Calculation tools compared in 2025: mycalc vs. SmartKalk, Cordel, Proresult, ISY ByggOffice and Svenn
📌Published November 2025, Last updated: 11/25/2025: Reading time: approx. 8-9 minutes
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Price comparison | Feature comparison | IFC and BIM | mycalc vs competitors | International tools | Conclusion
In an industry where margins are often determined by percentages, an incorrect calculation can mean the difference between profit and loss. Yet many contractors still use cumbersome systems or manual spreadsheets. Many find that they spend more time correcting calculations than creating them.
This guide shows how choosing the right calculation tool can save you time, precision – and a better bottom line.
Disclaimer : We have attempted to compare our system against the most well-known players in the industry. The information we have obtained is based on publicly available information about our competitors' features and prices. If anything is incorrect or inaccurate, we welcome feedback and will promptly correct the post.
Why is the choice of calculation system so important?
Choosing the right calculation tool for construction is one of the most important decisions that trades and construction companies make. With tight margins and increasing demands for precision, the choice of calculation program can be decisive in whether a project is profitable or not.
The right system is not just about price, it is about ensuring accuracy, efficient operation and profitability across the entire business. In the construction and trades industry in 2025, there are increasingly strict requirements for documentation, competitive offers and correct cost calculations . Errors in the calculation can lead to the loss of both contracts and large sums of money.
A modern calculation system for contractors not only provides quotation calculations and a price bank, it also provides a structured way to handle projects, with better overview and integrations to other systems. That is why more and more people are searching for cloud-based calculation programs , "best calculation tools for construction and civil engineering" or comparisons between players such as Holte EG SmartKalk, Cordel, ISY ByggOffice and Proresult.
Over the past ten years, calculation systems in the construction industry have moved from installation to cloud, but not all have made the leap. my calc was developed directly for the cloud, so you don't have to worry about installation, updates and technical maintenance.
What does this guide cover?
In this article, we compare my calc from buildit with the most widely used calculation tools in the construction industry in 2025:
SmartKalk from Holte EG
ISY ByggOffice from Norconsult Digital
Cordel Calculation
Proresult Calculation
Svenn Calculation
The goal is to give you an overview of price, functionality, usability and who the solutions are best suited for , so you can choose the right system for your company.
We take a closer look at both traditional programs and newer, cloud-based solutions. Search terms such as construction calculation program , construction and construction calculation tool and quotation calculation are common when craftsmen and contractors are looking for systems. Many also investigate competitor-specific searches such as Holte EG SmartKalk alternative or Cordel calculation .
Finally, we include several advanced needs that often appear in searches: contractor calculation system , program for quotation calculation with NS3420 , price bank for construction and construction , and cloud-based calculation .
In short: This is a comparison that helps you understand the differences and see if my calc might be a good option for your company.
Who have we compared?
The market for construction and civil engineering calculation tools is fragmented, and suppliers target different target groups. Many companies are currently looking for solutions such as construction calculation software , construction quotation calculation , construction price bank or contractor calculation system . We have therefore taken a closer look at the most used options in 2025:
buildit: Among the first cloud-based solutions in the Nordics, and the first supplier to launch a calculation system in the cloud in Norway . Now my calc comes in a new generation: cloud-based, intuitive and scalable, adapted to both small craft businesses and large contractors.
Holte EG: One of the oldest suppliers in Norway, known for its extensive calculation library and functions. SmartKalk is installed locally on a PC and is used by small to large contractors.
Norconsult Digital: Often chosen in larger projects. The ISY ByggOffice software has powerful modules for design tools, construction and tendering, but the price is at the upper end of the market.
Cordel: A popular choice among plumbing and electrical companies. Cordel is solid in its industries, but not fully cloud-based
Proresult: An affordable alternative, used by many smaller builders, developed in collaboration with the Norwegian Builders' Association.
Svenn: A new player aimed at small craft businesses. The focus is on low price and ease of use, but the range of functions is more limited than with the established suppliers.
When contractors search for construction calculation software , construction calculation tools , contractor quotation software or cloud-based calculation system , the same names pop up: SmartKalk, Cordel, Proresult, ISY ByggOffice, Svenn – and my calc
There are also some relevant Norwegian players that are not included in this comparison. Among others, Byggassistenten and ProAdm are both local, non-cloud-based solutions. ProAdm, now known as Gemini ProAdm and provided by Volue, is a project management tool for the construction and civil engineering industry. Byggassistenten is a calculation program for carpenters, home builders and estimators, and is used for price calculation, tendering, ordering goods and follow-up in both new construction and rehabilitation projects. They are not included because they are not cloud-based and do not directly compete with the modern calculation tools that this guide compares.
