Estimating Made Simple: A Look at Autodesk Estimate  

By Emily Edelstone
Updated: November 19, 2025
2 min read
autodesk estimate look demo

Not long after starting at Autodesk, I mentioned to someone on our preconstruction team that as a former estimator, “I just wasn’t very passionate about estimating.” They quickly responded with “well maybe you just didn’t have the right tools to be passionate about it.” 

That comment has stuck with me ever since – because honestly they were 100% correct. Without the right tools, estimating can feel tedious and frustrating making it tough to enjoy the work. But when you do have the right tools? Work not only becomes enjoyable, but it empowers the entire team to work smarter and faster. 

Autodesk Estimate would have been game changing for me as an estimator. No more endless manual processes, double-checking for human error, and avoidable inefficiencies slowing everything down.  

In my mind, here’s what makes Autodesk Estimate stand out: 

  • Seamless takeoffs: You can push both 2D and 3D takeoffs directly into your estimate and when quantities change for connected line items, you get an automatic alert. You no longer need to hunt down what shifted. 
  • Centralized cost information: Ability to leverage your account-level library to keep pricing consistent and current without juggling multiple tools. Ensure your team always works with the most accurate, connected cost information. Update pricing effortlessly without juggling multiple tools or data sources. 
  • Connected workflows: Autodesk Estimate is part of Autodesk Construction Cloud to bring takeoffs, estimating, and document management into a more connected preconstruction experience that eliminates silos. By linking documents and data across teams, you reduce errors, speed up decisions, and keep all stakeholders aligned from preconstruction through final project delivery. 

Bottom line: Autodesk Estimate doesn’t only make estimating easier, it makes it better.  

If you want to see Autodesk Estimate in action, watch my quick demo for yourself: 

Emily Edelstone

Emily, a seasoned Technical Solutions Executive at Autodesk, brings a wealth of experience garnered over a decade within the construction industry. Emily has a strong background in estimating, planning, and managing complex and large-scale projects. She has worked with some of the leading companies in the sector, where she contributed to the delivery of high-quality and innovative solutions for clients across various markets. Leveraging her extensive knowledge base, she excels in guiding stakeholders in the construction sector towards optimal technology solutions, spanning the entire project lifecycle. Renowned as a trusted advisor within the industry, Emily is dedicated to assisting all in overcoming their most significant challenges. Her commitment lies in enhancing operational efficiency, minimizing rework, and optimizing cost savings for her clients. Actively engaged in both national and local industry events, Emily demonstrates a strong commitment to staying on top of industry trends. Additionally, her involvement extends to community service where she sits on the technology committee for San Diego ABC. Emily also has been working to educate others on technology through @designbuildladies on all social media platforms.