Best Countertop Estimating Software in 2026
Countertop estimating software calculates accurate project costs by combining material prices, edge profiles, cutout charges, labor rates, and installation fees into a professional quote. The average manual estimate takes 15-20 minutes and misses 10-15% of cost variables. Digital estimating tools cut that to 3-5 minutes with higher accuracy.
TL;DR
- SlabWise Quick Quote generates AI-powered estimates in 3 minutes vs. the 20-minute industry average
- Moraware CounterGo is the most widely used estimating tool with draw-as-you-price functionality
- Accuracy matters more than speed - underestimating by 5% on a $5,000 job costs you $250 in margin
- Edge profiles and cutouts are the most commonly missed charges in manual estimating
- Automated pricing updates keep material costs current without manual research
- Average quote-to-close rate is 25-35%; faster, more professional quotes push that to 35-45%
- Budget $100-$400/mo for estimating software with fabrication-specific features
Evaluation Criteria
| Factor | Weight | What We Measured |
|---|---|---|
| Accuracy | 30% | Completeness of cost variables, pricing precision |
| Speed | 25% | Time from customer request to delivered quote |
| Ease of use | 20% | Learning curve, mobile access, customer presentation |
| Material management | 15% | Price updates, slab inventory, waste calculation |
| Integration | 10% | Connection to production, scheduling, invoicing |
1. SlabWise Quick Quote - Best for AI-Powered Speed
SlabWise's Quick Quote uses AI to generate accurate countertop estimates in roughly 3 minutes. The system pulls current material costs, factors in edge profiles, cutouts, backsplash, and installation, then produces a professional quote document.
Pricing: $199/mo (Standard) | $349/mo (Enterprise) Free Trial: 14 days
Key Features
- 3-Minute Quotes: AI calculates all cost variables from basic input - dimensions, material selection, edge profile, and cutout count.
- Dynamic Material Pricing: Prices update based on current slab inventory and supplier costs.
- Automatic Line Items: Edge profiles ($15-$45/LF), cutouts ($75-$200 each), backsplash ($25-$60/LF), and other charges added automatically.
- Professional Output: Branded quote documents with material photos, project details, and payment terms.
Pros
- Fastest quoting in the industry (3 vs. 20 minutes)
- AI ensures no cost variables are missed
- Integrates with slab inventory for real-time pricing
- Professional quote documents impress customers
Cons
- Part of the full SlabWise platform
- AI suggestions may need adjustment for unusual projects
- Enterprise tier for custom pricing formulas
Best for: Shops wanting to respond to quote requests within minutes, not hours.
2. Moraware CounterGo - Best Draw-and-Price Tool
CounterGo combines drawing and pricing into one step. As you draw the countertop layout, prices calculate in real time. It's the most used estimating tool among stone fabricators.
Pricing: $200-$400/mo (with Moraware platform) Free Trial: Demo available
Key Features
- Draw-to-Price: Click countertop corners on a grid and see the price update with each click.
- Material Pricing Tables: Set up pricing per material, thickness, and edge profile.
- Multi-Room Estimates: Quote kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry in one estimate.
- Proposal Generation: Produce customer-facing proposals with layout images and pricing.
Pros
- Drawing and pricing happen simultaneously
- 2,600+ fabricators use it - well proven
- Easy for salespeople to learn
- Good proposal formatting
Cons
- Pricing formulas require careful setup
- Limited dynamic pricing (manual updates needed)
- Part of larger Moraware platform
- Mobile quoting is limited
Best for: Shops that want sales staff creating visual, priced layouts during customer meetings.
3. Granite Quoter - Best for In-Home Sales
Granite Quoter is a tablet-based estimating tool designed for in-home sales presentations. Salespeople walk through the kitchen with the homeowner, input measurements, and present a professional quote on the spot.
Pricing: $149-$299/mo Free Trial: 14-day trial
Key Features
- Tablet Optimized: Built for iPad presentations during in-home appointments.
- Material Photo Library: Show customers actual stone colors and patterns on the tablet.
- Instant Pricing: Enter dimensions and see total price including materials, labor, and installation.
- Good-Better-Best: Present three material tiers so customers can choose their budget level.
Pros
- Designed for in-home presentations
- Good-better-best pricing boosts average ticket
- Material photos help customers decide
- Professional on-the-spot quotes
Cons
- Focused on sales presentation, not production handoff
- Limited integration with shop management
- Material library requires manual setup
- Less useful for phone/email quotes
Best for: Shops with dedicated salespeople doing in-home appointments.
4. QuoteBot - Best for Online Quote Requests
QuoteBot embeds on your website and lets homeowners get preliminary countertop estimates by answering a series of questions about their project. It pre-qualifies leads and generates ballpark pricing automatically.
