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Head-to-head · HVAC Estimating Software

McCormick Systems vs STACK

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score McCormick Systems #2 in HVAC Estimating Software 8.3/10 Pricing on request ✓ 0 of 6 features Visit McCormick
STACK #3 in HVAC Estimating Software 7.8/10 Free plan · 7-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 6 features Visit STACK

McCormick Systems leads on 0 checks, STACK on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreMcCormick Systems · 8.3/10
  • Free planonly STACK
  • Free trialonly STACK

McCormick Systems scores higher on our rubric for hvac estimating software: 8.3 against 7.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #3.

McCormick Systems is the better fit for contractors needing detailed multi-trade takeoff. STACK is the better fit for teams needing broad takeoff and estimating workflows.

  • McCormick Systems fits best

    Contractors needing detailed multi-trade takeoff

  • STACK fits best

    Teams needing broad takeoff and estimating workflows

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 McCormick Systems 8.3/10 Visit ↗ STACK 7.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.3 7.8
Ranking #2 in HVAC Estimating Software #3 in HVAC Estimating Software
Best for Contractors needing detailed multi-trade takeoff Teams needing broad takeoff and estimating workflows
Pricing model Paid Free plan + paid
Starting price Pricing on request —
Free plan Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Free trial — 7 days
Deployment Cloud Cloud, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Web Web, Windows, iOS, Android
Support Email, Phone Email, Live chat, Phone, Community, Docs
Integrations 1 integrations 17 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features McCormick Systems 0/6 · STACK 0/6
HVAC cost database Not checked yet Not checked yet
Labor-rate database Not checked yet Not checked yet
HVAC takeoff tools Not checked yet Not checked yet
Proposal builder Not checked yet Not checked yet
Job costing Not checked yet Not checked yet
QuickBooks sync Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Mobile apps Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • PDF takeoff with automated material counting and measurement
  • Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical databases with prebuilt assemblies
  • Tracks supplier pricing, bid costs, and change orders
  • Digital measurements, markups, overlays, and drawing comparisons
  • Labor, material, item, and assembly estimating worksheets
  • Web, desktop, mobile access with accounting and ERP integrations
Cons
  • Pricing requires contacting sales
  • Its focus on MEP estimating may not suit other trades
  • FOUNDATION is the only listed integration
  • Workflows are construction-wide rather than HVAC-specific
  • ERP connectors are available only as a Pro add-on
  • Free plan focuses on viewing, markup, and core takeoff tools
Our verdict

McCormick Systems brings digital takeoff and estimating together for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical contractors. Its workflow starts with PDF plans and extends through material and labor estimates, bid proposals, reporting, and…

Read the review →

STACK is a cloud-based construction preconstruction platform for specialty contractors, general contractors, suppliers, manufacturers, owners, and developers. Its Takeoff & Estimate product lets HVAC teams upload digital plans, mark up…

Read the review →
  1. McCormick SystemsHVAC Estimating Software 8.3Pricing on request
  2. STACKHVAC Estimating Software 7.8Free plan · 7-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • McCormick Systems — where it wins

    • PDF takeoff with automated material counting and measurement
    • Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical databases with prebuilt assemblies
    • Tracks supplier pricing, bid costs, and change orders

    Where it doesn't

    • Pricing requires contacting sales
    • Its focus on MEP estimating may not suit other trades
    • FOUNDATION is the only listed integration

  • STACK — where it wins

    • Digital measurements, markups, overlays, and drawing comparisons
    • Labor, material, item, and assembly estimating worksheets
    • Web, desktop, mobile access with accounting and ERP integrations

    Where it doesn't

    • Workflows are construction-wide rather than HVAC-specific
    • ERP connectors are available only as a Pro add-on
    • Free plan focuses on viewing, markup, and core takeoff tools
  • McCormick Systems8.3/10 · Pricing on request

    A trade-focused estimating suite for MEP contractors working from PDF plans.

    Visit McCormickFull verdict →
  • STACK7.8/10 · Free plan · 7-day trial

    Broad digital takeoff and estimating for HVAC teams that need construction-wide workflows.

    Visit STACKFull verdict →

More comparisons

All HVAC estimating software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update