# Page 2 | RSMeans Data Online Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra > Page 2 - Is RSMeans Data Online the right Construction Estimating solution for you? Explore 304 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice. Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/151681/RSMeans/reviews --- RSMeans Data Online 4.2 (304) Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/) * * * Last updated March 16th, 2026 # Page 2 - Reviews of RSMeans Data Online ## Showing most helpful reviews Showing 26-50 of 304 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use CR Christina R. ICT Manager Medical Devices Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "RSMeans Data Online is Orderly and Effective " December 3, 2024 5.0 RSMeans Data Online is the choice that helps us govern all data solutions. Pros RSMeans Data Online has accurate data preparation measures. Cons RSMeans Data Online is fruitful and nothing contradicting. Switched from [ThunderTix](https://www.capterra.com/p/47852/ThunderTix/)[SecureDocs Data Room](https://www.capterra.com/p/131942/SecureDocs-Virtual-Data-Room/)[EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard](https://www.capterra.com/p/188155/EaseUS-Data-Recovery/)[Account Ability](https://www.capterra.com/p/154484/Account-Ability/) The costs of running the platform is more affordable. Review Source MR Michael R. President Construction Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Current issues in scrolling through the data and entire screen scrolling with your search scroll " November 2, 2016 4.0 There are a few things that make this program very frustrating to work with. The biggest issue is trying to scroll through the data after you search for something. Say "Doors" the database has like 1000 items that are related to doors and it will generate the first 40 or so items in the screen but when you go to scroll down in the window to see more - it takes a while for the new data to generate - and I have a fast connection 100 MB/S so it is not the internet. But that is not the issue - it is the fact that if you scroll too fast and the website has to search for more data, then the entire screen scrolls up and you have to continuously grab the bar and scroll back down. It happens also when you scroll up the entire screen will scroll down and then you have to scroll back up... The other issue is the width of the columns - the allow you to size the columns that way you want them but the column bar is like one pixel wide and for you to point your mouse at exactly the right location on the screen to get the column bar to size the column takes FOREVER !! I have wasted like 6 hours out of 300 trying to resize the columns - the problem is that you can not see the material, labor and equipment prices until you either resize the columns or continuously scroll to the right and then you have to scroll back the left in order to check the item that you want to add to your project - so it is continuously moving back and forth and up and down - NO GOOD Pros Great data, excellent product database, great Square Foot model, I have the full blown professional version which comes with unit prices, assembly prices and square foot models for all types of buildings for all divisions for all locations throughout the USA. By zip code, you can set the labor type - union or open shop ... Cons Too costly - I paid $$$$ for the full blown version and it is missing some components. Such as LED light fixtures SF costs. Columns are hard to adjust. The layout of the website is not user friendly. To create a SF Model is not user friendly at first. It needs to be more intuitive, and easier to follow. The first thing you have to do is name the project in order to generate any kind of data out of the SF model - well the Name Cell is way down the bottom of the web page - and not up near the top - so if you select the type of building you want and size etc -- it will not generate a SF model .... I have been using RS Means for over 10 years - I started using it in 2004 and they had CD versions then they came out with one license agreements for a server type version - then it was named Costworks - I truly loved the CD version of RS Means Costworks - The best part of having CD is if you lose internet you are not out of business like I was the other week!!! For over 8 hours I had no power in my house therefore no internet and using a Hot Spot does not do the trick when you are searching a database with over 30,000 items.... Review Source RM Roger M. Senior Estimator Construction Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "RS Means and helpful is it?" September 24, 2021 5.0 Being able to generate a costs that is more realistic with the mna power we employee and the work we put out. It is eerily on que with the time it takes to produce the weork in question. Pros the productivity for work described. This knowledge entitles me to assign our costs per unit which develops a more realistic cost for trhe described work in question. Cons Trying to get it intergrated wioth Sage estiamting so that the ionformation is "at my fingertips" so to speak. THis not necessasrily a Means issue as it is our own because I cant get thetimec to make the union Reason for choosing RSMeans Data Online ease of use and accessibility from my desktop Review Source Response from Gordian