Carlson Takeoff
Carlson Takeoff: A desktop CAD tool for detailed earthwork quantities, road and trench workflows, and machine-control exports. Ranked #2 of 16 in Earthwork Estimating Software by our editors (7.9/10); pricing: Pricing on request · 30-day trial; best for estimators handling roads, trenches, and cut/fill.
At a glance
- Editor score7.9 / 10
- PricingPricing on request · 30-day trial
- Best forEstimators handling roads, trenches, and cut/fill
- Free planNo
- Takeoff methodBoth
- Founded1983 · Maysville, Kentucky, USA
- Facts checked24 Sep 2026
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
Our verdict on Carlson Takeoff
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. Paper plans can be digitized, while PDF, TIF, JPG, and CAD drawings support on-screen workflows. Automatic PDF linework tracing and raster-sheet merging address common plan preparation tasks before quantities are calculated.
Its scope is broader than basic area or volume takeoff. The software calculates cut/fill, subgrade, strata, topsoil removal or replacement, over-excavation, and volumes from 3D triangulation models. Road workflows cover centerlines, profiles, design templates, cross-sections, end-area volumes, and mass haul. Trench reports include cut, backfill, and pipe footage, with pipe and manhole data also part of the described road and trench work. Machine-control surfaces can be exported for Topcon, Trimble, and Leica; AutoCAD and IntelliCAD are also listed in its integration ecosystem. That combination suits estimators whose quantities feed field layout or machine-control preparation, rather than teams looking for a lightweight takeoff-only tool.
Carlson offers Takeoff OEM with an embedded AutoCAD engine, or Takeoff Suite using IntelliCAD or a separate AutoCAD installation, so buyers should match the edition to their existing CAD environment. It runs on Windows as desktop software. The vendor purchase page directs buyers to contact Carlson for pricing, while the product includes a 30-day trial. Carlson's product page states unlimited free customer support, and the listed support channels are email and phone. Choose Takeoff if earthwork-specific calculations, road and trench workflows, and machine-control handoff are central to the estimating process. Teams that need a non-Windows platform or a simple takeoff workflow without these specialized capabilities should consider another fit.
Your product? Our editors can test Carlson Takeoff in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Carlson Takeoff pricing
Carlson Takeoff fact sheet
| Free plan | No |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Takeoff method | Both |
| Cut-fill analysis | Yes |
| Material cost database | Not verified |
| Bid templates | Not verified |
| Plan input formats | Mixed |
| Included projects | Not verified |
| Free trial | 30 days |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows |
| Support | Email, Phone |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 5 integrations: AutoCAD, IntelliCAD, Topcon, Trimble, Leica |
| Pricing | Pricing on request · 30-day trial (source) |
| Website | carlsonsw.com |
| Facts checked | 24 Sep 2026 |
Carlson Takeoff integrations
Carlson Takeoff lists 5 integrations on its own site.
- AutoCAD
- IntelliCAD
- Topcon
- Trimble
- Leica
Alternatives to Carlson Takeoff
- AGTEK GradeworkDetailed earthwork modeling and machine-control exports for civil contractors.7.9
- Kubla CubedFree, terrain-focused earthwork estimating with phased cut-and-fill modeling.7.9
- EarthWorksEarthwork takeoffs across desktop and web, with detailed cut-and-fill calculations.7.9
See all Carlson Takeoff alternatives →
Carlson Takeoff vs the competition
- Carlson Takeoff vs AGTEK Gradework
- Carlson Takeoff vs Kubla Cubed
- Carlson Takeoff vs EarthWorks
- Carlson Takeoff vs SiteWorx/OS
- Carlson Takeoff vs Werx Takeoff
- Carlson Takeoff vs Autodesk Takeoff
Compare Carlson Takeoff with any tool side by side →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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