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SPECIFICTION
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CostX

costx.co.za

WindowsAPI
Visit costx.co.za
Spec score 7.2 #21 of 29 in Construction Estimating Software

What it is

CostX is an integrated construction environment for capturing dimensions, developing feasibility studies, and preparing Bills of Quantities. It takes off areas, lengths, and counts from scanned, PDF, CAD, and other 2D drawings. Quantities and costs can also be estimated from BIM or 3D models. Spreadsheet workbooks link live to drawings and data repositories, while revision mode compares drawings and highlights design changes. Users can prepare estimates, tenders, Bills of Quantities, subcontractor comparisons, and customised reports. The CostXL add-in links dimensions, workbook values, rates, and constants with Microsoft Excel. CostX Core includes 2D takeoff, linked workbooks, subcontractor comparison, and reports; BIM and auto-revisioning require the full platform. CostX Viewer is free to use and distribute for read-only review, with tender prices saved for import into CostX. Pricing is on request. Licenses can be standalone for one PC or network-based with a central database.

Spec sheet

Purpose
CostX provides an integrated environment for construction takeoff, estimating, feasibility studies and Bills of Quantities.Read 3 Oct 2026 · costx.co.za
Intended users
The product range is presented for contractors, quantity surveyors and estimators, including individuals and small businesses seeking 2D takeoff.Read 3 Oct 2026 · costx.co.za
Headquarters
Stuttgart, GermanyRead 28 Sep 2026 · costx.co.za
2D takeoff
It measures areas, lengths and counts from scanned, PDF, CAD and other 2D drawings.Read 3 Oct 2026 · costx.co.za
BIM and 3D
CostX can generate quantities from BIM or 3D models and estimate quantities and costs from BIM files.Read 2 Oct 2026 · costx.co.za
BIM quantities
CostX can generate quantities from BIM or 3D models.Read 3 Oct 2026 · costx.co.za
Cloud security
The CostX Cloud page describes Microsoft Azure security measures and automated data backups.Read 3 Oct 2026 · rib-software.com
CostX Core limit
CostX Core provides 2D takeoff, live-linked workbooks, subcontractor comparison and reports; users can upgrade to the full platform for BIM or auto-revisioning.Read 2 Oct 2026 · costx.co.za
CostX Viewer
CostX Viewer is free to use and distribute, and lets stakeholders review project files in read-only format.Read 2 Oct 2026 · costx.co.za
Download and demo
The site invites visitors to download software and sample files and follow a product walkthrough.Read 2 Oct 2026 · costx.co.za
Download and support
The official site invites visitors to download software and sample files and follow a product walkthrough; its Takeoff 2D page says license holders have support options.Read 3 Oct 2026 · costx.co.za
Estimating outputs
Users can prepare estimates, tenders and Bills of Quantities, and produce customised reports.Read 2 Oct 2026 · costx.co.za
Excel integration
CostXL links CostX dimensions, workbook values, rates and constants to Microsoft Excel, with updates reflected automatically.Read 3 Oct 2026 · costx.co.za
Free viewer
CostX Viewer is free to use and distribute and lets stakeholders review projects in read-only format.Read 3 Oct 2026 · costx.co.za
License options
CostX offers standalone licenses for one user on one PC and network licenses installed on multiple PCs with a central database.Read 3 Oct 2026 · rib-software.com
Revision tracking
Auto-Revisioning compares drawings and highlights new changes.Read 3 Oct 2026 · costx.co.za
Subcontractor comparison
Users can generate workbooks for subcontractor comparison and integrate them with reports.Read 3 Oct 2026 · costx.co.za
Viewer collaboration
Subcontractors can enter prices against tender items in Viewer and save them to an EXQ quote file for import into CostX.Read 2 Oct 2026 · costx.co.za
Workbooks
Its spreadsheet-based workbooks are live-linked to drawings.Read 3 Oct 2026 · costx.co.za

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • 2D takeoff calculates areas, lengths, and counts
  • BIM and 3D quantity generation
  • Live-linked workbooks and Excel integration
  • Revision mode highlights drawing changes
  • Free Viewer supports read-only project review

Limits

  • Pricing is available only on request
  • CostX Core excludes BIM and auto-revisioning
  • Viewer is read-only for project review
  • Full desktop platform requires a license

Who it suits

It suits construction contractors and estimating teams working with drawings, BIM files, tenders, and Bills of Quantities. Takeoff 2D is presented for individuals or small businesses needing digital takeoff.

Verdict

CostX combines drawing takeoff, BIM quantities, estimating workbooks, revisions, reporting, and tender workflows. The free Viewer helps stakeholders review files, while advanced BIM and revision functions require the full platform.

Where Specifiction places it

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