CostX
Stuttgart, Germany
What it is
CostX is construction estimating software for capturing dimensions, developing feasibility studies, and preparing Bills of Quantities. It performs digital takeoff from scanned, PDF, CAD, and other 2D drawings, calculating areas, lengths, and counts. It can generate quantities from BIM or 3D models and estimate quantities and costs from BIM files. Spreadsheet workbooks stay linked to drawings and data repositories, while revision mode compares drawings and highlights design changes. Users can prepare estimates, tenders, Bills of Quantities, and customized reports. The CostXL add-in links dimensions, workbook values, rates, and constants with Microsoft Excel. CostX Core includes 2D takeoff, linked workbooks, subcontractor comparison, and reports; BIM and auto-revisioning require the full platform. CostX Viewer is free to use and distribute for read-only project review, and subcontractors can enter tender prices into EXQ quote files for import. Pricing is on request. Licenses can be standalone for one user on one PC or network installations with a central database.
For and against
For
- 2D takeoff calculates areas, lengths, and counts
- BIM and 3D quantity generation
- Live-linked estimating workbooks
- Revision comparison highlights drawing changes
- Free read-only Viewer
Against
- Pricing is available only on request
- BIM and auto-revisioning require full platform
- Viewer is read-only for project review
The verdict
CostX covers takeoff, estimating, tender preparation, reporting, and subcontractor comparison across 2D and BIM work. Check which edition and license arrangement provides the capabilities your projects require.
Who it suits
CostX suits construction contractors and estimating teams handling drawings, BIM quantities, tenders, and Bills of Quantities. Takeoff 2D is presented for individuals or small businesses on a strict budget.
On the record
- 2D takeoff
- It measures areas, lengths and counts from scanned, PDF, CAD and other 2D drawings.costx.co.za · read 3 Oct 2026
- BIM and 3D
- CostX can generate quantities from BIM or 3D models and estimate quantities and costs from BIM files.costx.co.za · read 2 Oct 2026
- BIM quantities
- CostX can generate quantities from BIM or 3D models.costx.co.za · read 3 Oct 2026
- Cloud security
- The CostX Cloud page describes Microsoft Azure security measures and automated data backups.rib-software.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- CostX Core limit
- CostX Core provides 2D takeoff, live-linked workbooks, subcontractor comparison and reports; users can upgrade to the full platform for BIM or auto-revisioning.costx.co.za · read 2 Oct 2026
- CostX Viewer
- CostX Viewer is free to use and distribute, and lets stakeholders review project files in read-only format.costx.co.za · read 2 Oct 2026
- Download and demo
- The site invites visitors to download software and sample files and follow a product walkthrough.costx.co.za · read 2 Oct 2026
- Download and support
- The official site invites visitors to download software and sample files and follow a product walkthrough; its Takeoff 2D page says license holders have support options.costx.co.za · read 3 Oct 2026
- Estimating outputs
- Users can prepare estimates, tenders and Bills of Quantities, and produce customised reports.costx.co.za · read 2 Oct 2026
- Excel integration
- CostXL links CostX dimensions, workbook values, rates and constants to Microsoft Excel, with updates reflected automatically.costx.co.za · read 3 Oct 2026
- Free viewer
- CostX Viewer is free to use and distribute and lets stakeholders review projects in read-only format.costx.co.za · read 3 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The product range is presented for contractors, quantity surveyors and estimators, including individuals and small businesses seeking 2D takeoff.costx.co.za · read 3 Oct 2026
- License options
- CostX offers standalone licenses for one user on one PC and network licenses installed on multiple PCs with a central database.rib-software.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- CostX provides an integrated environment for construction takeoff, estimating, feasibility studies and Bills of Quantities.costx.co.za · read 3 Oct 2026
- Revision tracking
- Auto-Revisioning compares drawings and highlights new changes.costx.co.za · read 3 Oct 2026
- Subcontractor comparison
- Users can generate workbooks for subcontractor comparison and integrate them with reports.costx.co.za · read 3 Oct 2026
- Viewer collaboration
- Subcontractors can enter prices against tender items in Viewer and save them to an EXQ quote file for import into CostX.costx.co.za · read 2 Oct 2026
- Workbooks
- Its spreadsheet-based workbooks are live-linked to drawings.costx.co.za · read 3 Oct 2026
