Best Construction Estimating Software: Top 6 Solutions for Contractors
Accurate estimating is the foundation of every successful construction project. Price too low and risk cutting into your profits, price too high and you’ll lose the job to a competitor.
But for construction business owners, striking the right balance between precision, speed, and profitability can be a daily challenge—especially when relying on outdated tools or manual processes.
Luckily, construction estimating software can simplify complex calculations, reduce errors, and improve project forecasting.
Keep reading to discover the six best construction estimating software to streamline your workflow and save you hours of frustration.
How we chose the best construction estimating software
To find the best construction estimating software solutions for this list, we evaluated several platforms for their accuracy, ease of use, and integration capabilities.
First, we checked out review sites such as Capterra to find the best-rated construction estimating platforms.
We read reviews to see how real-life users in the construction industry feel about the software capabilities. When available, we watched app tutorials to see these solutions in action.
The result is this curated list of the seven best software programs for construction estimating.
1. Arcsite
ArcSite is the best construction estimating software for businesses looking to streamline their workflow from the first site visit to the final bid.
ArcSite’s built-in pricing catalogs, custom formulas, and dynamic templates make it easy to generate fast and accurate estimates. You can also quickly turn construction estimates into clean, branded proposals that can be shared or signed on the spot.
With ArcSite, you can:
- Perform takeoffs, generate proposals, and get client sign-offs right from the job site
- Create precise, professional drawings directly on a tablet or mobile device during site visits
- Embed and markup photos into your drawings to capture site conditions and highlight specific areas
- Create your own, unique custom shapes to suit your business needs
- Scan rooms quickly with the AR Room Scanner
| Pros | Cons |
| • Instantly converts drawings into material takeoffs and detailed cost estimates • Create proposals with pricing, visuals, and branding—all in one place • Tailored features and templates for different trades | • Limited desktop capabilities |
For an even more seamless construction estimating process, use the ArcSite and Jobber integration to optimize your workflow.
When you connect Jobber and ArcSite, you can streamline project management by:
- Automatically generating ArcSite projects for new Jobber clients
- Adding collaborators to each Jobber request
- Easily exporting Arcsite designs into Jobber quotes
For example, adding a client to Jobber instantly creates projects in ArcSite. That way, you spend less time onboarding clients and can get straight to work.
When a client request is created in Jobber, ArcSite automatically adds the designated team members as collaborators to the corresponding project in ArcSite.
Check out ArcSite’s website for pricing.
2. Contractor Foreman
Contractor Foreman is a project management tool with great estimating features for construction businesses.
With Contractor Foreman, you can:
- Quickly create estimates using pre-built estimating templates, cost databases, and customizable line items
- Convert your estimates into branded proposals
- Mark up materials and labor to control profit margins
| Pros | Cons |
| • Perform bulk markups • Choice between a Kanban view and a list view • Convert estimates into proposals or invoices | • Limited takeoff features |
Check out Contractor Foreman’s website for pricing.
3. STACK
STACK is designed for takeoffs and estimating, making it one of the best construction estimating software solutions out there. It is a great choice for managing multiple projects at once.
With STACK, you can:
- Get detailed insight into your estimate data with at-a-glance views of key metrics
- Have your construction team work on estimates in real-time from anywhere
- Create a bill of materials for supply orders from pre-built or custom libraries
| Pros | Cons |
| • Digital takeoff capabilities • Custom cost databases • Automatic sheet recognition to automate drawings | • No built-in project management tools |
Check out STACK’s website for pricing.
4. Procore
Procore is a construction management platform that connects every phase of your construction project—from the estimation process to closeout.
With Procore, you can:
- Automatically calculate material and labor costs
- Move your takeoffs to completed estimates with a single click
- Turn accepted estimates into project budgets
| Pros | Cons |
| • Estimates flow directly into budgets, bid packages, and schedules • Customizable cost databases • Intuitive takeoff tools | • High price for smaller teams |
Check out Procore’s website for pricing.
5. Buildxact
Buildxact is a construction management software solution made for residential construction firms—specifically construction and remodelling companies.
Use Buildxact’s construction estimation software to create clear estimates for accurate bids and better project planning.
With Buildxact, you can:
- Add material and contractor labor costs, equipment costs, and markup for complete project estimates that achieve your targeted profit margins
- Use online templates for common construction projects
- Measure your plans with on-screen takeoff tools in just a few clicks
| Pros | Cons |
| • Ideal for residential construction professionals • Easy drag-and-drop estimating tools • Quickly share estimates through a client portal | • Lacks advanced tools for advanced cost estimating |
Check out Buildxact’s website for pricing.
6. Jobber
If you’re looking for an easier way to send estimates to your clients, Jobber’s general contractor business software is the best solution for your construction company.
Use Jobber to create simple, yet detailed estimates by using custom estimate templates and adding optional line items. Once you send the estimate, your client can quickly approve through Jobber’s client hub, and you can get to work.
Jobber also helps you:
- Manage your project costs and markups to set the right price every time
- Close more contracting jobs through automated quote follow-up texts or emails
- Offer consumer financing to help your customers pay over time while you get paid upfront
- Turn your estimates into invoices when the job is done in just a few clicks
| Pros | Cons |
| • Connects to accounting software such as QuickBooks and Xero • Client hub for easy communication with customers • Convert estimates into invoices | • Its capabilities work best for small to medium-sized construction businesses |
Check out Jobber’s website for pricing.
How to choose the best construction estimating software for your business
Finding the right construction estimating software for your construction company will have a positive impact on your business’s cash flow, profitability, and bottom line.
READ MORE: How to make money as a contractor: 25 ideas to try
But what is the best construction estimating software? Here are some key factors to consider in your search:
- Business size: How many general contractors do you have working for you? With fewer contractors, you might want an estimating solution that drives efficiency. With more contractors, you might want to prioritize staying organized.
- Project types: Consider the complexity of your projects, including whether you need complex takeoffs or detailed cost tracking.
- Ease of use: A powerful tool isn’t much use if your team can’t adopt it. Choose software with an intuitive interface, helpful onboarding, and good support to ensure that your project managers can quickly learn it.
- Integration with other tools: For smoother workflows and fewer project data errors, choose estimating software that integrates with your other tools, such as your accounting software or project management platforms.
- Budget: The best construction estimating software for your business will rely largely on your budget. Prices for estimating software vary widely, so consider how much you’re willing to spend on an estimation tool and the potential ROI for your business.
READ MORE: 9 construction apps to stay organized and boost efficiency
Choosing the best construction estimation software is an essential step toward running a more efficient, accurate, and competitive construction company.
The right tool for your business is the one that fits your workflow and helps you win more work with confidence. Before committing, take advantage of free trials and demos to test which solution truly works best for your team.