EarthWorks review
Earthwork takeoffs across desktop and web, with detailed cut-and-fill calculations.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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 drawings. Its calculations cover cut-and-fill, topsoil, over-excavation, engineered fill, building materials, pipe trenches and strata. The web and desktop options make it relevant to small and mid-market teams working across platforms, though buyers should compare its licensing options with their preferred way of sharing access.
The estimating workflow includes contour, point, point-to-point and area entry tools, along with boring and strata data entry. Users can examine sites in 3D and cross-section views, then produce reports for materials, totals, dimensions and subtotals. These capabilities give EarthWorks a broad earthwork focus rather than a general-purpose estimating emphasis. It may suit estimators whose work depends on varied quantity calculations and visual review of site sections; teams needing a different estimating focus should compare alternatives before choosing.
The published plans include a four-month payment plan, an outright purchase, network licensing and cloud licensing. All list PDF and TIFF takeoffs, Excel export, built-in training videos, one year of phone support and one year of software updates; the cloud license adds access from anywhere, while the network license allows license sharing across a network. Online classes are included with the listed payment, outright and cloud options. A seven-day trial is available, and the cloud license has a separate annual subscription requirement. With no free plan or listed integrations, EarthWorks is a better fit for buyers who value its earthwork tools and can work within its licensing structure than for those prioritizing free access or specified integrations.
EarthWorks pros and cons
- 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
EarthWorks fact sheet, pricing and score →
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