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Head-to-head · Earthwork Estimating Software

EarthWorks vs Autodesk Takeoff

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score EarthWorks #4 in Earthwork Estimating Software 7.9/10 7-day trial Free trial✓ 1 of 3 features Visit EarthWorks
Autodesk Takeoff #7 in Earthwork Estimating Software 7.7/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 0 of 3 features Try Autodesk Takeoff

EarthWorks leads on 0 checks, Autodesk Takeoff on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreEarthWorks · 7.9/10
  • Free trialboth
  • Most featuresEarthWorks · 1 of 3

EarthWorks scores higher on our rubric for earthwork estimating software: 7.9 against 7.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #7.

On takeoff method, Autodesk Takeoff gives you Both where EarthWorks offers 2d.

EarthWorks is the better fit for estimators needing earthwork calculations across platforms. Autodesk Takeoff is the better fit for autodesk users combining 2D and 3D takeoff.

  • EarthWorks fits best

    Estimators needing earthwork calculations across platforms

  • Autodesk Takeoff fits best

    Autodesk users combining 2D and 3D takeoff

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature EarthWorks 7.9/10 Visit ↗ Autodesk Takeoff 7.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 7.9 7.7
Ranking #4 in Earthwork Estimating Software #7 in Earthwork Estimating Software
Best for Estimators needing earthwork calculations across platforms Autodesk users combining 2D and 3D takeoff
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price — 30-day trial
Free plan — —
Free trial 7 days 30 days
Free trial length 7 days 30 days
Deployment Cloud, Desktop Cloud
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Linux Web
Support Email, Phone Docs · 24/7
Built for Small business, Mid-market Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features EarthWorks 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 2d Both
Plan input formats Mixed Mixed
Included projects Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Calculates cut-and-fill, topsoil, over-excavation and engineered fill
  • Takes off PDFs, TIFFs, vector PDFs and CAD drawings
  • Shows 3D and cross-section views with materials and subtotal reports
  • Generates quantities from both 2D drawings and 3D models
  • Combines quantities with flexible rollups and custom formulas
  • Centralizes drawing and model version management
Cons
  • No free plan; paid licensing is required
  • Cloud licensing requires a separate annual subscription
  • No listed integrations
  • 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

EarthWorks from Trakware, Inc. is excavation takeoff and estimating software for contractors and estimators who need to calculate earthwork quantities from plans. It supports PDF and TIFF takeoffs, vector PDF linework, and CAD/AutoCAD…

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 →
  1. EarthWorksEarthwork Estimating Software 7.97-day trial
  2. Autodesk TakeoffEarthwork Estimating Software 7.730-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • EarthWorks — where it wins

    • Calculates cut-and-fill, topsoil, over-excavation and engineered fill
    • Takes off PDFs, TIFFs, vector PDFs and CAD drawings
    • Shows 3D and cross-section views with materials and subtotal reports

    Where it doesn't

    • No free plan; paid licensing is required
    • Cloud licensing requires a separate annual subscription
    • No listed integrations

  • 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

More comparisons

All earthwork estimating software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update