7 Best Masonry Estimating Software Options for 2026

For masonry contractors, accuracy isn't just a goal; it's the foundation of a profitable business. Yet, many still rely on manual takeoffs, spending hours counting bricks, blocks, and rebar from paper plans or cumbersome PDFs. This slow, error-prone process leads to inaccurate bids, missed opportunities, and shrinking profit margins. The right software can change all that, turning tedious counts into fast, precise, and professional estimates that win more work.

This guide is designed to help you find the best masonry estimating software for your specific operational needs. We'll move past generic overviews and dive deep into the tools that can directly impact your preconstruction workflow. Whether you're a small team looking to submit more competitive bids or a larger firm aiming to optimize project handoffs, the right platform is waiting. As your masonry business considers this digital upgrade, it's also crucial to stay informed about the latest construction technology trends that are reshaping the industry.

Below, you will find a detailed roundup of the top solutions, including:

• Exayard
• PlanSwift
• STACK
• Bluebeam Revu
• On-Screen Takeoff (OST)
• eTakeoff Dimension
• Autodesk Takeoff

Each review includes screenshots, direct links, and actionable insights to help you compare features and make an informed decision. We'll show you how these tools handle complex wall assemblies, material calculations, and labor costing, so you can stop guessing and start bidding with confidence. Let's find the software that will help you build a more efficient and profitable future.

1. Exayard

Exayard secures its position as a top-tier choice for masonry contractors by delivering a powerful combination of AI-driven speed, end-to-end workflow management, and professional proposal generation. It directly addresses the core challenge in preconstruction: the immense time spent on manual takeoffs and estimate creation. The platform is engineered to turn complex plan sets into accurate, bid-ready proposals in a fraction of the time traditionally required, making it an excellent fit for firms aiming to increase their bidding frequency and win rate.

Unlike many legacy systems that require extensive setup and training, Exayard is built for immediate impact. You can upload PDF plans or image files, and its AI gets to work instantly. The system automatically detects the drawing scale, a frequent source of manual error, and allows estimators to use simple, plain-language text prompts to perform complex measurements. This approach fundamentally changes the takeoff process from a tedious, click-intensive task to a more intuitive, conversational one.

Key Features for Masonry Contractors

Exayard’s feature set is particularly well-suited for the specific demands of masonry estimating, where accuracy in material quantities and labor is critical for profitability.

• AI-Powered Takeoffs: The platform’s core strength is its ability to automate quantification. For masonry work, you can use prompts like “Measure the total area of the exterior CMU walls” or “Count all brick soldier courses.” The AI interprets these commands and measures linear footage, areas, and item counts directly from the plans. This automation has been reported by users to cut estimating time by as much as 50%.

• Smart Estimates & Proposal Generation: Exayard connects takeoff quantities directly to your material and labor costs. You can create a custom database with your specific pricing for different types of block, brick, mortar, and reinforcement. Once the takeoff is complete, the platform populates a branded proposal template, turning raw numbers into a professional, client-ready document with just a few clicks.

• Multi-Trade Versatility: While it excels as one of the best masonry estimating software options, its capabilities extend across all construction trades. This is a significant advantage for general contractors or specialty firms that handle multiple scopes of work. The same tool can be used for concrete, drywall, or landscaping takeoffs, creating a unified preconstruction workflow. For more details on its capabilities for related trades, explore Exayard's resources on concrete estimating software.

• Free AI Website Agent: A standout feature is the included AI agent for your company website. This tool works 24/7 to engage potential clients, answer their initial questions, and even provide preliminary estimates for simple projects based on rules you define. It acts as a lead-capture mechanism, ensuring you never miss an opportunity, even outside of business hours.

Analysis and User Experience

The platform is designed with a clean, modern interface that reduces the learning curve. Its cloud-based nature means your team can access projects and collaborate from anywhere. The workflow is logical: upload plans, perform AI-assisted takeoffs, review quantities, apply costs, and generate a proposal. This direct path from plan to proposal is what makes it so effective.

