STACK
Browser-based takeoff and estimating software built for a team to work on the same plans at once.
Quick Answer
STACK is cloud-based construction takeoff and estimating software made by STACK Construction Technologies. It lets estimators measure quantities directly on uploaded plans and turn those quantities into a priced bid, all in a web browser rather than desktop software. Its main advantage over older desktop takeoff tools is real-time, multi-user access to the same project from anywhere.
The Full Picture
STACK exists because a lot of takeoff and estimating software predates the cloud, locking projects to a single desktop license and making it hard for a team to collaborate on the same plan set at once. STACK was built cloud-native from the start, letting multiple estimators, project managers, or even subcontractors work in the same project simultaneously from any browser.
Mechanically it works like other on-screen takeoff tools: upload a plan set, calibrate scale, and measure quantities by counting, tracing lengths, or outlining areas. STACK layers on a bid-management and pricing workflow on top, so measured quantities can be priced with unit costs and assembled into a proposal without exporting to a separate program.
In practice, STACK is popular with subcontractors and smaller-to-midsize GCs who want takeoff, estimating, and light bid management in one subscription rather than stitching together separate desktop tools. It also markets AI-assisted counting to speed repetitive symbol counts, similar to competing takeoff products.
Like any measuring software, STACK's accuracy still depends on the estimator doing complete, correct takeoffs — the cloud interface changes where and how the work happens, not the fundamental need for someone to measure every scope on the drawings.
Real Examples
Common Misconceptions
People assume: STACK is only for large general contractors.
Actually: STACK is heavily used by subcontractors, suppliers, and smaller firms — it even offers a limited free tier for occasional users. Its cloud pricing model scales down as well as up, unlike some enterprise desktop suites.
People assume: Cloud takeoff software is inherently more accurate than desktop takeoff software.
Actually: The delivery model changes collaboration and access, not measurement accuracy. A rushed or incomplete takeoff produces the same wrong quantities in the cloud as on a desktop; the estimator's diligence still determines the result.
Does MeltPlan Solve This?
Partially — adjacentSTACK gives your team cloud software to do takeoff yourselves; MeltPlan's takeoff product does the measuring for you. AI pulls quantities from your plans and US-based estimators review and adjust them, delivering a verified takeoff without your team spending hours clicking through drawings — useful when volume outpaces your in-house estimating capacity.
Offload takeoff instead of measuring it in-house →Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes STACK takeoff software?
STACK Construction Technologies, a US software company, builds and sells STACK as cloud-based takeoff and estimating software for contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers.
Is STACK free?
STACK offers a limited free tier — a short trial period with a cap on concurrent projects and takeoffs per project. Ongoing use at commercial volume requires a paid subscription, priced per user or organization.
What's the difference between STACK and On-Screen Takeoff?
Both measure quantities the same way — click to count, trace, or outline on an uploaded plan. STACK is built cloud-native for real-time multi-user collaboration in a browser; On-Screen Takeoff is ConstructConnect's desktop-rooted tool tightly integrated with its Quick Bid pricing product.
Can STACK integrate with accounting or ERP software?
Yes — STACK publishes integrations with accounting and ERP platforms such as Acumatica, letting takeoff and estimate data flow into a contractor's broader financial system rather than staying siloed.