Drywall estimation is one of the most critical—and often complex—parts of any construction project. Whether you’re a subcontractor handling residential builds or a commercial contractor managing high-rise projects, accurate drywall takeoffs are essential to bid competitively, win jobs, and ensure profitability.

Gone are the days of flipping through blueprints with a scale ruler or manually marking measurements. Today, digital takeoff software makes drywall estimating faster, more accurate, and more efficient than ever before. But with so many platforms available, how do you choose the best takeoff software for drywall in 2025?

We’ve done the research, tested the tools, and spoken with real contractors to bring you this in-depth guide. Below, we review the top drywall takeoff software options available right now and offer tips on how to choose the best one for your workflow.

Why Drywall Takeoff Software Matters

Drywall contractors face unique challenges—walls vary in height, materials differ, blueprints aren’t always clean, and measurements must be exact. Takeoff software helps by:

• Digitizing blueprints for precise measurements
• Reducing human error in calculations
• Speeding up the estimating process
• Allowing easy integration with cost databases and bidding tools

With the right software, you can create more accurate estimates, reduce waste, and increase profit margins—without spending hours manually measuring and calculating.

What to Look For in Drywall Takeoff Software

Choosing the right drywall takeoff software can be the difference between a chaotic estimating process and a streamlined, highly efficient workflow. Here are the key aspects you should evaluate before making your investment:

1. Accuracy and Measurement Tools

Precision is paramount in drywall estimation. Look for software that offers robust measurement tools capable of calculating linear footage, area, and volume. Features like snapping to lines, elevation inputs, and real-time dimension tracking are especially useful for drywall contractors who need to measure ceiling heights, wall lengths, and cutouts for fixtures. Advanced tools will also allow users to input wall types, material thickness, and edge conditions—all of which affect the material count.

Additionally, some tools offer customizable measurement assemblies. This means you can set up templates that automatically calculate labor and material costs as you measure, which greatly enhances efficiency. The more accurate and tailored your measurement tools are, the fewer surprises you’ll face on-site.

2. Blueprint Compatibility

Not all blueprints are created equal. Your takeoff software should be able to read and process multiple file types, such as PDF, DWG, DWF, and TIFF. Some projects may still come in older formats or scanned versions, so having OCR (optical character recognition) or advanced image scaling capabilities is a huge plus.

Moreover, the software should allow for the smooth import of architectural plans without losing detail. Being able to zoom, layer, and isolate sections is key when working on complex drywall layouts or large-scale projects where walls, partitions, soffits, and ceilings might overlap across plan sets.

3. User Interface and Learning Curve

Even the most powerful software won’t help your business if it’s too difficult to use. That’s why the user interface and overall usability are crucial factors. A good drywall takeoff software should be intuitive and designed with contractors in mind.

Look for platforms that offer:

• Clean, visual layouts
• Drag-and-drop functionality
• Step-by-step guides or tooltips
• Built-in tutorials or onboarding help

If you or your team need to spend weeks in training just to navigate the basics, you may lose valuable time and productivity. Especially for small businesses or contractors who handle multiple trades, ease of use is vital.

4. Cost Estimation Integration

Once the takeoff is complete, the next logical step is to generate a cost estimate. That’s why software that seamlessly integrates with estimating tools (or includes built-in estimation capabilities) is ideal. This integration reduces manual data entry, helps eliminate costly mistakes, and speeds up the proposal process.

Look for platforms that:

• Connect with Excel or Google Sheets
• Offer integration with cost databases like RSMeans or Craftsman
• Include labor and material cost libraries
• Allow for custom pricing and vendor inputs

The ability to generate reports and proposals directly from your takeoff results in faster turnaround and more professional bids.

5. Collaboration and Cloud Access

Drywall contractors often work with multiple stakeholders—from estimators and project managers to architects and clients. Collaboration features make it easier to share your takeoffs and get feedback or approvals in real time. Cloud-based platforms especially shine here, allowing teams to:

• Access plans and data from any location or device
• Share markups and comments
• Track version history and revisions
• Protect files with role-based access controls

In a post-pandemic construction landscape where remote work and distributed teams are becoming the norm, cloud collaboration is not just a bonus—it’s a necessity.

6. Pricing and Scalability

Lastly, it’s important to evaluate the cost of the software and whether it fits within your current and future business plans. Some tools charge a one-time license fee, while others are subscription-based with monthly or annual plans.

If you’re a small contractor or solo estimator, a low-cost or pay-as-you-go option might be best. However, larger companies with growing teams may benefit from enterprise-level packages that offer team collaboration, support, and advanced analytics.

Consider these pricing-related factors:

• Initial cost vs. long-term ROI
• Number of users allowed per license
• Hidden fees (e.g., for storage, support, training)
• Upgrade paths for scaling with your business

The ideal drywall takeoff software will balance affordability with robust functionality and grow with your needs.

The Best Takeoff Software for Drywall in 2025

Here’s a more in-depth review of the leading drywall takeoff software in 2025. We’ve focused on key features, pros, cons, and pricing so you can make an informed decision.

1. PlanSwift

Best For: Detailed drywall takeoffs and cost estimation integration.