While the AI is highly accurate for standard drawings, it’s important to note that extremely complex or non-standard plans may require a quick human review to verify the automated measurements. This is standard practice for any AI-assisted tool and ensures final accuracy.

Access and Pricing: Exayard offers a free trial without requiring a credit card, allowing you to test its full capabilities on a real project. Pricing details are not published directly on the site; you’ll need to contact their sales team or start the trial to get specific plan costs, which allows them to tailor a package to your business size and needs.

Website: https://exayard.com

2. PlanSwift (ConstructConnect)

PlanSwift has long been a fixture on the desktops of subcontractors, and for good reason. It’s a powerful 2D takeoff and estimating tool that many masons rely on for its speed and precision in calculating counts, areas, and linear feet directly from digital plans. While not a fully cloud-based system, its robust, feature-rich desktop application makes it a top contender for the best masonry estimating software, especially for estimators who value stability and deep customization.

The platform's core strength lies in its ability to quickly convert on-screen measurements into material and labor quantities. Masons can use its click-and-drag functionality to trace walls, identify openings, and count CMU blocks or brick courses with remarkable speed. These takeoffs are not just static numbers; they are dynamic elements that can be connected directly to your estimates.

Implementation and Key Features

PlanSwift's value for masons is amplified by its purpose-built Masonry Starter Pack. This optional add-on comes pre-loaded with a library of common items and assemblies specific to masonry work, such as various types of CMU, brick, stone veneer, mortar, and rebar.

• Drag-and-Drop Assemblies: Instead of calculating individual materials, you can drag a pre-configured "CMU Wall" assembly onto your plan. As you trace the wall, PlanSwift automatically calculates the block count, mortar volume, labor hours, and even associated items like grout and horizontal reinforcement based on the assembly's formula.
• Excel Integration: A standout feature is its live link with Microsoft Excel. You can export your takeoff quantities to a pre-formatted Excel bid sheet. If you later adjust a measurement on the plans in PlanSwift, the corresponding values in your Excel file update automatically, which prevents manual data entry errors.
• Customizable Items: If the starter pack doesn't cover a unique material, you can create your own parts and build custom assemblies from scratch. This allows you to tailor the software precisely to your company’s specific materials and labor rates.

Expert Insight: The real power of PlanSwift is unlocked when you invest time in building your own custom assemblies. A well-built assembly for an 8" CMU wall, for example, can instantly calculate over a dozen associated costs, including block, mortar, ties, insulation, labor, and scaffolding, just from a single linear foot measurement.

Who is it Best For?

PlanSwift is ideal for masonry subcontractors who prioritize speed and accuracy in their 2D takeoffs and are comfortable with a desktop-based workflow. Its predictable annual licensing model is attractive to companies that prefer a fixed software cost without per-user or per-project fees. While it requires an initial setup to customize assemblies and link to Excel pricing, the long-term efficiency gains are significant for estimators who produce a high volume of bids.

Website: https://www.planswift.com

3. STACK Takeoff & Estimating

STACK brings the power of desktop takeoff software into a fully cloud-based environment, making it a strong choice for masonry teams that prioritize collaboration and accessibility. This web-based platform allows estimators to perform detailed takeoffs and build estimates from any device with an internet connection, removing the limitations of a single-workstation setup. Its combination of real-time collaboration and robust measurement tools earns it a spot as one of the best masonry estimating software options for modern construction firms.

The platform is designed for team-based workflows where multiple users might need to access, review, or contribute to an estimate. Masons can quickly perform counts for CMU blocks, measure linear feet for control joints, and calculate areas for brick or stone veneer directly on digital plans. All this data is organized within a central project hub, ensuring plan versioning and takeoff data are consistent for everyone involved.

Implementation and Key Features

STACK allows estimators to get up and running quickly thanks to its intuitive interface and pre-built item catalogs. For masonry contractors, the ability to create and reuse custom assemblies for different wall types is a significant time-saver, similar to how estimators in other trades, such as those looking into roofing estimating software, benefit from specialized tools.

