facilitates detailed and efficient annotations.
Pros
- Industry-leading PDF editing power.
- Highly customizable features.
- Excellent for detailed or complicated drawings.
- Ideal for engineering-heavy processes.
Cons
- Steep learning curve.
- Primarily a PDF tool, not a complete estimating system.
- Lacks a native estimating database.
Bluebeam Revu is essential for sophisticated commercial environments that demand precise markups and robust PDF manipulation.
4) PlanSwift: A Desktop Take-Off Classic
PlanSwift remains one of the most widely used desktop take-off programs, highly favoured by experienced estimators. It offers ultimate control over bespoke procedures, assemblies, and formulas, making it particularly suitable for general contractors and estimators who prefer desktop applications and require deep formula customization.
Key Features:
- “Single click” take-off for repeated components
- Drag-and-drop assembly functionality
- Excel connection
- Special material database
- Automated extraction of area and volume
- Auto-classification of spaces
Pros and Advantages:
- Significantly cuts take-off time (by 70-80%).
- Learns over time Sync through drawing analysis.
- Ideal for budgeting in the early stages of a project.
- Excellent for complex commercial projects.
Cons and Limitations:
- Newer software capabilities (such as AI results) may require verification.
- Not yet perfect for extremely specific custom trades.
5) Togal.AI – Best for AI & Automation (The 2025 Choice)
Togai AI is a flexible platform for usage-based metering and billing, ideal for SaaS, API, and AI businesses. It supports diverse pricing, including pay-as-you-go, tiered, credit, hybrid, and add-on models.
How It Works: Togai AI automatically collects product usage data (API calls, computing time, etc.), converts it into measurable metrics, and uses these to calculate precise bills, generate invoices, and manage customer entitlements. This eliminates the need to build a custom billing system.
Key Features:
- Flexible pricing
- High-volume metering
- Automated billing/invoicing
- Entitlement management, and
- Easy usage data integration
Pros:
- Saves engineering time
- Ensures revenue accuracy
- Enables creative monetisation options
- Highly scalable for a high-volume platform
Cons:
Initial integration can be complex, there’s a learning curve for complex pricing rules, and the specialised cost may be higher than basic solutions.
6) Autodesk Takeoff: Best for Enterprise, BIM (3D), and Large-Scale Projects
Autodesk Takeoff is the premier solution for large General Contractors (GCs) and enterprise-level firms, particularly those focused on commercial and industrial initiatives. It is designed specifically for businesses already utilising Revit and the Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC).
Key Features and Benefits:
- Unified 2D + 3D Quantity Extraction: Offers highly precise, model-based information by integrating 2D and 3D takeoff capabilities.
- BIM-Centric Workflow: Perfect for firms leveraging Building Information Modelling (BIM). It integrates directly with Revit models and a shared Common Data Environment (CDE).
- Cloud-Based Workflows: Utilises the cloud for collaboration and data management.
- Efficiency: Eliminates the need for tedious manual tracing of model components.
Disadvantages:
- Cost: The expense can be prohibitive for small companies.
- Scope: It is considered overkill for small residential home projects.
- Expertise Required: Requires a strong level of BIM expertise to use effectively.
In Summary:
Autodesk Takeoff is the optimal choice for BIM-heavy enterprises working on large, complex buildings due to its precision and deep integration with the Autodesk ecosystem.
7) Buildxact – Best for Residential Builders & Remodelers
Buildxact is designed exclusively for residential contractors, offering a comprehensive suite of tools that extend beyond simple quantity takeoffs to include estimating, scheduling, and time management.
Best Suited For:
- Home Builders
- Small and Mid-size Renovation Contractors
- Home Estimators
Key Features:
- Integrated system for takeoff, estimating, and scheduling.
- Connections for dealer costs.
- Integration with Xero and QuickBooks.
Pros:
- Extremely easy to learn.
- More affordable compared to commercial-grade tools.
- Minimises administrative workload, making it ideal for small contracting companies.
Cons:
- Not suitable for large-scale commercial projects.
- Limited advanced features for large enterprises.
8) ProEst – Best for CRM & Pre-Construction Integration
ProEst is a comprehensive system that unifies takeoff, estimating, CRM, and project management. This makes it an ideal solution for organisations with significant pre-construction demands.
Best Suited For:
- Growing General Contractors (GCs).
- Estimators who manage a high volume of client relationships.
- Pre-construction teams require a centralised platform for data and collaboration.
Key Features:
- Integrated Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
- Access to the RSMeans cost database
- Cloud-based bid management
- Timeline and pipeline management tools
Advantages (Pros):
- Integration of takeoff, CRM, and bidding workflows.
- Unlimited storage (depending on the chosen plan).
- Excellent for managing large teams effectively.
Disadvantages (Cons):
- Higher annual contract cost.
- Primarily tailored for enterprise-level organisations.
Verdict:
ProEst is highly recommended for teams seeking a singular environment to handle bid coordination, client management, and estimation.
Quick Comparison Table (Summary)
| Software Name | Platform (Cloud vs desktop) | Best for (Target Audience) | AI capabilities |
| STACK | Cloud-based | Commercial GCs, Subcontractors, and teams needing remote collaboration | High (AI-assisted auto-count and measure) |
| Bluebeam Revu | Desktop | Engineers, Architects, and complex PDF markups | Visual Search (Detects symbols, but lacks advanced AI automation) |
| PlanSwift | Desktop | General Contractors and estimators needing deep customization | Low-Medium (Newer AI capabilities may require verification) |
| Togal AI | Cloud | Small to General Contractors seeking automation | High (Best for AI-driven speed and automation) |
| Autodesk Takeoff | Cloud | Large GCs, Enterprises, and BIM (3D) projects | Medium (Automated 3D quantities; Unified 2D+3D) |
| Buildxact | Cloud | Residential Builders, Remodelers, and Home Estimators | Not mentioned |
| ProEst | Cloud | Growing GCs and Pre-construction teams needing CRM integration | Not mentioned |
Emerging Trends in Quantity Takeoff for 2025
Basically, takeoffs will genuinely shift to being mobile-first in 2025. Quantity takeoff software in 2025 is being shaped by three major trends: the integration of 2D and 3D data, a greater emphasis on environmental impact, and a fundamental shift towards mobile-first functionality.
The Hybrid Takeoffs approach is becoming the standard, combining traditional 2D PDF measurements with 3D model extractions to ensure higher accuracy, better clash detection, and more reliable cost estimates, particularly on projects with mixed documentation.
Simultaneously, new tools are emerging with a Focus on Environmental Reporting, helping estimators analyse the carbon effects and embodied energy of materials.
Finally, the industry is transitioning to a Mobile-First paradigm, enabling estimators to perform touch-based measurements, make instant budget modifications, and synchronise data in real-time via the cloud directly from job sites using tablets.
Conclusion
Most of these tools provide free trials. You can find the ideal solution for your estimating needs by testing one or two solutions based on your workflow. Selecting the optimal takeoff software in 2025 hinges entirely on factors such as your specific project type, established workflow, personal preferences, and long-term business objectives.
Here are some top options:
- STACK: Recommended as the best overall choice for cloud collaboration and flexibility.
- PlanSwift: Ideal for users prioritising desktop computing power and extensive customisation.
- Togal.AI: Stands out for its AI-driven speed and automation capabilities.
Since most of these tools offer free trials, you can identify the perfect solution for your estimating requirements by testing one or two based on your current workflow.
