Solid Takeoff vs Square Takeoff
In short
Square Takeoff and Solid Takeoff are close in approach — both are browser-based, per-user takeoff tools. The main differences: Solid Takeoff has a genuinely free plan (not just a trial), real-time collaboration, and an aimable Bluebeam-style callout.
Square Takeoff is a cloud takeoff (and estimating) tool with a similar pitch to Solid Takeoff: upload a plan, set scale, measure and export in the browser.
Because they're so similar in concept, the deciding factors are the offer and the details — where Solid Takeoff leans on a real free plan, live collaboration and a clean markup workflow.
| Solid Takeoff | Square Takeoff | |
|---|---|---|
| Runs on | Any browser — Mac, Windows, Chromebook, iPad | Browser (online) |
| Free plan | Yes — every tool, watermarked exports | Trial / subscription |
| Pricing | Free, or Pro ~$29/user/mo | Per-user subscription |
| Real-time collaboration | Yes — live co-editing + presence | Varies |
| Markup | Text, box, callout (aimable), arrow, pen | Markup tools |
| Try without an account | Yes — saves to your browser | Sign-up required |
| Export | Annotated PDF + quantities CSV | PDF / export |
A free plan, not just a trial
Solid Takeoff's free plan doesn't expire — every measurement and markup tool, cloud projects and exports (watermarked), 50 MB storage and a single user. You can do a real job before deciding to pay, and even measure without signing in at all.
Collaboration and markup
On Pro, teammates open the same plan and see each other's measurements, conditions and markup live, with presence showing who's on the drawing. The markup includes an aimable leader callout, so you can point notes exactly where you want.
The verdict
Square Takeoff and Solid Takeoff are close cousins. If a genuinely free plan, real-time collaboration and a polished markup workflow matter to you, Solid Takeoff is the stronger pick.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between Solid Takeoff and Square Takeoff?
Both are browser-based, per-user takeoff tools. Solid Takeoff adds a genuinely free plan (not just a trial), real-time collaboration with presence, and an aimable Bluebeam-style callout.
Is there a free browser takeoff tool?
Yes — Solid Takeoff has a free plan with every tool included (exports watermarked until you upgrade).
Can we work on the same plan together?
On Pro, teammates edit the same plan live and see each other's changes, so you can split a drawing without overwriting each other.
What does it cost?
Free to start; Pro is about $29 per user per month. Check both vendors for current pricing.
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.