• Cloud-Based Collaboration: Multiple estimators can work on the same project simultaneously. A senior estimator can review a junior estimator’s takeoff in real-time, or a project manager can access bid details from the field, facilitating seamless communication and reducing delays.
• Custom Assemblies and Catalogs: You can build assemblies for common masonry systems. For instance, an 8” insulated CMU wall assembly can be configured to automatically calculate the block, mortar, grout, rebar, insulation, and labor hours based on a single area or linear measurement. These assemblies can be saved and reused across all your projects.
• STACK for Excel Add-in: For firms that have developed complex pricing spreadsheets in Excel, this add-in provides a live connection. Takeoff quantities measured in STACK can be pushed directly into your Excel workbook, and the link ensures that any changes to the takeoff automatically update your spreadsheet, blending cloud convenience with familiar workflows.
• Plan Organization and Versioning: The software excels at managing multiple plan sets and revisions. You can overlay new plan versions to instantly see changes, which is critical for identifying modifications to wall lengths, openings, or material types that affect the masonry bid.

Expert Insight: The true advantage of STACK for a growing masonry business is its scalability. A small team can start with a basic plan and, as the company grows, easily add more users without complex IT setup. The cloud-native design means new estimators can get access and start working on bids from day one.

Who is it Best For?

STACK is an excellent fit for small to mid-sized masonry companies and general contractors who need a collaborative, accessible estimating solution. It’s particularly valuable for teams with estimators working from different locations or for companies looking to move away from desktop-only software. While its subscription cost may be higher than some standalone desktop tools, the value is found in its collaborative features, ease of use, and elimination of IT overhead. The availability of a free trial also allows teams to test the platform on a real project before committing.

Website: https://www.stackct.com

4. Bluebeam Revu (Core/Complete)

Bluebeam Revu has become an almost ubiquitous tool in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, primarily for its powerful PDF markup and collaboration features. While not a dedicated estimating database, its advanced measurement capabilities make it an indispensable part of the preconstruction workflow for many masons. For estimators who need to perform rapid, accurate takeoffs from PDF plans before exporting data to a spreadsheet, Revu is a top-tier choice and a strong contender for the best masonry estimating software in a supporting role.

Its strength is in its specialized toolsets for measuring complex shapes and quantities directly on a drawing. Masons can quickly calculate areas for stone veneer, linear footage for control joints, and counts for precast elements or CMU blocks. The platform’s collaboration features also mean that takeoff files can be easily shared and reviewed by team members, ensuring everyone is working from the same measurements.

Implementation and Key Features

For masons, Revu’s value comes from its precision measurement tools and its direct link to Excel. Rather than managing a full database within the software, estimators use Revu for the front-end takeoff process and manage their costs and final bid in a separate system, which is a common and effective workflow.

• Advanced Measurement Tools: Beyond simple area and length, Revu’s Dynamic Fill tool is perfect for irregular stone veneer or flagging areas. It allows you to section off complex plan areas and automatically generate measurements. The Count tool can be customized with different symbols for various brick or block types.
• Quantity Link to Excel: This is Revu’s most powerful feature for estimators. You can push takeoff totals from Revu directly into designated cells in an Excel spreadsheet. If you adjust a measurement on the PDF, the corresponding quantity in your Excel cost sheet updates in real-time, eliminating manual entry and reducing errors.
• Overlay and Compare: Masons often receive revised drawings. The Overlay Pages feature allows you to place two drawing versions on top of each other, highlighting differences in color. This makes it easy to spot changes to wall dimensions, openings, or material specifications that affect your bid.
• Studio Sessions for Collaboration: Multiple users can log into a Studio Session and mark up the same PDF document simultaneously. This is ideal for project managers and estimators to review takeoffs together in real time, even from different locations.

Expert Insight: A practical workflow is to create a custom masonry tool chest in Revu with pre-set measurement tools for different wall types (e.g., 8" CMU, 12" CMU, brick veneer). Each tool can be configured with a unique color and label, so your takeoffs are visually organized and easy to link to the correct line items in your Excel estimate.

Who is it Best For?

