ETABS
ETABS: Building-focused structural modeling, code design and dynamic analysis at a high one-time cost. Ranked #22 of 28 in Engineering Design Software by our editors (7.3/10); pricing: Paid; best for advanced building structural analysis.
At a glance
- Editor score7.3 / 10
- PricingPaid
- Best forAdvanced building structural analysis
- Free planNo
- Paid from$2,289/mo
- Design disciplineCivil
- Founded1975 · Walnut Creek, California, USA
- Facts checked24 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Combines structural modeling, analysis, design and reporting in one interface
- Supports steel, concrete, slabs, shear walls and composite member design
- Exchanges files with Revit, Tekla Structures, AutoCAD and other formats
Where it doesn't
- No free plan; perpetual licenses start at $7,439
- Desktop deployment is limited to Windows
- Support is not available 24/7
Our verdict on ETABS
ETABS is building-focused structural analysis and design software from Computers and Structures, Inc. (CSI). It brings structural modeling, analysis, design and reporting into a graphical interface, with tools for steel and concrete frames, slabs, shear walls, composite members and steel joists. Engineers working on building structures who need code-based design and dynamic analysis are its clearest audience. Its civil design focus and desktop deployment make it less suited to teams seeking a general-purpose, cloud-based design workspace.
Analysis depth is a central reason to consider ETABS. It includes eigenvector and Ritz-vector analysis, response-spectrum analysis, and linear or nonlinear time-history analysis. Code-based design covers steel, concrete, cold-formed steel and aluminum frames, while model data can be edited interactively in database tables. An API supports programmatic modeling and automation. This range may suit projects that require multiple structural systems and analysis methods in one application; teams needing only basic drafting or a narrower structural workflow may find the scope and cost harder to justify.
The published plans show perpetual licenses at $7,439 for Plus, $11,903 for Nonlinear and $17,855 for Ultimate. Ultimate is also offered as a three-month lease for $2,289, including maintenance and upgrades for the lease duration. The product has no free plan. File exchange includes Revit, Tekla Structures, AutoCAD, IFC and other formats, and listed integrations include BricsCAD, STAAD and STRUDL. ETABS is available for Windows as desktop software, with phone and email support but no 24/7 support. Choose it when advanced building analysis and structural design justify the license cost; consider alternatives if you need a free option, another operating system or round-the-clock support.
Your product? Our editors can test ETABS in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
ETABS pricing
All 3 ETABS plans and prices →
ETABS fact sheet
| Free plan | No |
|---|---|
| Paid from | $2,289/mo |
| Design discipline | Civil |
| Design dimensions | 2d_and_3d |
| Simulation tools | Yes |
| Real-time collaboration | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Supported file formats | IFC 2x3, IFC 4, DXF/DWG, CIS/2, IGES, SDNF, STAAD, STRUDL, Excel, Access, XML, ETABS .e2k, ETABS .edb |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows |
| Support | Phone, Email |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 10 integrations: Autodesk Revit, Tekla Structures, AutoCAD, BricsCAD, CIS/2, IFC … |
| Pricing | Paid (source) |
| Website | csiamerica.com |
| Facts checked | 24 Sep 2026 |
ETABS integrations
ETABS lists 10 integrations on its own site.
- Autodesk Revit
- Tekla Structures
- AutoCAD
- BricsCAD
- CIS/2
- IFC
- IGES
- SDNF
- STAAD
- STRUDL
Alternatives to ETABS
- Autodesk RevitA broad BIM platform for coordinated architectural, structural, and MEP building projects.9.4
- AutoCADA broad 2D/3D CAD suite with native DWG workflows and desktop, web, and mobile access.9.3
- Autodesk InventorA broad Windows CAD system for parametric design, manufacturing documentation, and simulation.9.2
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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