Solid Takeoff vs Autodesk Takeoff
In short
Autodesk Takeoff is the takeoff module of Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) — 2D and 3D quantities inside the wider Autodesk ecosystem, sold per user with no free plan. Solid Takeoff is a standalone, browser-based takeoff tool you can use free, without buying into a whole platform.
Autodesk Takeoff lives inside Autodesk Construction Cloud, so it makes most sense for teams already committed to ACC (Docs, BIM Collaborate, Build) and working with Autodesk models.
If you're not in the Autodesk world — or you just want quantities off a PDF without the platform and per-user subscription — Solid Takeoff does the 2D take-off in the browser, free to start.
| Solid Takeoff | Autodesk Takeoff | |
|---|---|---|
| Part of a suite | No — standalone, focused | Yes — Autodesk Construction Cloud |
| Free plan | Yes | No — ACC subscription (trial) |
| Pricing | Free, or Solo $12.99/mo · Team $49.99/mo | Per-user ACC subscription |
| 2D / 3D | 2D PDFs and images | 2D + 3D/BIM model takeoff |
| Runs on | Any browser — Mac, Windows, Chromebook, iPad | Cloud (browser) |
| Setup | Sign up and measure in minutes | ACC onboarding |
| Best for | Trades, fit-out, small teams | Teams already on Autodesk/BIM |
Standalone vs platform
Autodesk Takeoff shines when you're already in ACC and want quantities tied to Autodesk models and documents. Outside that ecosystem, you're paying for — and learning — a platform to do takeoff.
Solid Takeoff is deliberately standalone: open a PDF, measure, export a CSV or annotated PDF, done. No suite, no BIM commitment, no per-user subscription to begin.
What Autodesk Takeoff costs
Autodesk doesn't sell Takeoff the way small-team tools are sold. It's subscription-only, priced per user, and sold either as its own module or inside Autodesk Construction Cloud bundles — pricing is published on autodesk.com and often lands as part of a wider ACC purchase. There's no free version beyond a trial.
That model makes sense for firms standardising on Autodesk. For a contractor or estimator who needs quantities off a PDF, it's paying enterprise money for a platform you won't use. Solid Takeoff's free plan does real 2D take-off, with Solo ($12.99/month) or Team ($49.99/month for 3 users) — monthly, cancel any time.
The verdict
If your team lives in Autodesk Construction Cloud and needs BIM takeoff, Autodesk Takeoff fits. If you want standalone 2D takeoff off PDFs — free to start, no platform — Solid Takeoff is the leaner option.
Sources and comparison method
We compare the products' published capabilities with the Solid Takeoff features and prices shown on this site. Vendor products change, so use the linked first-party sources to confirm a detail before buying.
Working on a Mac? Most desktop takeoff tools are Windows-only — see takeoff software for Mac for the options that actually run on macOS.
Frequently asked questions
Is Solid Takeoff an Autodesk Takeoff alternative?
For standalone 2D PDF takeoff, yes — it's simpler, free to start, and doesn't require Autodesk Construction Cloud. Autodesk Takeoff adds 3D/BIM model takeoff within the ACC ecosystem, which Solid Takeoff doesn't do.
Do I need Autodesk Construction Cloud to use it?
No — Solid Takeoff is completely standalone. You just open a PDF in your browser and measure.
Does Solid Takeoff do 3D/BIM takeoff?
No — it's a 2D PDF/image takeoff tool. For model-based 3D quantities, Autodesk Takeoff is the fit.
How much does Autodesk Takeoff cost?
Autodesk sells Takeoff by per-user subscription — on its own or inside Autodesk Construction Cloud bundles — with current prices published on autodesk.com. There's no permanent free version. If that's more commitment than the job needs, Solid Takeoff starts free and its paid plans are $12.99–$49.99 a month.
Can I subscribe to Autodesk Takeoff monthly?
Autodesk sells subscriptions in various terms — check autodesk.com for what's currently offered, as terms and prices change. Solid Takeoff is monthly by default: $12.99 (Solo) or $49.99 (Team), cancel any time, no annual commitment.
Is there an Autodesk Takeoff free version?
No — a trial at most; Autodesk Takeoff is part of a paid subscription. Solid Takeoff has a genuinely free plan with every measurement tool, no time limit.
Try it on your own plan — free
Open a PDF and measure in your browser. No card, no install, no CAD. Free plan forever.
Comparison based on publicly available information at the time of writing; competitor features and pricing change — check each vendor for current details. All product names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used here for identification and comparison only.