Carlson Takeoff vs Autodesk Takeoff

Carlson Takeoff7.9Visit ATAutodesk Takeoff7.7Visit

Higher score Carlson Takeoff #2 in Earthwork Estimating Software 7.9/10 Pricing on request · 30-day trial Free trial✓ 1 of 3 features Visit Carlson

vs

AT Autodesk Takeoff #7 in Earthwork Estimating Software 7.7/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 0 of 3 features Try Autodesk Takeoff

• Carlson Takeoff fits best

  Estimators handling roads, trenches, and cut/fill

• Autodesk Takeoff fits best

  Autodesk users combining 2D and 3D takeoff

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Side by side

Feature	Carlson Takeoff 7.9/10 Visit ↗	ATAutodesk Takeoff 7.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	7.9	7.7
Ranking	#2 in Earthwork Estimating Software	#7 in Earthwork Estimating Software
Best for	Estimators handling roads, trenches, and cut/fill	Autodesk users combining 2D and 3D takeoff
Pricing model	Paid	Paid
Starting price	Pricing on request · 30-day trial	30-day trial
Free plan	—	—
Free trial	30 days	30 days
Free trial length	30 days	30 days
Deployment	Desktop	Cloud
Platforms	Windows	Web
Support	Email, Phone	Docs · 24/7
Built for	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Carlson Takeoff 1/3 · Autodesk Takeoff 0/3
Cut-fill analysis	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
Material cost database	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Bid templates	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Specs
Takeoff method	Both	Both
Plan input formats	Mixed	Mixed
Included projects	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	Calculates cut/fill, strata, topsoil, subgrade, and over-excavate volumes Supports road profiles, cross-sections, end-area volumes, and mass haul Exports machine-control surfaces for Topcon, Trimble, and Leica	Generates quantities from both 2D drawings and 3D models Combines quantities with flexible rollups and custom formulas Centralizes drawing and model version management
Cons	Windows desktop deployment may not suit teams needing other platforms Pricing requires contacting Carlson Software The CAD engine choice may add setup considerations for some buyers	Earthwork-specific cut-and-fill capability is not established No integrations are listed Unit costs support conceptual estimates, not a broader cost workflow
Our verdict	Carlson Takeoff is desktop CAD software for estimating earthwork quantities and preparing data for field stakeout and machine control. It is aimed at estimators working with roads, trenches, cut and fill, and mixed paper and digital plans.… Read the review →	Autodesk Takeoff, now branded Forma Takeoff, is a cloud-based construction quantification tool for estimation teams. It brings manual 2D takeoff from drawings and 3D model-based quantity generation into one environment. Teams can organize… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Carlson Takeoff — where it wins

  • Calculates cut/fill, strata, topsoil, subgrade, and over-excavate volumes
  • Supports road profiles, cross-sections, end-area volumes, and mass haul
  • Exports machine-control surfaces for Topcon, Trimble, and Leica

  Where it doesn't

  • Windows desktop deployment may not suit teams needing other platforms
  • Pricing requires contacting Carlson Software
  • The CAD engine choice may add setup considerations for some buyers

• Autodesk Takeoff — where it wins

  • Generates quantities from both 2D drawings and 3D models
  • Combines quantities with flexible rollups and custom formulas
  • Centralizes drawing and model version management

  Where it doesn't

  • Earthwork-specific cut-and-fill capability is not established
  • No integrations are listed
  • Unit costs support conceptual estimates, not a broader cost workflow

• Carlson Takeoff7.9/10 · Pricing on request · 30-day trial

  A desktop CAD tool for detailed earthwork quantities, road and trench workflows, and machine-control exports.

  Visit CarlsonFull verdict →
• ATAutodesk Takeoff7.7/10 · 30-day trial

  Combines drawing and model takeoff, but its earthwork-specific fit is limited.

  Try Autodesk TakeoffFull verdict →