November 18, 2021 Hi Roger - Thank you for taking the time to submit your feedback. We suggest reaching out to Sage to assist you with the integration. Jim R. Construction Cost Estimator Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Good Investment for Estimators" July 2, 2019 5.0 The online version is great. I like not having about 4 tons of outdated cost books in my file cabinet. I like being able to see what an estimate would cost in the past just by changing to an older data set. The SF cost estimator feature is really good. The one complaint is the structural types to choose from never quite matches what we actually build here in Utah. It seems it is very "east coast" oriented. The cost gets pricey if you want something different than their preselected data set packages. I don't like the fact you can't just pick and choose data sets ala carte. I also wish the formulas would export with the SF cost reports. I waste alot of time recreating links and formulas after exporting to excel. Pros I like that it has just about everything you would need to price out for all types of construction. Cons Sometimes as an estimator you use your own template and you use RS-Means as a resource for costs and product descriptions. The software doesn't allow to right click copy and paste text feature so I have to jump through alot of hoops to export the estimate in Means to an Excel report and then copy and paste from there. Review Source JR Jesse R. Senior Cost Estimator Program Development Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Great Database but Lacking Functionality" June 20, 2019 4.0 Overall RSMeans Online is a great tool with a wonderfully complete database for vertical building construction. However, there are limitations with user interphase that limit its functionality and complicate the estimating process unnecessarily. Pros The database of materials and labor is second to none in my opinion and I like that the program includes the square foot estimator and life cycle cost tools. Cons The ease of use when developing estimates and square foot models is lacking, and could use some revisions to allow for more functionality. It would be nice if in the square foot model you could adjust the quantity without having to swap an assembly, and it would be good to also have the ability to delete multiple line items at a time when revising the model to best fit the building application. Additionally, it would be helpful if you could define more of the characteristics of a building (i.e. wall construction vs finish, roof construction, roof material, window type, etc.). Within the estimate area it would be helpful if all of the different sections (CSI format, Uniformat for Commercial New Construction, and Uniformat for Facilities Maintenance and Repair) all exported with the same columns and data. Most of my clients like to have their data in a specific format that is not RSMeans export so creating a template is difficult and can be time consuming. Review Source SM Steve M. Project Manger / Estimator Civil Engineering Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "RSMeans is good to use." September 24, 2021 5.0 most has been good Pros ease of use on line just wish you could split windows to make sure and looking at estimate easer. Cons need to fix mixing unit and assembly cost to do a completed preproposal. also would like to see my custom data base of my special items, this way its quick to see my custom date items to make search easer and to mod. Alternatives considered [WinEst Essentials](https://www.capterra.com/p/214163/WinEst/) Reason for choosing RSMeans Data Online felt online version was easier to teach for now. Review Source Response from Gordian November 18, 2021 Hi Steve - Thank you for taking the time to submit additional feedback of your experience with RSMeans Data Online. We take your comments seriously and are committed to connecting you with the proper team member to resolve your issues. You should be able to use assemblies and units together in an estimate. Please reach out to the customer support team with questions or more information on using these items together. You have access to all of you custom data in the in the "My Custom Data" tab found in the account menu. There you can add it to estimates or modify as needed. AT Alton T. Architect Architecture & Planning Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "simple reference" September 23, 2021 3.0 It provides me exactly what I need without a lot of difficulty. Pros I have used RS Means for years in book form for quick reference and always found it accurate and easily accessible. Cons With the move to the software I'm finding it doesn't really allow me to have a short cut into my purchased program. I'd like a simple option to create a desktop link without going to RS Means on-line every time. This could be my issue, but a short cut hasn't been available that I can find. Reason for choosing RSMeans Data Online it has a variety of options to choose from and is generally simple to operate and access. Review Source Response from Gordian November 18, 2021 Hi Alton - Thank you for your feedback. You can create a shortcut to the program from your web browser. If you are using Chrome, go to rsmeansonline.com. Click the three dots in the top right, then go down to "More Tools" then click "Create a