Best Earthwork Estimating software of 2026: which is right for you?
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Procore Construction Management Software offers a comprehensive and integrated platform designed to revolutionize the constructi...Read more about Procore
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Roctek’s WinEx Grade is a quantity takeoff and analysis tool. This solution allows you to take a PDF or other supported image fo...Read more about WinEx
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SharpeSoft Estimator is an on-premise & cloud cost estimating software for contractors and sub-contractors in the construction i...Read more about SharpeSoft Estimator
Earthwork and utility professionals face mounting pressure: tighter deadlines, complex projects, and the constant need for preci...Read more about InSite Elevation Pro
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Estimating Link software is designed specifically for heavy civil construction estimating and bidding. This easy-to-use program...Read more about Estimating Link
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ArcSite is the go-to solution for mobile-first drawing, takeoff, and estimating. Designed for professionals who need to work fas...Read more about ArcSite
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ConWize is a cutting-edge cloud-based software utilized today by general contractors, developers, subcontractors, and management...Read more about ConWize
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CostOS is a cost estimating software that combines traditional estimating methods with BIM 3D, 2D, and GIS capabilities. With ...Read more about CostOS
Methvin redefines construction estimating with powerful features designed for precision and efficiency. Automate complex equatio...Read more about Methvin
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Kubla Cubed is an on-premise earthwork estimation solution designed for construction companies of all sizes. It offers project t...Read more about Kubla Cubed
JobFLEX is a cloud-based construction estimation solution for small and midsize businesses that allows users to create professio...Read more about JobFLEX
BHOOMI is a cloud-based and on-premise construction and inventory management solution for midsize residential and commercial con...Read more about Bhoomi
Cyanic Automation is a cloud-based construction management solution that helps small to midsize businesses manage inventory, equ...Read more about Cyanic LEM
Carlson Takeoff is an on-premise 3D takeoff solution developed for design/build firms, earthwork/excavating, engineers, heavy/hi...Read more about Carlson Takeoff
LEVESYS is a construction project management solution designed to help contractors in a variety of industries create estimates, ...Read more about LEVESYS
Sigma is a construction estimating software for commercial and residential contractors. Whether you are a small subcontractor, g...Read more about Sigma
EarthWorks Excavation by TrakWare is a takeoff system for excavation plans that comes with features like onscreen takeoff, digit...Read more about EarthWorks
ConstructBuy is a construction platform to help general contractors, subcontractors and trade specialists. It includes an online...Read more about ConstructBuy
Bluebook ProEstimator is a cloud-based construction solution for small businesses. Primary features include estimates, work orde...Read more about Bluebook ProEstimator
PlanSwift is a cloud-based construction takeoff and estimating software designed to help commercial, industrial, institutional, ...Read more about PlanSwift
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CMIS by ECL Software is a cloud-based construction management solution for builders and contractors. The solution can also be de...Read more about CMIS
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Commnia is a cloud-based construction management solution that helps small to large enterprises manage documents and bidding pro...Read more about Commnia
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Buyers Guide
This detailed guide will help you find and buy the right earthwork estimating software & excavation software for you and your business.
Last Updated on January 27, 2025Earthwork takeoff and costing is dramatically different than vertical construction estimates. As such, earthwork and site work estimators require a very different set of cost estimate tools.
The primary challenge in earthwork is the takeoff process, rather than the actual estimate process. During takeoff, companies need more sophisticated three-dimensional tools for calculating cuts and fills, profiling trenches and planning concrete or asphalt work. With a top-rated earthwork takeoff system, excavation contractors can dramatically reduce their tracing time, calculate more accurate measures and win more bids.
These tools are also effective for new business owners just learning how to estimate excavation. We recommend shoppers in this category exercise extreme scrutiny if a site offers an earthwork software free download or other free earthwork calculation software.
We put this guide together to help you better understand the market for earthwork estimating software.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
What is Earthwork Estimating Software?
Common Features of Earthwork Estimating Software
Earthwork Estimating Software Pricing
Earthwork Estimating Software Deployment
What is Earthwork Estimating Software?