Calculation tools in Norway 2025 – maturity and technology
| Supplier | Product name | Primary target audience | Cloud-based? | Release year / status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| buildit | mycalc (Light, Std, Pro) | Small, medium and large players | ✓ | 2012 |
| Holte EG | SmartLime | Small, medium and large players | X (Windows app) | circa 2006 |
| Norconsult Digital | ISY Construction Office | Large contractors, calculators | X (Windows app) | circa 2004 |
| Cordel | Cordel Calculation | Medium and large players | X (Windows app) | circa 2008 |
| Proresult | Proresult Calculation | Small and medium-sized businesses | ✓ | approx. 2020 |
| Sven | Svenn Calculation | Small craft businesses | ✓ | 2025 |
The comparison is based on information taken from the suppliers' websites as of September 2025. We always recommend checking the updated information directly with the suppliers.
Most calculation tools in Norway were built in an era where software had to be installed. My Calc, on the other hand, was developed directly for the cloud, and since 2012 has been the first in the Nordics to make calculation available to everyone, regardless of location or device.
Price comparison
Price is often the first thing companies look at when considering a construction estimating program . But it's important to look beyond the numbers: What's included in the license? How many users get access? And do you have to pay extra for courses, cloud storage, or additional modules?
Many traditional solutions, such as Holte SmartKalk, Cordel or ISY ByggOffice, offer strong features, but the cost can quickly increase when adding training, additional users or integrations.
mycalc is a cloud-based calculation system developed for the construction industry, where everything is included in one fixed price. You get calculation tools , price bank, quotation calculation and support for NS standards in the same solution. This means you know exactly what you are paying for, without hidden extras.
Price of calculation software in 2025: What do you really get?
When companies compare construction estimating tools , price is often the first thing they look at. But numbers alone don't tell the whole story. What really matters is:
What is included in the license?
How many users get access?
Do you have to pay extra for courses, cloud storage, or integrations?
Is there a setup cost to use the system?
Many traditional systems, such as SmartKalk, Cordel and ISY ByggOffice, offer strong features, but costs increase quickly when adding more users, training or additional packages, or any setup fees.
Price comparison
| Solution | Monthly price* | Annual award | Users included | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| mycalc Light | From 1,042 kr | From 12,500 kr | one user included, 2,500 per additional user per year | Affordable entry for small businesses |
| mycalc Standard | From 1,250 kr | From 15,000 kr | one user included, 2,500 per additional user per year | Everything you need for everyday use |
| mycalc Pro | From 1,667 kr | From 20,000 kr | one user included, 3,500 per additional user per year | For larger and more complex projects |
| Holte EG SmartKalk | From 1,529 kr | From 18,348 kr | 1 user, + surcharge for additional users | Requires local installation, additional costs + courses, support and possibly cloud storage and setup costs |
| Norconsult Digital ISY Building Office | From 1,529 kr to 4,369 kr | 18,348–52,428 kr | 1 user, additional cost + course, supp and possibly. | Requires local installation |
| Cordel Calculation | From 1,330 kr | From 15 960 kr | additional user is 1,330 NOK per month | Integrated into Cordel's total platform, requires installation, additional costs + courses, support and possibly. |
| Proresult Calculation | 999 kr | 11,988 kr | 1 user, +219 kr per extra | Courses/training are additional. |
| Svenn Calculation | 1,499 kr | 17,988 kr | Unlimited | Aimed at craftsmen, but narrow price range and opportunities for growth |
* Prices are taken from the suppliers' websites (2025) and may vary based on packages/options.
Price: Look behind the first impression
Price is often the first thing you look at when considering a costing program . But the real cost is not just about the monthly or annual cost listed on the website. Several solutions on the market charge extra for courses, more users or access to specific features such as a price bank or quote calculation. This means that what seems reasonable at first can quickly become more expensive when you use the system in practice.
Predictable price
Predictable pricing means you can plan your costs better without worrying about unexpected invoices. For larger contractors, it means the system scales with your projects, whether you need features for construction, civil engineering, plumbing or electrical.
