Online Takeoff Software
Groundplan is takeoff and estimating software for construction and trade businesses across Australia and New Zealand. Upload your plans, measure on-screen, and produce accurate cost estimates - from any device, on any project.
Takeoff
Complete Your Takeoff Directly from Your Plans
Groundplan's measurement tools let you count items, measure lengths and calculate areas directly from your uploaded plans. No manual work, no switching between tools.
Work from anywhere
Log into Groundplan from any device and pick up where you left off. Your plans, takeoffs and estimates are always up to date — so your team can collaborate whether they're on-site, in the office or working remotely.
Counting Items
Choose the item you want to count, assign a symbol and start clicking on your plan. Groundplan builds your bill of quantities automatically as you go.
Need to count symbols across large plans? See Count Assist
Measuring Lengths
Set your scale once inside Groundplan and measure linear lengths with your mouse — accurately and quickly, without a physical plan wheel. Works on any uploaded PDF, at any scale.
Measuring Areas
Calculate square meterage or volumes for any area on your plan with just a few clicks. The area tool works around any shape, no matter how irregular.
Estimating
From Measurements to a Complete Estimate
Create formulas, visualise your material and cost totals and export your estimates.
Formulas
Apply formulas to your measurements to calculate material quantities and labour costs. Groundplan supports full Excel-style formulas, which you can set up before or after your takeoff is complete.
Worksheet
Get a clear breakdown of your measurements, item quantities and price totals in one view — so you know exactly where your estimate stands at every stage of the project.
Plan Revisions
Received an updated set of plans? Upload the new version while keeping your existing takeoff on-screen. No starting from scratch — update what's changed and continue from where you left off.
Exports and Integrations
Export your estimates at any stage of the project. Download plans with or without markups, export quantities to Excel, or push data directly to Simpro, AroFlo, Xero or QuickBooks.
Projects
Keep Every Tender Organised, Start to Finish
Groundplan gives you the tools to manage every project from the moment you receive the plans. Store documents, set up templates and keep your whole team working from the same information.
Document Storage
Store all your tender documents, plans, photos and project data in one place. Unlimited storage and backup is included with every Groundplan subscription.
Project Templates
Set up your stages and symbols once, save them as a template and reuse the same configuration on future projects. It cuts down significantly on repeat setup time.
Takeoff Templates
Build a library of your most-used takeoffs, complete with symbols and formulas — ready to add to any new project at any stage.
Calendar
Keep track of every important project date inside Groundplan. Your calendar syncs directly with Gmail and Outlook, so deadlines and submission dates are always visible.
To-do Lists
Create task lists for each project, assign them to team members and set due dates. Particularly useful when multiple estimators are working across the same set of plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you can't find the answer you're looking for please contact us.
Is Groundplan a floor plan design tool for trades?
Yes - Groundplan is a floor plan design tool and PDF editor built specifically for trade contractors. Unlike general floor plan apps designed for architects or homeowners, Groundplan is built for sparkies, plumbers, builders and other trades who work from PDF plans and need to mark them up with their own symbols, draw cable runs or pipe layouts, and export professional documents for clients and on-site use.
Can I use Groundplan as electrical drawing software?
Yes. Groundplan is used daily by electrical contractors across Australia and New Zealand as electrical drawing software. Electricians use it to place lighting layouts, mark power point and switch locations, draw cable runs and add switchboard notations - all directly on the original PDF floor plan. The custom symbol library includes 500+ electrical symbols, and you can upload your own or have the Groundplan team build them for you.
Can I edit PDF floor plans directly in Groundplan?
Yes. Groundplan is a PDF floor plan editor built for construction trades. Import your PDF, mark it up with your trade symbols, draw cable runs or pipe layouts, add measurements and annotations, then export a clean PDF to send to your client or use on site. No separate PDF editor needed.
What trades does Groundplan plan design support?
Groundplan supports all trades that work from PDF plans - electricians, plumbers, HVAC contractors, fire protection, security, audio visual, roofing and building contractors. The custom symbol library covers 500+ trade-specific symbols across all major verticals, and you can upload your own or have the Groundplan team build a custom set for your business.
What is the difference between plan design and takeoff in Groundplan?
Plan design is where you mark up a PDF floor plan - placing symbols, drawing cable or pipe routes, adding a title block and annotations. Takeoff is where you count and measure everything on the plan to calculate quantities for your estimate. Groundplan takes care of both: design your plan layout, and calculate your quantities without switching tools.
Discover the full potential of Groundplan
Plan Design
Groundplan produces a succinct and visually impressive estimate with all your branding in place ready to show your client.
Count Assist
Count Assist is ideal for anyone doing large-scale takeoffs particularly where high-volume counting is required.
Integrations
Less admin, more jobs. Groundplan links with the software you already use.
Start Your 7−Day Free Trial
Thousands of NZ & Australian trade businesses use Groundplan to manage their takeoff and estimating workflow. Optimise your estimating process by signing up for our 7-day free trial.
Expert onboarding is included — so you'll be set up and estimating from day one.