CostX
CostX is construction software for digital takeoff, estimating, and Bills of Quantities.
What CostX is
CostX is construction software for digital takeoff, estimating, and Bills of Quantities. It can measure areas, lengths, and counts from scanned, PDF, CAD, and other 2D drawings, as well as generate quantities from BIM or 3D models. Spreadsheet-based workbooks link to drawings and data repositories, while revision mode compares drawing versions and highlights changes. Users can prepare estimates, tenders, Bills of Quantities, and customised reports, including workbooks for subcontractor comparison. The CostXL add-in links dimensions, workbook values, rates, and constants with Microsoft Excel spreadsheets. CostX Core provides 2D takeoff, live-linked workbooks, subcontractor comparison, and reports; BIM and auto-revisioning require an upgrade to the full platform. CostX Viewer is free to use and distribute for read-only project review, and subcontractors can save tender prices in an EXQ quote file for import. Pricing is on request. Licenses are available as standalone installations for one user on one PC or network installations with a central database.
Good
- Takes off dimensions from common 2D drawing formats.
- Generates quantities from BIM or 3D models.
- Revision mode highlights drawing changes.
- Viewer is free to use and distribute.
- Standalone and network license options are listed.
Watch out
- BIM requires an upgrade from CostX Core.
- Auto-revisioning requires the full platform.
- Pricing is on request.
Who it suits
CostX suits construction contractors preparing quantities, estimates, tenders, or Bills of Quantities. CostX Takeoff 2D is presented for individuals or small businesses on a strict budget that need digital takeoff.
Verdict
CostX combines drawing takeoff and estimating with linked workbooks, while BIM and auto-revisioning depend on the full platform. The free Viewer offers read-only project review, but pricing for licenses is available on request.
The facts
Each one read from CostX's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- 2D takeoff
- It measures areas, lengths and counts from scanned, PDF, CAD and other 2D drawings.checked 3 Oct 2026
- BIM and 3D
- CostX can generate quantities from BIM or 3D models and estimate quantities and costs from BIM files.checked 2 Oct 2026
- BIM quantities
- CostX can generate quantities from BIM or 3D models.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Cloud security
- The CostX Cloud page describes Microsoft Azure security measures and automated data backups.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Download and demo
- The site invites visitors to download software and sample files and follow a product walkthrough.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Download and support
- The official site invites visitors to download software and sample files and follow a product walkthrough; its Takeoff 2D page says license holders have support options.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Estimating outputs
- Users can prepare estimates, tenders and Bills of Quantities, and produce customised reports.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Excel integration
- CostXL links CostX dimensions, workbook values, rates and constants to Microsoft Excel, with updates reflected automatically.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The product range is presented for contractors, quantity surveyors and estimators, including individuals and small businesses seeking 2D takeoff.checked 3 Oct 2026
- License options
- CostX offers standalone licenses for one user on one PC and network licenses installed on multiple PCs with a central database.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- CostX provides an integrated environment for construction takeoff, estimating, feasibility studies and Bills of Quantities.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Revision tracking
- Auto-Revisioning compares drawings and highlights new changes.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Subcontractor comparison
- Users can generate workbooks for subcontractor comparison and integrate them with reports.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Viewer collaboration
- Subcontractors can enter prices against tender items in Viewer and save them to an EXQ quote file for import into CostX.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Workbooks
- Its spreadsheet-based workbooks are live-linked to drawings.checked 3 Oct 2026
Money
- CostX Core limit
- CostX Core provides 2D takeoff, live-linked workbooks, subcontractor comparison and reports; users can upgrade to the full platform for BIM or auto-revisioning.checked 2 Oct 2026
- CostX Viewer
- CostX Viewer is free to use and distribute, and lets stakeholders review project files in read-only format.checked 2 Oct 2026
- Free viewer
- CostX Viewer is free to use and distribute and lets stakeholders review projects in read-only format.checked 3 Oct 2026
The company
- Headquarters
- Stuttgart, Germanychecked 28 Sep 2026
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