With my calc you get everything included from the start, no hidden extras and free start-up.
Want to see what the price and features actually look like in practice?
Feature comparison: Similarities on paper, big differences in practice
When looking at calculation tools in the construction industry, they may seem similar at first glance. All promise precise quote calculations, calculation libraries and access to price files. But when you look more closely at ease of use, startup time and how complete the solution actually is , you discover clear differences.
buildit mycalc
✅ Cloud-based calculation system , log in and get started in minutes.
✅ Everything is built-in: price bank, quote calculation, profitability overview, reports.
✅ From simple to very feature-rich and considered very user-friendly.
✅ No hidden extras only when purchasing additional modules or users.
SmartKalk and ISY ByggOffice
⚖️ Extensive functionality, but based on installation on PC.
⚖️ Selling courses and training for full utilization.
⚖️ Often best suited for medium and larger contractors with their own calculators.
Cordel
⚖️ Widely used in plumbing and electrical.
⚖️Not as optimized for general construction projects.
⚖️ Often more time-consuming to learn in the beginning.
Proresult calculation
⚖️ Simple solution for small businesses.
⚖️ Has the most basic functions for calculation and quotation.
⚖️ Has a smaller range of advanced features compared to the largest, established calculation systems.
Svenn calculation
⚖️ Aimed at small craft businesses that need a simple calculation tool.
⚖️ Affordable and user-friendly, but limited in functionality.
⚖️ Not suitable for larger contractors or complex projects.
The difference in practice :
While most competitors are either designed for one type of business (small tradesmen or large contractors) or require training and additional costs, my calc delivers a cloud-based all-in-one solution. This makes the system scalable, predictable and ready to use from day one.
| Functionality | mycalc Pro | Isy Building Office | Holte Smart Lime | Cordel | Proresult | Sven |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Collaboration and Version Control | ||||||
| Simultaneous work in calculus | ✓ | ▲ | ▲ | X | X | X |
| Compare version history | ✓ | ▲ | ▲ | ▲ | X | X |
| Chat function | ✓ | X | X | X | X | X |
| Price, Calculation and Integration | ||||||
| Supplier and UE connection | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | X | X | X |
| Price requests | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | X | X | X |
| Data exchange API | ✓ | X | X | X | X | X |
| Import and export of price lists | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Price bank | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ▲ |
| Integration with other professional systems | ✓ | ▲ | ▲ | ✓ | ▲ | ▲ |
| Automatic margin calculations | ✓ | X | X | X | X | ▲ |
| Subject adjustment in several subjects | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ▲ | ✓ | X |
| Currency | ✓ | ▲ | ▲ | ✓ | ▲ | ▲ |
| IFC import to calculation | X | ✓ | ✓ | ▲ | X | X |
| User Interface and Tools | ||||||
| Cloud-based access | ✓ | X | X | X | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folders, documents and images against spreadsheets | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | X |
| Documents and images against price lines | ✓ | X | ✓ | ▲ | X | X |
| Modern design | ✓ | X | X | X | ✓ | ✓ |
| Quick start without training | ✓ | X | X | X | X | ✓ |
| Excel feeling | ✓ | ▲ | ▲ | ✓ | ▲ | ▲ |
| Keyboard navigation | ✓ | ▲ | ▲ | ▲ | ▲ | ▲ |
| Templates and reuse | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Personal notes in the calculation | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ▲ | ✓ | ▲ |
| Multilingual | ✓ | X | X | ▲ | X | ✓ |
| Reporting and Standards | ||||||
| Summary from the calculation | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Professional quote reports | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dashboards and graphs | ✓ | ▲ | ▲ | ▲ | ▲ | ▲ |
| Advanced report generator | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ▲ | ▲ |
| Norwegian Standard 3420 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | X |
| Norwegian Standard 3451 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | X |
| Overview and Export | ||||||
| Compare calculations | ✓ | ▲ | ▲ | ▲ | ▲ | X |
| Separate register for calculations | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Offer history | ✓ | ▲ | ▲ | ▲ | ▲ | ▲ |
| Import and export of excel sheets | ✓ | ▲ | ▲ | X | X | X |
| Unlimited number of users | ▲ | ▲ | ▲ | ▲ | ▲ | ▲ |
| Security and access control | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ▲ | ▲ | ▲ |
The feature overview is created to the best of our ability. Some solutions have overlapping features or modules that are delivered in different ways, and therefore “availability” may vary between versions. The table should be understood as a guide comparison, not a complete feature list.