Shortcut". A short-cut will then be added to your desktop for easy access to the program. Michael V. Principal Consultant Management Consulting Used the software for: 2+ years ### "The Definitive Resource for Effective Cost Management " June 13, 2019 5.0 The benefits to my customers are numerous. From the ability to understand through the use of cost models for construction costs, my clients are better able to make decisions. The ability to manage my plants facility costs are also a key deliverable. Pros This software is the foundation for my entire business offering. It is a highly regarded cost database in almost every industry. The ability to understand impacts of geographic location and timing are unprecedented in the software industry. The full range of the offering by RS means online is a very important standardization across multiple sectors. I highly recommend the software to any company or person that is responsible for cost management activities in their business. Cons There are no negatives to the software. It takes a while to truly understand how do you manipulate the data sequence but again it is without any constructive defect. Review Source KM Kevin M. LSGC Construction Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Estimating for Computer Dummies" June 20, 2019 5.0 I have been using RSMeans since 1984. I started in college with the book, then eventually to a CD, and now online. My business could not survive without it. Its is the best program on the market. I have tried other programs as samples and they cannot compete with RSMeans. And as to technical help, RSMeans is the best I have ever dealt with, if you have a problem they are great with helping you. Pros It makes my estimating easier and faster. It would be impossible to estimate a project without RS Means. Its also gives me an advantage to check subcontractors quotes. In addition, I can bid projects in different areas around the country, which has open vast business opportunities in the construction industry that I would not be able to accomplish before I had the program. Cons I wish program had virtual "Cortana" like Microsoft. Sometimes I need to find an item and I don't know how to ask RS Means what the item is and all I get for a response is that there is no line item. Also, I wish they had more items to chose from and good example is ceramic tile such as: 12" x 24", 18" x 18", 24" x 24". These items are becoming more prevelent. RSMeans needs to keep up with HGTV as items are changing with the times. Reason for choosing RSMeans Data Online I was using RSMeans CD and I was talked into using RSMeans Data Online. It took me awhile to get use to the system because of my age but I do like using it. It is handy and and easier than the disc. Review Source JP Joe P. owner Facilities Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "RS Means Review" September 24, 2021 5.0 Pros I use the interior painting, drywall and finishes items the most. RS Means can streamline my estimate and i am confident in my quotes. Cons Items are difficult to find...say I need a rust inhibitor for metal painting...try finding that item??? Alternatives considered [Xactimate](https://www.capterra.com/p/214125/Xactimate/) Reason for choosing RSMeans Data Online I have used RS Means for JOC contracts in the past working with the local municipality. Review Source Response from Gordian November 18, 2021 Hi Joe - We appreciate your feedback of your experience with RSMeans Data Online. You can find finishes for steel coatings in the finishing section, line item numbers 09 97 13.23 6100 through 7030. The labor involved in spraying is the same regardless of material being applied. DB David B. Senior Project Manager Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Not bad, but lacking" June 13, 2019 4.0 It's OK overall, but the absolutely most glaring thing missing, is that this program has not been implemented into app form. I have been looking online for any evidence that this is on the horizon and I have not seen any indication of it. As a project manager working in the field and in charge of proposals, it is the single largest inconvenience of my entire job to have to stop and find some place to sit down with wifi access to do an estimate on the go. That coupled with the other cons I listed in the previous inquiry makes it beyond frustrating. Pros Overall, its interface is user friendly for the most part. Cons Its several lag on load time when scrolling. That the database lacks almost anything that is specialty or modern technology. Pricing is a joke at best and forces me to struggle with almost every proposal (FYI, I have been using this product since it was just a book). The annual cost increases are always a sticker shock. I understand as a product grows in popularity and comprehensiveness that there is a need for cost increase for the logistics of it alone, but the price increases seem to jump by leaps and bounds. This can be very hard to encumber, especially when used for a contract that is not as lucrative but requires your software. Review Source CB Chris B. Director of Construction Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "In Our Experience" September 23, 2021 5.0 My overall experience with RS Means software has been good and I have no complaints. Customer service has always been great and I have always been happy