Top 10 Construction Estimating and Takeoff Software (2026)
We reviewed takeoff and estimating tools that turn plans into accurate quantities, costs and bids — from cloud takeoff platforms to trade-specific estimating databases.
Last updated in July 2026 · 10 tools scored · Editorial assessment
Our verdict: STACK is the best estimating and takeoff software for trades and home services in 2026 with a score of 9.6/10 — best for cloud-based takeoff and estimating. Togal.AI (9.4/10) and PlanSwift (9.2/10) round out the top three.
| Rank | Tool | Best for | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | STACKBest overall | Best for cloud-based takeoff and estimating | 9.6/ 10 |
| #2 | Togal.AI | Best for AI-assisted takeoff | 9.4/ 10 |
| #3 | PlanSwift | Best for highly configurable trade estimating | 9.2/ 10 |
| #4 | Autodesk Forma Takeoff | Best for connected 2D and BIM quantities | 9.1/ 10 |
| #5 | On-Screen Takeoff | Best for established commercial estimating departments | 8.9/ 10 |
| #6 | Bluebeam Revu | Best for PDF-heavy construction teams | 8.8/ 10 |
| #7 | The EDGE | Best for commercial specialty contractors | 8.7/ 10 |
| #8 | Buildxact | Best for residential takeoff through project execution | 8.5/ 10 |
| #9 | Clear Estimates | Best for residential remodelers | 8.3/ 10 |
| #10 | Joist | Best for mobile estimates and invoices | 8.1/ 10 |

#1STACK
Best overallBest for cloud-based takeoff and estimating
9.6/ 10Editorial score
Pros:
- Cloud-native area, linear, count and volume measurements.
- Connects takeoff quantities to estimates and assemblies.
- Excellent collaboration across estimating teams.
- Supports numerous specialty trades.
- Strong downstream construction integrations.
Cons:
Expensive for occasional estimators and very small contractors.

#2Togal.AI
Best for AI-assisted takeoff
9.4/ 10Editorial score
Pros:
- Automatically detects and measures plan elements.
- Useful across drywall, flooring, painting, MEP and landscaping.
- Togal.CHAT answers questions about plans and specifications.
- Cloud collaboration for distributed teams.
- Significantly reduces repetitive takeoff work.
Cons:
Usually requires separate estimating and project-management software.
#3PlanSwift
Best for highly configurable trade estimating
9.2/ 10Editorial score
Pros:
- Supports concrete, drywall, flooring, framing, HVAC and more.
- Point-and-click measurements from digital plans.
- Custom assemblies calculate labor and materials.
- Strong Excel export.
- Mature and highly configurable workflow.
Cons:
Desktop-oriented interface feels less modern than cloud alternatives.

#4Autodesk Forma Takeoff
Best for connected 2D and BIM quantities
9.1/ 10Editorial score
Pros:
- Combines 2D takeoff with 3D model quantities.
- Centralized plans and model version control.
- Strong fit for BIM-enabled preconstruction teams.
- Integrates with Autodesk's wider construction ecosystem.
- Supports collaborative model-based estimating.
Cons:
More expensive and complex than most small contractors need.
#5On-Screen Takeoff
Best for established commercial estimating departments
8.9/ 10Editorial score
Pros:
- Long-established plan takeoff workflow.
- Covers many CSI divisions and specialty trades.
- AI-assisted Takeoff Boost.
- Multi-condition takeoff for related scopes.
- Connects with Quick Bid for detailed costing.
Cons:
Traditional interface and separate components are less streamlined.

#6Bluebeam Revu
Best for PDF-heavy construction teams
8.8/ 10Editorial score
Pros:
- Excellent markups and measurements.
- Custom tool sets for repeatable workflows.
- Useful quantity data through the Markups List.
- Strong document comparison and collaboration.
- Familiar across design and construction teams.
Cons:
Not a full cost-estimating platform by itself.

#7The EDGE
Best for commercial specialty contractors
8.7/ 10Editorial score
Pros:
- Deep roofing, drywall, painting and flooring workflows.
- Combines takeoff with detailed cost estimating.
- Trade-specific databases and assemblies.
- Supports labour, material and equipment costs.
- Connects estimates with field production.
Cons:
Excessive for small residential companies needing simple estimates.
#8Buildxact
Best for residential takeoff through project execution
8.5/ 10Editorial score
Pros:
- AI-assisted takeoff and estimating.
- Converts quantities into quotes and budgets.
- Material-dealer pricing workflows.
- Continues into scheduling and job tracking.
- Approachable for residential builders.
Cons:
Dedicated commercial estimating tools provide deeper takeoff controls.

#9Clear Estimates
Best for residential remodelers
8.3/ 10Editorial score
Pros:
- Prebuilt remodeling and repair templates.
- Localized cost data.
- Produces professional estimates and proposals.
- Requires less setup than commercial systems.
- Good fit for smaller residential projects.
Cons:
Limited advanced takeoff and commercial bidding capabilities.

#10Joist
Best for mobile estimates and invoices
8.1/ 10Editorial score
Pros:
- Fast field-based estimate creation.
- Professional customer-facing documents.
- Supports photos, deposits and payments.
- Very low learning curve.
- Practical for handyman, painting and landscaping businesses.
Cons:
No plan-based takeoff, assemblies or advanced bid management.