Earthwork estimating software is specialized construction software typically used for large excavations in construction projects. Unlike other general estimating software applications, earthwork estimating software is specially designed with a number of features to assist with the earthwork planning process. For example, many earthwork estimating platforms offer computer-assisted design and GPS modules so users can draw up 3D blueprints of the project for every step along the way.
With earthwork estimating software, users can perform takeoffs from a variety of different image files of the job site. With 3D modeling they can easily determine the scope of the project and how long it will take to complete.
Common Features of Earthwork Estimating & Excavation Software
To determine which costing solution will meet your unique company requirements, your earthwork estimator should evaluate and compare the following functions. Business software for small excavating, for example, could differ from solutions for creating a canal earthwork excavation estimate. Your buyer should take extra care in assessing offers described as an earth work program free download or earthworks software free download.
Cut & fill estimating program | The primary requirement of any earthwork takeoff program is the ability to measure cuts and fills. The system must present existing and final elevation maps and calculate the amount of earth to be cut or filled in each section. |
Strata layer breakdowns | Most excavation takeoff software should be able to map the various strata and code them by color. It should calculate earthwork by taking inputs from the earth samples and engineers’ notes so that the type of strata is known for each part of the job site. |
Grid views | Sophisticated cut and fill software should allow the estimator to select any grid from grid staking reports and view the cut and fill measurements associated with that area. |
Trench profiling | The earth filling calculation program should allow the estimator to measure trench plans and profiles, as well as determine slope, widths and heights. This includes determining how much earth will need to be excavated and what materials will be required for trench utilities, including piping and footings. |
3D, multi-color elevation maps | In contrast to two-dimensional vertical cost estimate solutions, top earthwork estimating software must offer more sophisticated, three-dimensional and multi-color visualizations of existing and final elevations. |
Trench profiling | The system should allow the user to create a cost estimation for earthwork using measurements of trench plan and profile, slope, widths and heights. This includes determining how much earth will need to be excavated and what materials will be required for trench utilities, including piping and footings. |
3D, multi-color elevation maps | In contrast to two-dimensional vertical estimating solutions, an earthwork estimating system must offer more sophisticated, three-dimensional and multi-color visualizations of existing and final elevations. |
Pad takeoff | The sitework takeoff software should allow the user to perform takeoffs for flat pads, such as those used for building pads. The system should allow the estimator to specify the area that is, or should be flat. |
Retaining wall takeoff | The earth work calculating software should support takeoff of vertical elements, such as cliffs and retaining walls. These should be visualized and measured during takeoff, as well as include a material library. |
Material library | The cuts and fills software vendor should offer a material library that is specific to earthwork. This may just consist of a library of subgrade materials, but more likely will also need to include an asphalt estimating tool and materials required for concrete work, walls and other hardscape or roadwork. |
Earthwork Estimating Software Pricing
Earthwork estimating software is typically priced one of two ways: perpetual licensing and monthly subscription.
With a perpetual license, you pay a large fee up front and own the software outright. However, you may still have to pay annual fees for support, maintenance and updates. With subscription pricing on the other hand, you will generally pay a monthly fee that is often assessed based on the size of your business or the volume of construction work your business is doing.
Be sure to consider what the long term cost of the software will be. Each method of pricing has its own unique advantages and disadvantages.
Earthwork Estimating Software Deployment
Earthwork estimating software is deployed one of two ways: on-premise and cloud-based.
Cloud-based. Cloud-based software is hosted on the software vendor’s servers and is accessible through any web browser on a computer or a smart device. For contractors on the go who are juggling multiple projects, the mobility and convenience of cloud-based software can be very appealing.
On-premise. On-premise software is installed on the company’s computers or servers and accessed locally. Some contractors might prefer on-premise software due to the familiarity they have with it or because of other reasons such as security or sometimes lower price.
When it comes to pricing, in general, cloud-based services are priced as subscriptions and on-premise software is priced as a perpetual license. Keep in mind that on-premise software can sometimes require specific hardware setups to work properly.