Key Features:

• Drag-and-drop measurement tools for linear and area takeoffs
• Custom drywall assemblies to calculate material and labor costs
• Integrations with Excel and popular estimating platforms
• Add plugins for specific trades or tasks

Pros:

• User-friendly with a clean interface
• Strong customer support with community forums
• One-time licensing option, which is great for long-term budgeting

Cons:

• Desktop-only version limits flexibility (no native cloud version)
• Can consume more resources on older devices

Pricing: Starts at $1,595 (one-time license)

Summary: PlanSwift is ideal for contractors who want to simplify drywall takeoffs and integrate seamlessly with cost estimating. Its intuitive interface and solid feature set make it a reliable choice for both small businesses and larger contractors.

2. STACK

Best For: Teams working remotely and needing cloud-based collaboration.

Key Features:

• Fast blueprint upload with auto-scaling
• Cloud-based platform for sharing and collaboration
• Prebuilt assemblies for drywall material and labor
• Integrates with estimating tools and reporting features

Pros:

• Full cloud functionality with real-time collaboration
• Great customer support and user feedback integration
• Easy to use, with regular software updates

Cons:

• Subscription-based pricing may not be cost-effective for smaller teams
• Some initial setup is required to customize assemblies for drywall work

Pricing: Starts at $2,499/year for the Pro Plan

Summary: STACK is perfect for larger teams or companies that need a cloud-based solution for real-time collaboration. It offers excellent flexibility for remote workers, though the subscription fee might be prohibitive for some.

3. Beam AI

Best For: Contractors who want to utilize AI for faster, more automated takeoffs.

Key Features:

• AI-powered blueprint interpretation
• Auto-detection of drywall areas and wall heights
• Integrates with CRM and estimating software
• Built-in material library to calculate quantities

Pros:

• Speedy takeoff process, especially for complex plans
• AI learning continues to improve with each use
• Modern, clean user interface

Cons:

• Some features are still evolving, and not all are fully optimized
• Learning curve in adjusting AI settings for accuracy

Pricing: Custom pricing based on usage

Summary: Beam AI is cutting-edge in its use of AI to automate takeoffs. It’s best suited for those willing to invest in futuristic tech, but it’s still evolving and may need some fine-tuning for specific drywall projects.

4. On-Screen Takeoff (OST)

Best For: Large firms needing a high-volume, accurate takeoff solution.

Key Features:

• Multi-layer takeoff with customizable conditions
• Markup and annotation tools for detailed communication
• Integration with popular bidding systems like Quick Bid
• Full report generation for tracking materials and costs

Pros:

• Extremely accurate for large and complex projects
• Great for integration with other bid management tools
• Enterprise-level features and scalability

Cons:

• High learning curve, especially for new users
• The interface feels outdated compared to newer tools

Pricing: Starts at $1,800 per license

Summary: On-screen takeoff is the gold standard for large firms or high-volume projects. It’s packed with features, but its steep learning curve and dated interface may put off some users.

5. Square Takeoff

Best For: Small to medium contractors who need a simple, browser-based solution.

Key Features:

• Cloud-based access from any device
• Color-coded markup tools for easy tracking
• Quick, simple area and volume calculations
• Easy export to Excel or PDF for cost reporting

Pros:

• No installation ris equired; it works directly in the browser
• Affordable pricing options
• Quick and easy for small teams or less complex jobs

Cons:

• Limited advanced features for large projects
• Slower performance with very large plans or intricate details

Pricing: Starts at $997/year (monthly options available)

Summary: Square Takeoff is an excellent choice for smaller drywall contractors who need a fast, simple tool without the complexity of full-featured software. It’s great for quick jobs but might not handle larger, more intricate plans.

6. ConX Measure

Best For: Contractors seeking a lightweight, affordable tool for basic takeoffs.

Key Features:

• Easy-to-use PDF upload with automatic scaling
• Basic area and linear takeoffs with simple markup tools
• Cloud-based access for mobile and desktop use
• Exports directly to Excel for cost calculations

Pros:

• Budget-friendly and easy to use
• Good for basic takeoff needs
• Great mobile version for contractors on the go

Cons:

• Lacks advanced features for more complex projects
• Limited integrations and customization

Pricing: Starts at $49/month

Summary: ConX Measure is an affordable option for drywall contractors who only need basic takeoff tools. It’s simple to use and mobile-friendly but lacks the advanced features needed for more detailed work.

7. Kreo Software

Best For: Advanced users or teams incorporating BIM into their takeoff process.

Key Features:

• BIM model integration for real-time data analysis
• AI-powered quantity extraction from 3D models
• Cloud-based collaboration with multiple users
• Built-in material and labor cost calculation tools

Pros:

• Cutting-edge automation and AI integration
• Suitable for large-scale commercial projects
• Scalable for enterprise-level use

Cons:

• Requires a basic understanding of BIM and 3D modeling
• Premium pricing, which might be out of reach for small businesses

Pricing: Custom pricing

Summary: Kreo Software is the top choice for large companies or those who rely on Building Information Modeling (BIM). It offers the most advanced features and automation but requires a higher level of expertise and investment.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right drywall takeoff software depends on your project size, budget, and workflow preferences. Whether you prefer a lightweight solution like ConX Measure or a robust tool like PlanSwift, there’s an option for every contractor.

Unity Estimating can help guide you through the selection process and assist with integrating the best takeoff solution for your business.