Best construction takeoff software UK (2026)
Published on 10 July 2026
There is no single best takeoff tool, only the best one for how you work. A large main contractor running multi-trade estimates has very different needs from a solo estimator or a small QS practice producing an NRM2 bill. This guide sets out what actually matters, then looks honestly at the main options used in the UK, including our own tool, Kestrel.
What to look for
- The output you hand over. Measuring is only half the job. For UK work, can it produce a priced-ready bill, commonly to NRM2, rather than just a pile of measurements?
- Total cost. Published price or "request a quote"? Per seat? Annual lock-in? See our cost guide.
- Where your files live. Cloud-only, or projects you keep locally that work offline.
- Learning curve. Can you open a real drawing and get a measured quantity within minutes?
- Platform. Windows desktop, browser, or both.
At a glance
How the main tools line up for the buyer this guide is written for: a small practice or solo estimator whose day ends in a priced NRM2 bill. A large contractor running BIM or multi-trade estimates will weight these rows differently.
| Tool | NRM2 bill to Excel | Built for | Pricing | Files |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kestrel™ | Yes, ready to price | Takeoff to NRM2 bill | From £25/mo, published | Local, works offline |
| STACK | Takeoff only | Cloud takeoff and estimating | Subscription, per user | Cloud |
| Bluebeam Revu | Takeoff only | Broad PDF platform | Subscription, per user | Local |
| PlanSwift | Takeoff only | General takeoff | Per seat | Local |
| Autodesk Takeoff / CostX | Estimating suite | BIM takeoff and estimating | Quote-based | Cloud |
| On-Screen Takeoff | Takeoff only | Commercial multi-trade takeoff | Per seat | Local |
| Access ConQuest | Estimating suite | Full estimating suite | Quote-based | Local or network |
| Kreo | Takeoff only | AI cloud takeoff | Subscription, per user | Cloud |
Positioned for takeoff to a priced NRM2 bill. Competitor tools listed do their own jobs well in their own space; the fit depends on the work you do. Prices and models change, so confirm current terms with each vendor.
The main options
Kestrel™
A Windows desktop takeoff tool built by a working UK estimating firm. It is focused on one job done well: measure off the PDF and export an NRM2 Bill of Quantities to Excel with codes, descriptions and live formulas already in place. Projects are kept in a single local file, AI is optional and bring-your-own-key, and pricing is published and small-practice friendly (25 pounds per month plus VAT, 14-day free trial). Best for solo estimators, small practices and sub-contractors who want takeoff to a priced bill without an enterprise contract.
STACK
A cloud takeoff and estimating platform with a fast web-based plan viewer that handles large plan sets well. Strong for teams that want to work in the browser and collaborate on generalist construction takeoff. Sold as a subscription, typically per user.
Bluebeam Revu
Widely used across UK construction, Bluebeam is a broad PDF markup and collaboration platform with capable measurement tools built in. It suits teams who want one PDF suite for markups, document control and takeoff together. If your day is mostly takeoff to a bill, read our note on coming to Kestrel from Bluebeam.
PlanSwift
A long-established Windows takeoff tool aimed at small and mid-sized firms, with on-screen measuring and a library of plug-ins to extend it. A familiar choice for contractors who want a desktop tool and are comfortable setting it up.
Autodesk Takeoff and CostX
Autodesk Takeoff sits within the Autodesk Construction Cloud and is strong where 2D and BIM model-based quantities matter on larger projects. CostX (now part of Autodesk) is a well-regarded measurement and estimating package used by many quantity surveyors, particularly where BIM takeoff and detailed cost planning are needed.
On-Screen Takeoff (ConstructConnect)
A commercial estimating staple for two decades, On-Screen Takeoff handles complex multi-trade takeoff and has a large established user base. Aimed at firms doing high volumes of detailed commercial work.
Access ConQuest and Kreo
Access ConQuest is a full UK estimating suite with integrated takeoff, popular with contractors who want measurement and estimating in one system. Kreo is a cloud, AI-assisted 2D takeoff tool for teams that want automated measurement in the browser.
How to choose
Start from your output and your size, not the feature list. If you are a large contractor running detailed multi-trade or BIM estimates, the broader platforms earn their cost. If you are a small practice or solo estimator whose day ends in a priced NRM2 bill, a focused, affordable, Windows-native tool will usually get you there faster and cheaper. Whatever you shortlist, run a real drawing through a free trial before you commit, because that tells you more than any table.
Try Kestrel™
Kestrel is our answer for the focused-takeoff buyer: PDF in, NRM2 bill out, on Windows, for a published monthly price with a 14-day free trial. See pricing, read the FAQ, or download Kestrel and measure your own drawing.