RIB CostX
2D and BIM takeoff and estimating software for quantity surveyors and estimators, with live-linked workbooks.
Overview
RIB CostX is takeoff and estimating software that measures quantities from PDFs, CAD drawings and BIM models and links them live to estimating workbooks, used widely by quantity surveyors and estimators.
Best for: Quantity surveyors and estimators who measure from drawings and BIM models.
What RIB CostX does
CostX handles 2D takeoff from scans, PDFs and CAD files and 3D takeoff from BIM models, with Model Maps to control how BIM data is extracted. Quantities feed Excel-like workbooks that are live-linked to drawings and a rate library, grouped by codes and zones. Auto-Revisioning compares drawing versions and shows the impact of changes on cost and embodied carbon, which CostX can track alongside cost using rate libraries such as EC3.
The software is sold in Complete, Core and Quantify plans, as standalone or network licenses or as CostX Cloud on Microsoft Azure. A REST API connects CostX to Power BI, Tableau, ERP and project tools, CostXL links Excel spreadsheets, and the free CostX Viewer lets clients and subcontractors review projects. Subcontractor bid comparison is not available in the US.
RIB Software was founded in 1961 in Stuttgart, Germany, and has been owned by Schneider Electric since 2020. CostX pricing is quote-based, and RIB offers a free student license.
- 2D takeoff
- BIM takeoff
- Live-linked workbooks
- Rate libraries
- Auto-revisioning
- Embodied carbon estimating
- Subcontractor comparison
- Custom reports
- REST API
- Excel link
- Cloud or network licensing
Key features
- 01
2D takeoff
From scans, PDFs and CAD files
- 02
3D BIM takeoff
Model Maps control how model data is extracted
- 03
Live-linked workbooks
Excel-like sheets tied to drawings and a rate library
- 04
Auto-Revisioning
Compare drawing versions and see the cost impact
- 05
Embodied carbon tracking
Alongside cost, with rate libraries such as EC3
- 06
CostX Cloud
Hosted on Microsoft Azure, or standalone and network licenses
- 07
REST API and CostXL
Connect Power BI, Tableau, ERP and Excel
- 08
Free CostX Viewer
Clients and subcontractors review projects
Company details
- Company
- RIB Software GmbH
- Founded
- 1961
- Headquarters
- Stuttgart, Germany
- Employees
- 1,001–5,000
- Ownership
- Acquired · Schneider Electric
- Deployment
- Both
- Offline mode
- Yes
- Support
- Technical support, Training courses, Knowledge base
- Website
- rib-software.com
Who it is for
- Company size
- Small, Mid-size, Enterprise
- Project type
- Commercial, Residential, Infrastructure, Healthcare, Education
- Roles
- Quantity surveyors, Estimators, Cost managers, BIM managers
Third-party reviews
Sources checked 2026-11-08
- G24.2 / 57 reviewsOpens G2 in a new tab
- Capterra4.4 / 569 reviewsOpens Capterra in a new tab
- Software Advice4.4 / 569 reviewsOpens Software Advice in a new tab
Reviewers like
- Quantities link directly to rates
- Excel-like workbooks with templates
- Strong 2D and BIM takeoff with revision tracking
- Professional client reports
Reviewers flag
- Steep learning curve
- Slows with large drawing sets and models
- Little AI or auto-detection
- Expensive licenses and maintenance
Summary written by our editors from public reviews. Ratings link to the original source.
Pricing
Model
Custom quote
Starts at
Custom quote
Quote-based standalone, network or cloud licenses (Complete, Core, Quantify)
Free trial
No
Free plan
No
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09 · Sources & notes
Compiled from the vendor’s website and public review platforms. Last reviewed 2026-11-08.