Ranked #3 of 7 · Last reviewed November 9, 2026
Countfire
M&E specialist
Countfire is takeoff and estimating software for M&E trades, with AI that names and organises items as it counts, built-in accuracy checks and spec comparison.
Verdict: The pick for electrical, fire and mechanical takeoff on these criteria; not a tool for architectural scopes.
Who it suits
Electrical, fire, security and mechanical contractors who count symbols across large drawing sets and price in Excel.
Who should pick something else
Architectural trades (doors, drywall, flooring) and general contractors: Countfire is built for M&E.
Trades: Electrical, lighting, fire alarm and security, fire sprinkler, data and AV, mechanical
How it scored
| Criterion | Grade | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Trade fit (20%) | ● Shown | Built for M&E: electrical, lighting, fire sprinkler, security and fire alarm, data and AV, mechanical. |
| Schedules, plans and specs read together (20%) | ◐ Partly | Spec compare and revised-drawing auto-count; no plan-to-spec reconciliation described. |
| Accuracy checks (15%) | ● Shown | In-built accuracy checks; human-verified accuracy listed on the home page. |
| Output formats (15%) | ◐ Partly | Client-ready Excel quote. |
| Security (15%) | ◐ Partly | Security page describes a program following much of the SOC 2 framework. |
| Learning curve and access (15%) | ◐ Partly | Free trial from the site, but no public price: the pricing link goes to a contact page. |
Strengths
- Counts symbols across every drawing in a project at once; Smart Select names and files items as it counts.
- Built-in accuracy checks, and the site describes the team as mostly former estimators.
- Spec compare shows changes between specifications; auto-counts revised drawings.
- Free trial you can start from the site.
Limits
- No public price: its pricing link goes to a contact page.
- Security page says its program follows much of the SOC 2 framework, not that it holds an attestation.
- Output described as an Excel quote; ask about other exports.
What it costs
Not published (the pricing link goes to the contact page). A free trial is offered.
What to check in a trial of Countfire
- Count a past M&E job in the trial and compare symbol counts by type with your own.
- Check the accuracy checks on a drawing with a cluttered legend.
- Ask for the price per estimator.
The full list is in questions to ask before you buy.
Sources
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