Side by side
OpenTakeoff vs TakeCost
Both stand on construction takeoff software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Open source APILinuxMac+3
OpenTakeoff combines plan measurement in a browser canvas with an MCP option for agent-assisted proposals. One-Click Area is currently gated, and the default MCP build does not register room-detection verbs.
Visit OpenTakeoff
Free plan AndroidiPhoneMac+2
Choose TakeCost if you estimate construction work from drawings and want measurements, costs, and proposals in a connected workflow. Core is restricted to one new takeoff file monthly; unlimited takeoffs and additional tools are in Accelerated at $49 a month.
Visit TakeCostThe facts
| OpenTakeoff | TakeCost | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Not published |
| Runs on | API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows | Android, iPhone, Mac, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Accelerated: $49 a month |
| Plans published | 2 | 3 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | opentakeoff.kentucky-ai.com | takecost.com |
| On construction takeoff software | #2 of 25 | #6 of 25 |
OpenTakeoff: what it does well
- Free plan with no account required
- Opens PDF, image, and ZIP plan sets
- Processes default browser workspace data on-device
- Exports CSV, Excel, and marked PDF files
- Agent measurements require human approval
What to know first
- One-Click Area is temporarily gated
- Default MCP build lacks room-detection verbs
TakeCost: what it does well
- Measures areas, lengths, counts, and elevations on drawings.
- Converts measured geometry into material quantities with Smart Scopes.
- Connects quantities to material and labor costs.
- Creates proposals and exports bid documents.
- Accepts PDF, JPG, and PNG plans in Imperial or Metric units.
What to know first
- The free Core plan allows one new takeoff file per month.
- Accelerated costs $49 a month, billed $490/year.
- Enterprise requires custom pricing.
Alternatives to OpenTakeoff Alternatives to TakeCost The whole list