Pricing: $99-$199/mo Free Trial: 14-day trial
Key Features
- Website Widget: Embeddable form that captures project details and delivers a price range.
- Lead Qualification: Questions about budget, timeline, and material preference filter serious buyers from tire-kickers.
- Instant Response: Customers get a ballpark estimate immediately - no waiting for a callback.
- CRM Integration: Captured leads flow into your sales pipeline.
Pros
- Captures leads 24/7 from your website
- Instant response increases engagement
- Filters serious buyers from casual browsers
- Reduces "how much does it cost?" phone calls
Cons
- Ballpark estimates only (not final quotes)
- Requires calibration to match your actual pricing
- No layout or drawing capability
- Still need a follow-up for a final accurate quote
Best for: Shops wanting to capture and pre-qualify online leads with instant pricing.
5. PrecisionStone Estimator - Best for Detailed Takeoffs
PrecisionStone focuses on accuracy over speed. It's designed for complex projects where detailed takeoffs matter - commercial, multi-unit, and high-end residential.
Pricing: $250-$450/mo Free Trial: 30-day trial
Key Features
- Detailed Takeoffs: Break down every linear foot of edge, every cutout, every backsplash piece.
- Waste Calculations: Factor in material waste based on slab sizes and layout complexity.
- Labor Estimating: Calculate fabrication and install hours based on project complexity metrics.
- Markup Management: Set margin targets and see how pricing adjustments affect profitability.
Pros
- Most detailed cost breakdown available
- Waste calculations improve accuracy
- Labor estimating reduces underbidding
- Good for complex commercial projects
Cons
- Slower than simpler tools (accuracy takes time)
- Steeper learning curve
- Overkill for basic residential quotes
- Higher price point
Best for: Shops doing commercial and high-end residential work where accurate detailed bids are critical.
6. Excel/Google Sheets - Best Free DIY Option
Many fabrication shops estimate with custom spreadsheets. A well-built spreadsheet can be accurate, but it requires ongoing maintenance and is prone to human error.
Pricing: Free Free Trial: N/A
Key Features
- Custom Formulas: Build any pricing logic you need.
- Price Lists: Maintain material, edge, and labor price tables.
- Template Quotes: Standardized layouts for consistent customer-facing documents.
- Flexibility: Modify anything at any time.
Pros
- Zero cost
- Complete customization
- Everyone knows spreadsheets
- No software dependency
Cons
- Manual data entry for every quote
- Formula errors go undetected
- No material photo library
- Not professional for customer presentations
- No integration with production systems
- Price tables require manual updates
Best for: Startup shops that need to estimate before investing in software.
7. JobNimbus - Best for CRM + Estimating
JobNimbus combines CRM (customer relationship management) with estimating and job tracking. It's popular among remodeling contractors who do countertops alongside other work.
Pricing: $150-$300/mo Free Trial: 14-day trial
Key Features
- Lead-to-Estimate Pipeline: Track leads from first contact through estimate delivery.
- Quick Estimates: Pre-built templates for common countertop configurations.
- Photo Proposals: Include project photos and material images in estimates.
- Follow-Up Automation: Automatic reminders for unsent estimates and unsigned proposals.
Pros
- CRM and estimating in one tool
- Good follow-up automation
- Photo proposals look professional
- Tracks close rates by salesperson
Cons
- Not stone-specific
- Estimating depth is basic
- No slab inventory integration
- Limited fabrication workflow features
Best for: Remodeling contractors who need CRM and estimating together.
8. Contractor Foreman - Best Budget All-in-One
Contractor Foreman is an affordable project management platform with built-in estimating. It covers scheduling, invoicing, and communication alongside quotes.
Pricing: $49-$148/mo Free Trial: 30-day trial
Key Features
- Estimate Templates: Pre-built templates you customize for countertop projects.
- Cost Tracking: Compare estimated vs. actual costs per job.
- Client Access: Customers view and approve estimates online.
- Multi-Feature: Scheduling, invoicing, and project management included.
Pros
- Affordable all-in-one platform
- Cost tracking improves future estimates
- Client approval workflow
- 30-day free trial
Cons
- General contractor focus (not stone-specific)
- Basic estimating compared to dedicated tools
- No material or slab management
- Limited customization for fabrication pricing
Best for: Budget-conscious shops wanting estimating bundled with basic project management.
