Autodesk ProEst
Autodesk cloud estimating with 2D takeoff, regional cost data and custom reports, sold with Forma for Preconstruction.
Overview
Autodesk ProEst is cloud-based construction estimating software that combines cost databases, digital 2D takeoff, proposals and bid-day analysis, and is now sold as part of Autodesk's Forma for Preconstruction bundle.
Best for: Commercial contractors that want configurable estimating with regional cost data and custom reports.
What Autodesk ProEst does
ProEst builds estimates from flexible cost databases, including the ProEst Costbook with more than 23,000 lines of regionalized cost data, and from built-in 2D takeoff with pre-built units that update the estimate as quantities change. Estimators can apply custom formulas, produce proposals from templates, and benchmark performance by project type, client or estimator with built-in reports.
ProEst has moved fully to the cloud. Estimates convert into project budgets in Autodesk Forma Build, and an open API plus ERP connections, including Acumatica, Sage Intacct and Buildertrend, link it to accounting and project systems. Autodesk positions ProEst for teams that need deep configurability, regional cost data and custom reporting, and its newer Forma Estimate for teams standardizing on connected 2D/3D takeoff in Forma; ProEst continues to be supported.
ProEst is sold only within the Forma for Preconstruction bundle, alongside Forma Estimate, Forma Takeoff, BuildingConnected Pro, Bid Board Pro and TradeTapp. Pricing is quoted by Autodesk sales, with monthly, annual and multi-year subscriptions and a 15- or 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Cloud estimating
- Regional cost database
- 2D takeoff
- Custom formulas
- Proposal templates
- Bid-day analysis
- Benchmark reporting
- Budget handoff to Forma Build
- ERP integrations
- Open API
Key features
- 01
ProEst Costbook
23,000+ lines of regionalized cost data
- 02
Built-in 2D takeoff
Pre-built units update the estimate as quantities change
- 03
Custom formulas and proposal templates
Price and present bids your way
- 04
Benchmark reports
Compare by project type, client or estimator
- 05
Budget handoff
Estimates convert into project budgets in Autodesk Forma Build
- 06
Open API and ERP connections
Acumatica, Sage Intacct and Buildertrend
- 07
Forma for Preconstruction bundle
Comes with Forma Estimate, Forma Takeoff, BuildingConnected Pro, Bid Board Pro and TradeTapp
Company details
- Company
- Autodesk, Inc.
- Founded
- 1982
- Headquarters
- San Francisco, United States
- Employees
- 10,001+
- Ownership
- Public
- Deployment
- Cloud
- Offline mode
- No
- Support
- 24/7 online support, Autodesk University, Knowledge base
- Website
- autodesk.com
Who it is for
- Company size
- Small, Mid-size, Enterprise
- Project type
- Commercial, Industrial, Heavy civil, Specialty trades
- Roles
- Estimators, Preconstruction managers, General contractors, Specialty contractors
Third-party reviews
Sources checked 2026-11-08
- Capterra3.9 / 569 reviewsOpens Capterra in a new tab
- Software Advice3.9 / 569 reviewsOpens Software Advice in a new tab
Reviewers like
- Quick, consistent estimates
- Useful on-screen takeoff
- Customizable cost databases and templates
- Helpful customer service
Reviewers flag
- Complex with a steep learning curve
- Slow loading and glitches in the cloud version
- Limited report customization
- Expensive with paid training
Summary written by our editors from public reviews. Ratings link to the original source.
Pricing
Model
Custom quote (bundle)
Starts at
Custom quote
Quote-based; sold in the Forma for Preconstruction bundle (monthly, annual or multi-year)
Free trial
Not listed
Free plan
No
Alternatives
- DE
DESTINI Estimator
Preconstruction estimating for commercial contractors, with linked 2D/3D takeoff, cost history and bid leveling.
- E
Ediphi
Cloud preconstruction and estimating platform for general contractors, from conceptual cost models to buyout.
- RC
RIB CostX
2D and BIM takeoff and estimating software for quantity surveyors and estimators, with live-linked workbooks.
09 · Sources & notes
Compiled from the vendor’s website and public review platforms. Last reviewed 2026-11-08.