Bluebeam Revu is best for masonry estimators and companies who already use or prefer an Excel-based system for pricing and bidding. It’s the perfect front-end tool for those who want best-in-class PDF measurement capabilities without committing to an all-in-one estimating database. Its transparent per-user subscription pricing (available in Core, Complete, and a view-only Basics tier) makes it scalable for both individual estimators and larger teams. If your primary need is accurate takeoffs and you want to maintain flexibility with your pricing spreadsheets, Revu is an excellent fit. For those evaluating it against other platforms, a detailed comparison of Bluebeam and its alternatives can offer further perspective.

Website: https://www.bluebeam.com

5. On-Screen Takeoff (OST) + Quick Bid (ConstructConnect)

The combination of On-Screen Takeoff (OST) and Quick Bid represents a powerful, two-part system that has been a standard in the construction industry for decades. OST handles the digital takeoff process with precision, while Quick Bid provides the structured database and pricing engine. For many masonry contractors, this duo is the go-to solution for creating detailed, production-ready estimates that require rigorous itemization and clear management of bid alternates.

This pairing is a strong contender for the best masonry estimating software because it separates the act of measuring (takeoff) from the act of pricing (estimating). This allows estimators to focus on one task at a time, ensuring accuracy on both fronts. The system is particularly effective for companies that handle complex projects with multiple scopes of work or frequent change orders.

Implementation and Key Features

The synergy between OST and Quick Bid is where the value truly emerges for masons. Measurements taken in OST-such as the square footage of a brick veneer wall or the linear feet of a bond beam-are sent directly to Quick Bid. In Quick Bid, these quantities are then linked to a detailed database of materials, labor rates, and equipment costs.

• Detailed Item & Labor Database: Quick Bid allows you to build a highly structured database of every component you use. This includes different types of CMU, brick, stone, mortar, grout, wall ties, rebar, and associated labor rates for each. You can set production rates (e.g., hours per 1000 bricks) and have the system calculate total labor costs automatically.
• Alternates and Change Order Management: The software excels at managing bid alternates and change orders. You can create different pricing scenarios within the same bid without duplicating the entire estimate. When a change order comes through, you can easily isolate the affected scope, price it, and generate a professional proposal.
• AI-Assisted Takeoff: With the introduction of Takeoff Boost, the software uses AI to automatically find and count similar objects across plan sets. For a mason, this can speed up the process of counting items like control joint locations, bollards, or precast sills, reducing repetitive manual clicking.
• Plan Overlays and Comparison: OST includes powerful tools for comparing different versions of a drawing. You can overlay a revised plan on top of the original, and the software will highlight the differences in color, making it easy to spot changes to wall layouts or openings that impact your masonry scope.

Expert Insight: The true advantage of the OST and Quick Bid pairing is its control over bid day. You can set up your bid with all potential subcontractors and material suppliers, enter their quotes as they come in, and instantly see which combination gives you the most competitive price. This level of control is critical for winning large, competitive masonry projects.

Who is it Best For?

The OST and Quick Bid bundle is best suited for established masonry contractors who require a high degree of structure and detail in their bidding process. It’s ideal for estimators who manage complex bids with numerous alternates and need to track costs with precision from bid to project completion. While the desktop-focused nature and quote-based pricing may be a consideration, its robust feature set and widespread use in the industry make it a reliable choice for companies focused on commercial and large-scale residential masonry.

Website: https://www.constructconnect.com/products/on-screen-takeoff

6. eTakeoff Dimension + Sage Estimating (Bridge)

For masonry contractors scaling their operations, the combination of eTakeoff Dimension and Sage Estimating represents a powerful, enterprise-grade workflow. eTakeoff Dimension serves as the high-speed 2D takeoff front-end, while its "Bridge" integration pushes those quantities directly into Sage Estimating's robust cost database. This two-part system provides one of the most structured and detailed approaches to pricing complex masonry projects, making it a strong contender for the best masonry estimating software for established firms.

The strength of this pairing is how it separates tasks. An estimator can rapidly perform takeoffs in eTakeoff, using tools like SnapAI and Autocount to quickly identify and count repetitive elements like CMU blocks or brick soldiers. Once the quantities are finalized, a single click sends the data across the Bridge to Sage Estimating, which then applies pre-built, multi-layered crew and material assemblies to generate a complete, production-ready bid.