Functionality
It is worth noting that some competitors still offer local installations or modular solutions, which means more complexity and additional costs.
my calc gives you everything on one platform, always up to date and available in the cloud.
IFC and BIM → Calculation: That's why buildit has n't released a hasty solution
Several calculation tools in Norway and Europe market “IFC import directly to calculation”. In theory, this sounds ideal: upload a model, and the calculation is automatically generated. In practice, experience from contractors shows that this is still an immature technology.
Industry experience shows that IFC-based calculations vary in quality between projects. Several solutions require manual control of quantities, depending on how the BIM model is structured.
Based on this, buildit has chosen not to prioritize the implementation of automation from IFC models. Instead, we have worked on expanding and improving the functions around the calculation itself with:
smarter and faster price bank
more dynamic calculation that is updated throughout the project's life cycle
clearer structure and mapping of calculation objects
profitability overview and better analysis
live calculations based on input from external contributors to the calculation
Functionality: How do the providers differ?
When comparing construction and civil engineering calculation tools , many solutions look similar on paper. Most promise precision, price banks and quotation reports. In practice, the differences are large, both in functionality, user-friendliness and how the systems are delivered.
mycalc (buildit) Cloud-based solution developed specifically for the construction industry. Includes profitability overview, price bank, quote calculation with NS codes and reports, all in one system. Automatically updated in the cloud and ready to use without installation.
SmartKalk (Holte EG) One of the most widely used calculation programs for contractors. Strong functionality with large calculation libraries. Delivered as a Windows program that is installed locally, and many users use courses to get started quickly.
ISY ByggOffice (Norconsult Digital) Used by larger contractors and construction projects. Solid on tender specifications and design tools, but requires more training and customization for daily use.
Cordel calculation Popular among plumbing and electrical companies. Has strong modules for industry-specific calculations, but is less used for general construction and civil engineering calculations.
Proresult calculation Continued from the Norwegian Builders' Association. Provides a reasonable introduction to calculation and tender calculation, but mainly covers the most basic needs.
Svenn calculation Aimed at small craft businesses. Offers simple functions for calculation and quotation, with a focus on low price and quick start-up.
mycalc combines the functionality of several traditional solutions into one cloud-based system . This means you get a price bank, calculation system and quote calculation without having to buy additional packages or install software.
Where calculation meets profitability
It is not enough to have a calculation tool that calculates correctly.
For contractors, it's about understanding how the estimate affects the bottom line — in real time.
Ease of use and training
Ease of use is often the determining factor in whether a calculation tool is actually used in everyday life. A system can be full of features, but if employees need long courses or expensive training packages, the benefits are quickly eaten up.
mycalc : Cloud-based calculation program designed to be intuitive and quick to get started. Most businesses are operational the same day they get access.
SmartKalk and ISY ByggOffice : Feature-rich, but installed locally on a PC. Many choose training to get started, which can increase startup costs.
Cordel : Strong in plumbing and electrical. Feature-rich system, but has a steeper learning curve for new users.
Proresult : Clear and straightforward interface, but with fewer features than the largest systems.
Svenn : User-friendly and aimed at small tradespeople, but not scaled for larger construction projects.
Which tool is suitable for whom?
Small businesses (carpenters, joiners, plumbers): need simplicity and low cost → my calc Light/Standard, Svenn calculation or Proresult calculation.
Medium-sized businesses: need a balance between price and function → my calc Standard/Pro, Cordel or Holte EG Smartkalk.
Large contractors: need advanced functionality and integrations → my calc Pro, SmartKalk or ISY ByggOffice.
Appraisers: need report functions and good descriptions → my calc Light/Standard, SmartKalk.
Which system suits you best?
In 2025, the choice is often between six well-known players in Norway: SmartKalk (Holte EG) , ISY ByggOffice (Norconsult Digital) , Cordel Kalkusjon , Proresult , Svenn and mycalc from buildit .
SmartKalk is known for its large calculation libraries and long experience in the industry. The system is installed locally and provides high flexibility for experienced calculators.
mycalc distinguishes itself by being completely cloud-based, easier to learn and with no additional costs for training or installation.
Cordel is a strong choice in plumbing and electrical, but less used on multidisciplinary projects.
mycalc offers more general modules for construction and civil engineering, and is therefore better suited for contractors who handle multiple disciplines.
