ES-08 · Estimating

Cubit Estimating

Estimating and takeoff software from Australia's Buildsoft for builders, estimators and quantity surveyors.

Overview

Cubit Estimating is Buildsoft's construction estimating software that combines on-screen takeoff and estimating in one view, with BIM takeoff, 3D visualisation and an AI Estimating add-on for builders and quantity surveyors.

Best for: Builders and quantity surveyors that want takeoff and estimating in one desktop tool.

What Cubit Estimating does

Cubit Estimating lets estimators measure from PDF, CAD, BIM and image files while the estimate updates in the same view. It uses calculation, rate and price sheets, master price lists and template jobs, job revisions, variations management and reporting, with bills of quantities and reports exported to PDF or Excel. The Enterprise edition adds IFC-based BIM takeoff, BIM inspection and revision workflows and shared job access.

The AI Estimating add-on, released in March 2026, counts symbols, detects areas and searches plan text, and the October 2026 release lets users connect AI models and tools to their estimates through an MCP connector. Cubit integrates with Cubit Select for quote and tender management, LiveCosts, MudShark, Xero, Buildertrend and Excel. It runs as a Windows desktop application or as Cubit Estimating Cloud, a managed hosted service.

Buildsoft was founded in 1985, is based in Campbelltown, New South Wales, and was acquired by Valsoft Corporation in December 2024; Cubit succeeds its older Global Estimating product. Subscriptions start at AUD 170 per user per month (plus GST) on annual billing, and a 14-day free trial is available.

Estimating
On-screen takeoff
BIM takeoff (IFC)
3D visualisation
AI takeoff
Rate and price libraries
Job templates
Revision control
Variations management
Bill of quantities
Custom reports
Cloud hosting

Company details

Company: Buildsoft
Founded: 1985
Headquarters: Campbelltown, Australia
Ownership: Acquired · Valsoft Corporation
Deployment: Both
Support: Phone, Email, Help center, Support tickets, Training
Website: buildsoft.com.au

Who it is for

Company size: Small, Mid-size, Enterprise
Project type: Residential, Commercial
Roles: Estimators, Quantity surveyors, Builders, Contractors

Third-party reviews

Sources checked 2026-11-05

Reviewers like

Fast, accurate takeoff in the same view as the estimate
Reusable templates and price lists
Easy to start with basic functions
Developers add features from user feedback

Reviewers flag

Inconsistent support experiences
Templates and setup take significant upfront effort
Learning curve and many modules
Licensing and subscription costs feel high

Summary written by our editors from public reviews. Ratings link to the original source.

Pricing

Model

Subscription

Starts at

AUD 170

Per user/month, Standard plan, billed annually on a 12-month term, excl. GST (AUD 204 billed monthly)

Free trial

Yes

Free plan

See current pricing

Alternatives

08 · Sources & notes

Compiled from the vendor’s website and public review platforms. Last reviewed 2026-11-05.

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