Implementation and Key Features

The primary appeal for masons is the ability to connect precise takeoffs to a deep, well-maintained cost and productivity database. Instead of building formulas within the takeoff tool itself, estimators focus on measurement accuracy, letting Sage handle the complex pricing logic.

• Bridge to Sage Estimating: This is the core feature. A takeoff for a CMU wall in eTakeoff doesn't just produce an area; it creates a line item in Sage. Sage then uses this quantity to calculate everything associated with that wall type from its database, including the block, mortar, crew labor hours, scaffolding rental, and equipment costs.
• SnapAI and Autocount: eTakeoff excels at speeding up counts of repeating items. The SnapAI feature can automatically recognize and count elements like piers, block courses, or precast sills across multiple plan sheets, dramatically reducing manual effort.
• Optional AI-Powered Takeoff: For even greater automation, the system can integrate with Togal.AI. This add-on automatically detects and measures areas, lengths, and counts from a drawing, giving estimators a massive head start on their takeoff process.
• Published Pricing Tiers: Unlike many enterprise systems, eTakeoff publishes its subscription tiers for the takeoff software, providing upfront clarity on costs for that portion of the solution.

Expert Insight: The Bridge workflow is ideal for companies with dedicated estimators and a commitment to data management. By maintaining material prices and crew productivity rates within Sage, your bids become living documents that reflect your company's actual field performance, leading to more accurate and profitable proposals.

Who is it Best For?

This combined solution is best suited for mid-sized to large masonry contractors who need a scalable, database-driven estimating process. It's a significant step up from spreadsheet-based methods and is designed for teams that are ready to invest time in building and maintaining a central cost database in Sage. While the full Sage Estimating license is quote-based and adds to the overall cost and complexity, the efficiency and accuracy gains are substantial for companies bidding on large, complex commercial masonry projects.

Website: https://etakeoff.com

7. Autodesk Takeoff (Autodesk Construction Cloud)

For estimators looking toward the future of construction, Autodesk Takeoff represents a significant step forward. As part of the unified Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC), it offers a fully browser-based solution that merges traditional 2D quantity takeoff with powerful 3D model-based quantification. This integration makes it a strong candidate for the best masonry estimating software, especially for firms working on projects where Building Information Modeling (BIM) is becoming the standard.

By centralizing both 2D plans and 3D models in a single cloud environment, teams can perform takeoffs from either source without switching applications. This capability is particularly useful for masonry, where estimators can quickly measure walls from 2D drawings for one project and then extract block counts, rebar tonnage, and grout volumes directly from a coordinated 3D model on the next.

Implementation and Key Features

Autodesk Takeoff shines in collaborative environments where standardization and access to the latest project documents are critical. Because it's part of the wider ACC ecosystem, takeoff data lives alongside plans, models, and other preconstruction documents, reducing the risk of using outdated information.

• Unified 2D and 3D Takeoff: Seamlessly switch between 2D sheets and 3D models within the same interface. You can perform a linear measurement on a 2D floor plan and then validate it against the 3D model view to better understand complex masonry details and assemblies.
• Centralized Collaboration: Multiple estimators can work on the same project simultaneously from any location with an internet connection. Permissions can be set to control access, ensuring that takeoff packages are managed and reviewed according to company standards before being finalized.
• Scope and WBS Organization: Quantities can be classified and organized using custom Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) or classification systems. This helps in packaging takeoff data by bid package, construction phase, or location, making it easier to transfer quantities into an estimating system.

Expert Insight: The 3D takeoff functionality is a game-changer but is heavily dependent on the quality of the BIM model provided. For masonry, if the model is detailed correctly with individual CMU or brick elements, you can generate incredibly accurate material counts. If not, the 2D tools remain a fast and reliable alternative.

Who is it Best For?

Autodesk Takeoff is best suited for general contractors and larger masonry subcontractors who are already invested in or moving toward the Autodesk ecosystem. It provides maximum value for teams that bid on projects where BIM models are available and who want to standardize their preconstruction workflow in a single, cloud-based platform. Pricing is quote-based and is most economical when bundled with other Autodesk Construction Cloud modules, making it less ideal for small estimators seeking a standalone tool.