ISY is often used in large tenders and public projects. It has extensive features, but higher price and more complex startup.
mycalc provides many of the same calculation capabilities in a lighter, cloud-based solution.
Proresult is simple, affordable and aimed at smaller builders.
mycalc covers the same needs, but with more flexibility and scaling upwards.
Svenn Calculation is a good choice for small craftsmen who want to get started quickly.
mycalc provides a more complete solution for growing businesses, with quote calculation, price bank and profitability reporting.
Experience gives confidence
my calc has been in continuous development for over ten years, tested in everything from small craft businesses to large construction projects.
In an industry where many new players are launching simpler solutions, my calc and other established competitors represent mature, stable and professional platforms.
International calculation tools (Europe and UK)
Although Norwegian contractors mainly use solutions such as my calc, SmartKalk, Cordel and ISY ByggOffice, there are a number of international systems that are widespread in larger projects and markets with their own standards such as GAEB (Germany), CESMM and NRM (UK). These are not direct competitors for Norwegian SMEs, but provide a useful picture of how calculation tools are used internationally.
United Kingdom (UK)
– Causeway Estimating: used in major construction and infrastructure projects
– EstimatorXpress (HBXL): widely used in home construction and smaller construction companies
– RIB CostX: global solution for 2D/3D/BIM quantity take and cost calculation
Germany (DACH region)
– RIB iTWO: advanced 5D BIM solution (time + cost), dominant in Germany
– Allplan: powerful BIM and calculation platform
– Orca AVA / Ausschreiben.de: standard tool for GAEB-based tenders and quantity take-offs
The Nordic countries (Sweden, Denmark, Finland)
– BidCon: strong in larger project estimates
– Geometra: cloud-based quantity takeover for drawings
– MEPS / In4mo: widely used in insurance, claims and documentation
– Bygglets Kalkyl: simpler calculation tool for small craft businesses
Global solutions
– Autodesk ProEst: part of Autodesk Construction Cloud, used in large international projects
– Bluebeam Revu: popular for quantity take and document management, often used as a supplement to other calculation tools
These are tools that are used in markets with completely different requirements and standards than Norway, but provide a comprehensive picture of how calculation solutions are developing internationally.
Conclusion
You should consider:
Total price, are there any hidden extras?
Cloud-based , access from all devices. Or is it ok to install, locked to one device?
User-friendly , how long does it take to get started?
All in one system , what other products does the company need, are they available in the same system?
Scalable , can the software grow with the business?
Our assessment of my calc from these criteria:
Competitive total price, no hidden extras
Cloud-based , access from any device
User-friendly , you're up and running in minutes, not days
All in one system , calculation combined with other modules such as myproject, mycontact, myplanner, myoffer and mycompany means that buildit offers a complete solution on the same cloud-based platform. Data is tightly integrated with each other
Scalable , suitable for small craftsmen as well as large contractors.
In short: my calc gives you more functionality at a lower price than its competitors. Where other systems are still installed, my calc has been cloud-based since 2012.
Over ten years of development, thousands of calculations and customers throughout the Nordic region make my calc a solution that is proven in practice.
The comparison is intended as a professional overview for contractors, and encourages all companies to assess their own needs before choosing a system. All of the systems in this overview can be good alternatives, depending on the company's size, type of projects and internal needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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A digital system that helps contractors and tradespeople calculate costs, prices and profitability in projects.
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Excel can work for simple projects, but is time-consuming and error-prone. mycalc provides automatic calculations, better overview and an integrated price bank.
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Prices range from under 1,000 NOK/month to over 4,000 NOK/month per user. mycalc is designed to offer a fixed price with everything included.
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All companies that want a modern, cloud-based tool that covers both calculation, quotation and profitability.
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mycalc is cloud-based, more user-friendly and without hidden extras. Competitors often require courses, local installations or additional modules.
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Yes. You can start with mycalc Light and upgrade to Standard or Pro as your needs grow.
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Yes, log in and you're good to go. No installation or training required.
Disclaimer :: The comparison has been made to the best of our ability based on public information, the suppliers' own websites and user experiences. We cannot guarantee completeness in function descriptions as this may vary with versions and modules. Suppliers who wish to make clarifications or corrections are welcome to contact us.”
Sources: holte.no, norconsultdigital.no, cordel.no, proresult.no, svenn.com – retrieved November 2025.
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