How Easy Takeoffs Compares to Other Takeoff Software

Easy Takeoffs is the only completely free construction takeoff software with no trial period, no project limits, and no feature restrictions. It includes linear, polyline, area, rectangle, and count measurements, automatic scale calibration, color-coded groups, annotations, and export to PDF and CSV. Other tools like Bluebeam ($260 to $440/year), PlanSwift ($1,749/year), STACK ($2,599 to $3,999/year), and Procore ($20,000+/year) all require paid subscriptions.

For small contractors and subcontractors, the best takeoff software depends on budget and needs. Easy Takeoffs is free and covers the core takeoff workflow: upload PDFs, set scale, measure, and export. PlanSwift adds built-in estimating with assemblies at $1,749/year but only runs on Windows. STACK offers cloud-based takeoffs with AI counting at $2,599+/year. Bluebeam is a broader PDF platform at $260 to $440/year. Most small contractors do not need the features that justify $1,000+ per year.

For the core takeoff workflow of measuring construction drawings, yes. Easy Takeoffs supports linear, polyline, area, and count measurements with automatic scale calibration, grouping, labels, and export. It does not yet offer built-in estimating assemblies (PlanSwift), AI symbol counting (STACK), or PDF editing and collaboration (Bluebeam). If your primary need is accurate measurements from PDF plans, a free tool handles that job. If you need integrated estimating or document management, paid tools still have an edge.

Focus on five things: measurement tools (does it support the types you need: linear, area, count, polyline), platform (web-based vs desktop, Mac support), pricing model (free, per-seat, per-year, volume-based), export options (PDF, CSV, integrations with your estimating workflow), and ease of use (how long until a new team member is productive). Avoid paying for features you will not use. Most contractors need accurate measurements and clean exports, not enterprise document management.