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Construction · head to head

Sage Estimating vs Tekla Structures

Sage Estimating logo

Sage Estimating

Construction

Professional construction cost estimating software

From
$250/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Tekla Structures logo

Tekla Structures

Construction

BIM software for structural engineering and construction

From
$400/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • They diverge on capability: Sage Estimating covers Cost estimation, Tekla Structures covers 3D structural modeling.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Sage Estimating and Tekla Structures actually diverge.

Attributes where Sage Estimating and Tekla Structures differ
AttributeSage EstimatingTekla Structures
Starting price$250/month$400/month
Founded19811978

Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), platforms (Windows), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Construction).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Sage Estimating

  • Cost estimation
  • Digital takeoff
  • Cost databases
  • Bid analysis
  • Reporting
  • Sage 100 Contractor
  • Sage 300 CRE
  • Sage Intacct

Only in Tekla Structures

  • 3D structural modeling
  • Steel detailing
  • Concrete detailing
  • Drawing production
  • Fabrication support
  • Trimble Connect
  • Revit
  • AutoCAD

Both cover

  • Data encryption
  • Access controls
  • Audit trails
  • Windows support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Sage Estimating

  • Project estimatingnot Tekla Structures
  • Bid preparationnot Tekla Structures
  • Cost trackingnot Tekla Structures
  • Budget analysisnot Tekla Structures

Tekla Structures

  • Structural designnot Sage Estimating
  • Steel detailingnot Sage Estimating
  • Rebar detailingnot Sage Estimating
  • Fabrication managementnot Sage Estimating

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Sage Estimating

Nothing recorded yet. See the Sage Estimating review.

Tekla Structures

  • No specific pricing published; three subscription options available but require sales contact
  • Flexible licensing that adjusts as company develops and grows, but specific rates not disclosed

Pricing, plan by plan

Sage Estimating

$250/month
  • Sage Estimating$250/month
    • Cost databases
    • Digital takeoff
    • Assemblies
  • EnterpriseFree
    • Multi-user
    • Advanced databases
    • Custom reporting

Tekla Structures

$400/month
  • Tekla Structures$400/month
    • 3D modeling
    • Detailing
    • Drawing production
  • EnterpriseFree
    • Multi-user
    • Advanced features
    • Custom configurations

Which should you pick?

Choose Sage Estimating if

  • You need cost estimation.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want digital takeoff.
Sage Estimating review

Choose Tekla Structures if

  • You need 3d structural modeling.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want steel detailing.
Tekla Structures review

Questions people ask

Is Sage Estimating or Tekla Structures better?
Neither clearly leads. Sage Estimating starts at $250/month and Tekla Structures at $400/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Sage Estimating or Tekla Structures?
Sage Estimating starts at $250/month and Tekla Structures at $400/month.
Does Sage Estimating or Tekla Structures run on more platforms?
Both run on Windows, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
What is Sage Estimating best used for?
Sage Estimating is most often used for project estimating, bid preparation, cost tracking, budget analysis. Of those, project estimating and bid preparation are not what Tekla Structures is typically brought in for.
What can Sage Estimating do that Tekla Structures cannot?
Sage Estimating covers Cost estimation, Digital takeoff, Cost databases, Bid analysis. Tekla Structures covers 3D structural modeling, Steel detailing, Concrete detailing, Drawing production. Both handle Data encryption, Access controls, Audit trails, Windows support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Tekla Structures: Is there a free trial for Tekla Structures?

Yes, a 30-day free trial is available at https://download.trimble.com/tekla-structures/free-trial

Source
Tekla Structures: What subscription options are available?

Tekla Structures offers three material-independent subscription options designed for specific user needs. Each subscription includes Trimble Connect Business Premium and Tekla Model Sharing collaboration platform. Contact Tekla for specific pricing and plan details.

Source
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