Free blueprint takeoff software: what's actually free

Search for free blueprint takeoff software and you'll mostly find free trials. Here's what's genuinely free, what it's good for, and where each option runs out.

1. The measure tool in your PDF viewer

Many PDF viewers have a basic measure tool. Set the scale from the drawing's scale bar, then click point to point for lengths and areas.

Good for: a few quick checks. Runs out: on a full set. You're clicking every wall by hand, there's no wall-type grouping, and nothing exports to a bid sheet.

2. Open-source takeoff tools

A few free, open-source manual takeoff tools exist, usually built by an estimator for one trade (flooring, for example). Good for: manual measuring at no cost. Runs out: they're manual, and support depends on one volunteer.

3. Free trials of paid takeoff software

Most established takeoff products offer a trial. Good for: testing the workflow. Runs out: trials end, and some need a card or a sales call first.

4. A free first plan set on ReadMyBlueprint

Every new ReadMyBlueprint account gets its first plan set free, with no card. That's a full automatic takeoff, not a demo: wall lengths by wall type, drywall sheets, metal and wood studs, track, CMU and insulation, exported to CSV or Excel.

Good for: seeing real counts on a real bid before you pay anything. Runs out: it's one plan set per account. It also needs a digital PDF exported from design software; it can't read scans.

Which to use

• Checking one dimension: your PDF viewer.
• Bidding drywall, framing, CMU or insulation from a digital set: run your first plan set through ReadMyBlueprint free and compare it with your own count.
• Only have scans: a manual tool, or ask the GC or plan room for the original digital PDFs. Many have them.

FAQ

Is there free blueprint takeoff software?

Yes, with limits. PDF viewer measure tools and open-source tools are free but manual. ReadMyBlueprint gives every new account its first plan set free, with no card, as a full automatic takeoff.

Is there free takeoff software for drywall?

ReadMyBlueprint's free first plan set includes drywall sheet counts by wall type, plus metal studs, track and insulation.

Can free takeoff software read scanned plans?

Manual tools let you measure on a scan once you set the scale. ReadMyBlueprint needs a digital PDF exported from design software and does not read scans.

Related: Online takeoff software · Takeoff software for small contractors · Spreadsheets vs. takeoff software