Comparison Table
| Software | Price | Quote Speed | Stone-Specific | Material Photos | CNC Integration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SlabWise | $199/mo | 3 min (AI) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| CounterGo | $200/mo | 5-10 min | Yes | Limited | No |
| Granite Quoter | $149/mo | 5 min | Yes | Yes | No |
| QuoteBot | $99/mo | Instant (ballpark) | Partial | No | No |
| PrecisionStone | $250/mo | 15-20 min | Yes | No | No |
| Excel/Sheets | Free | 15-20 min | DIY | No | No |
| JobNimbus | $150/mo | 5-10 min | No | Yes | No |
| Contractor Foreman | $49/mo | 10 min | No | No | No |
The Hidden Cost of Slow Quoting
Speed matters for more than convenience. Here's what slow quoting actually costs:
Response Time vs. Close Rate:
- Quote within 1 hour: 35-45% close rate
- Quote within 4 hours: 25-35% close rate
- Quote within 24 hours: 15-25% close rate
- Quote within 48+ hours: under 15% close rate
On 100 quote requests per month with an average job value of $4,500:
- Quoting in 1 hour: 40 closed jobs = $180,000/mo
- Quoting in 24 hours: 20 closed jobs = $90,000/mo
That's a $90,000/month difference driven entirely by response speed. A $199/mo tool that cuts quoting time from 20 minutes to 3 minutes pays for itself if it helps you close even one additional job.
What Makes a Good Countertop Estimate
Complete Cost Variables
A proper estimate includes: material cost per square foot, slab waste factor (typically 20-35%), edge profile charges per linear foot, cutout charges (sinks, cooktops, faucets), backsplash material and installation, demolition and removal of old countertops, template/measure fee, fabrication labor, installation labor, travel/delivery charges, and applicable taxes.
Professional Presentation
Customers judge your shop by your estimate. A clean, branded document with material photos, clear line items, and payment terms signals professionalism. A handwritten number on a business card does not.
Multiple Material Options
Presenting 2-3 material options at different price points (good-better-best) increases average ticket by 15-25% and lets customers feel in control of their budget.
FAQ
How long should a countertop estimate take?
With proper software, 3-10 minutes depending on project complexity. Manual estimating takes 15-20 minutes. Anything longer than 20 minutes suggests your process needs improvement.
What's the most commonly missed cost in countertop estimates?
Edge profiles and cutouts. Many shops include a "standard" edge but forget to price upgrades. Cutout charges ($75-$200 each) are frequently omitted, especially for cooktop cutouts.
How do I price different stone materials?
Set up material tiers: Budget ($40-$60/sq ft installed), Mid-range ($60-$90/sq ft), Premium ($90-$150/sq ft), Luxury ($150+/sq ft). Price per square foot should include material, fabrication, and installation.
Should I charge for estimates?
For standard residential projects, free estimates are the industry norm. For complex commercial projects requiring detailed takeoffs, a $100-$500 estimate fee (credited toward the project) is reasonable.
How accurate are AI-generated estimates?
AI estimates are typically within 5-10% of final pricing when properly calibrated. They account for more variables than manual estimates, reducing the "surprise" cost adjustments that frustrate customers.
How often should I update material pricing?
Review quarterly at minimum. Natural stone prices fluctuate with supply and availability. Quartz pricing changes less frequently but should still be verified quarterly.
What's a good quote-to-close ratio?
Industry average is 25-35%. Shops with fast response times and professional estimates achieve 35-45%. If you're below 20%, your pricing or presentation needs work.
Should I show cost breakdowns to customers?
Opinions vary. Showing line items (material, fabrication, installation) builds trust but can invite line-item negotiation. Showing a total price with optional upgrades tends to work better for most shops.
How do I handle estimate follow-up?
Follow up within 24 hours of sending the estimate. If no response, follow up again at 3 days and 7 days. Automated sequences (via CRM or estimating software) handle this without manual tracking.
Can estimating software prevent underbidding?
Yes. Software that tracks actual vs. estimated costs per job highlights where you consistently underbid. Over 6 months of data, you can calibrate pricing to protect margins.
Quote Faster, Win More Jobs
SlabWise Quick Quote generates accurate, professional countertop estimates in 3 minutes using AI. Stop losing jobs to slow response times. Start your 14-day free trial and see how fast quoting changes your close rate.
Start Your Free SlabWise Trial →
Sources
- National Kitchen & Bath Association - Sales Conversion Benchmarks 2025
- Stone World Magazine - Estimating Practices Survey
- Moraware - CounterGo Published Usage Statistics
- Harvard Business Review - Speed of Response and Sales Conversion
- Remodeling Magazine - Cost vs. Value Report 2025
- Fabricators Alliance - Pricing and Estimating Benchmark Study
- HomeAdvisor - Countertop Cost Data and Consumer Survey