Website: https://construction.autodesk.com/tools/construction-takeoff-software/

Top 7 Masonry Estimating Software Comparison

Choosing the Right Foundation for Your Future Bids

Selecting the right software to manage your bids is much like laying the first course of block for a new structure. It sets the foundation for accuracy, speed, and profitability on every project that follows. Throughout this guide, we've explored the leading contenders in masonry estimating, from specialized takeoff tools to integrated cloud platforms. Each option presents a distinct pathway to moving beyond manual calculations and cumbersome spreadsheets.

The core takeaway is that the "best masonry estimating software" is not a one-size-fits-all title. It's a title earned by the tool that best aligns with your company’s unique operational needs, team size, project complexity, and growth ambitions. A small masonry subcontractor focused purely on residential work has different requirements than a large general contractor managing complex commercial projects with multiple trade packages.

Key Insights Summarized

To recap our findings, the modern estimating landscape offers powerful solutions, but their strengths vary significantly.

• Standalone Takeoff Power: Tools like PlanSwift, Bluebeam Revu, and the classic On-Screen Takeoff (OST) excel at one primary function: rapid and accurate digital takeoffs. They are fantastic for teams that already have a solid estimating process in Excel or another system and simply need to digitize the measurement phase.
• Integrated Platform Approach: Solutions such as STACK, Autodesk Takeoff, and Exayard aim to consolidate workflows. They connect takeoffs directly to estimating, proposal generation, and sometimes even project management, reducing data entry errors and creating a single source of truth for preconstruction data.
• Enterprise-Level Integration: The eTakeoff Dimension and Sage Estimating bridge represents a high-level solution for large firms needing deep integration with accounting and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. This path is for businesses where bid data must flow seamlessly into financial and operational departments.

Your choice hinges on identifying your biggest bottleneck. Is it the time spent manually measuring plans? Or is it the disconnection between your takeoff quantities and your final cost estimate? The answer will guide you toward the right category of software.

Your Actionable Roadmap to a Decision

Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the options, follow a structured evaluation process to find the perfect fit. This isn't just about buying software; it's about investing in a more efficient preconstruction workflow.

1. Map Your Current Process: Before you look at any demo, grab a whiteboard and physically map out your current estimating steps. Where do delays happen? Where do errors most frequently occur? Pinpoint the exact pain points you need a new tool to solve. Is it tracking bond beams, calculating mortar, or accounting for waste on complex patterns?
2. Define Your "Must-Haves": Based on your process map, create a non-negotiable feature checklist. This could include:
   • Specific masonry takeoff tools (e.g., wall area, CMU counts, rebar length).
   • A pre-built database of masonry materials and labor rates.
   • The ability to overlay and compare plan revisions.
   • Integration with your accounting or project management software.
   • Cloud-based access for remote team collaboration.
3. Shortlist and Trial: Choose two or three tools from our list that appear to meet your "must-have" criteria. Sign up for free trials or schedule personalized demos. Use a real, recent project as your test case. Don't just watch the salesperson's perfect example; try to build an actual masonry bid from scratch. This hands-on test is the single most important step.
4. Consider Implementation and Support: The best software is useless without proper adoption. Ask about the onboarding process, training resources, and the quality of customer support. A tool with a dedicated support team that understands construction can make the transition from old methods to new technology far smoother.

Ultimately, adopting the right masonry estimating software is about empowering your team to build better bids. It’s about replacing guesswork with data-driven precision, freeing up your estimators from tedious counting to focus on high-value strategy, risk analysis, and building stronger client relationships. The right platform won't just help you win more work; it will ensure the work you win is more profitable from day one.

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Ready to see how a platform built for specialized trades can directly address your masonry estimating challenges? Exayard provides a cloud-based takeoff and estimating solution designed to eliminate manual data transfer and create fast, accurate bids. Explore Exayard to discover how its integrated system helps you build winning proposals with confidence.