Solid Takeoff vs CostX
In short
CostX is a heavyweight 2D and BIM measurement and estimating suite aimed at quantity surveyors and large contractors, licensed and priced accordingly. Solid Takeoff is a focused, browser-based takeoff tool for trades and estimators who just need quantities off a PDF — free to start, on any device.
CostX, from Exactal (now RIB Software), is one of the most capable measurement tools in the QS world — 2D takeoff, BIM (3D) model measurement, workbooks and estimating, with the price and learning curve of a professional suite.
If you're a quantity surveyor running BIM measurement, CostX is built for you. If you're a trade contractor or fit-out estimator who needs quantities off a PDF without a full QS platform, Solid Takeoff does that part in the browser, free to start.
| Solid Takeoff | CostX | |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Focused 2D PDF takeoff + markup + export | 2D + BIM measurement + estimating suite |
| Runs on | Any browser — Mac, Windows, Chromebook, iPad | Windows (desktop/licensed) |
| Free plan | Yes | No — licensed (quote) |
| Pricing | Free, or Pro ~$29/user/mo | High; enterprise/QS licensing |
| BIM / 3D | No — 2D PDFs and images | Yes — 2D and BIM models |
| Learning curve | Minutes | Significant — a professional tool |
| Best for | Trades, fit-out, small teams | Quantity surveyors, large contractors |
Right tool for the job
CostX earns its price for QS teams doing formal measurement and BIM quantities. But that power is overkill — and over-budget — if your job is measuring lengths, areas and counts on a PDF and getting them into an estimate.
Solid Takeoff keeps the surface small: scale, linear/area/count, conditions with waste, markup, export. It's quick to learn because it doesn't try to be a QS suite.
2D takeoff vs BIM measurement
If you need to measure quantities directly from BIM models, that's CostX territory and Solid Takeoff doesn't compete there. For 2D PDF and drawing take-off — which is still the bulk of day-to-day estimating for most trades — Solid Takeoff is faster to pick up and free to start.
The verdict
CostX is the right tool for quantity surveyors doing BIM and formal measurement. If you need fast 2D takeoff off PDFs — on any device, free to start — Solid Takeoff is the simpler, far cheaper choice.
Frequently asked questions
Is Solid Takeoff a CostX alternative?
For 2D PDF takeoff — measuring lengths, areas and counts and exporting them — yes, and it's far simpler and cheaper. CostX goes much further with BIM/3D measurement and full QS estimating, which Solid Takeoff doesn't do.
Does CostX run on Mac?
CostX is Windows software; Mac users would virtualize it. Solid Takeoff runs natively in any browser on macOS, Windows, Chromebook and iPad.
Does Solid Takeoff do BIM takeoff?
No — it's a 2D PDF/image takeoff tool. If you need to measure from BIM models, CostX is the specialist.
How much does it cost vs CostX?
Solid Takeoff is free to start and about $29/user/month. CostX is licensed at professional/enterprise rates and usually quoted — check the vendor.
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.