with the end products I have been able to produce using this software. Pros We use RSMeans a lot for the purpose of completing cost reasonableness reviews for change orders and other construction costs. The software works very well for this purpose and we feel like we get reliable data to base our decision making process on. Cons Sometimes when estimating RSMeans software can be difficult to used simply because materials or assemblies aren't defined in the same way they are commonly referred to in the industry. For instance there should be an assembly for a NFPA 13R fire sprinkler system. Review Source Response from Gordian November 18, 2021 Hello Chris - Thank you for the feedback and sentiments of our customer service team. Regarding the NFPA 13R fire springler system, you can find that system at 21111316 for CPVC Fire Suppression Piping. AA Ahmed A. Associate Professor E-Learning Used the software for: 2+ years ### "RSMeans Review" June 19, 2019 5.0 I teach an online class every year during a 10-weeks summer quarter at the University of Washington. During the class period, I bring the students to know and learn most of the details about RSMeans in order to let them know how to use it to do cost estimating for heavy civil projects. Later on, they let their companies know about it and possibly have full subscription (i.e. I am marketing on behalf of RSMeans). However, students have to pay one-full year of subscription to use the software for 10 weeks. They have been blaming me for the high cost for the short period of time use! I would not be able to use the educational version that you offer because it is limited and will not be helpful for my graduate class. I would highly suggest offering a tailored product in which data is tailored to the need of education, for a limited time for a partial cost. McGraw Hill offers educators to make e-book from a combination of chapters of several books. The ebook is purchased for a partial price for a limited time. Alternatively, i would highly suggest offering a prior year data at a discounted cost to be used for a limited time. For example, offer subscribing to 2017 or 2018 base data (without quarter update) at a discount. This would help students getting to know how the software work and use the old data to do the estimates. You could offer access that expires after certain date. Teachers could supply student names in an online form that you used to verify the subscription. Pros Organization of the estimating items based on the Masterformat. Comprehensive list of the estimating items. Ability to verify estimates using the crew listing and the crew production rates. Cons Some estimating items should be available in both the commercial and heavy civil products, but it is only available in the commercial offer. Review Source DS Don S. Estimator Architecture & Planning Used the software for: 2+ years ### "RS Means is essential in the Design/Construction market" September 28, 2021 5.0 Pros Its accuracy across the US, both current and historic data. Cons Wish it was easier to search for specific data. Occassionally requires rewording topic multiple times. Review Source Response from Gordian November 18, 2021 Hi Don - Thank you for your feedback. Have you checked out the Help Center? In the User Guide, there is a lot of information on "Searching our Data", specifically on the Index Search function. The Index search filter suggests sections from the catalog as you type (2 characters minimum). Once a suggested section is selected the search will take you straight to that section within the catalog (works for Units and Assemblies)." I hope that is more helpful when you are searching costs going forward. DR Daniel R. Principal, Architect Architecture & Planning Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Small Architectural firm review of RSMeans Data Online" June 20, 2019 3.0 As an occasional user (maybe once a month); it is difficult to use this any more than is absolutely necessary. As it is, with each use, I still pull the information out into my own "summary" and present it to clients from my custom spread sheet. I basically find myself using it like a Means "book" and not taking advantage of it as an "electronic" system. Currently, my experience requires a lot of extra time just to get the final data into a usable, transferrable, understandable format. Pros Depth of the cost data is impressive. Ability to "modify" and customize into "assemblies" is powerful. Software keeps a "running tab". Cons Customization seems very proprietary and cumbersome. Experience is required to learn the language and "assignments" of materials to categories and assemblies. Pricing adjustments seem to require being in Excel at which point, that specific work is not "saved" to the program. Reason for choosing RSMeans Data Online Past work with the "books" by Means. Review Source DG David G. President Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Means Online Does Not Update Quarterly" September 23, 2021 3.0 We are currently looking for alternative Estimating & Database solutions Pros ability to find items, ability to find items Cons The Purchased Means Database does not work with our PROEST SOFTWARE: - Does not update Quarterly - Inconsistent cost results - Does not allow for Union vs Non-Union pricing - Assemblies are not easily modified, and Units are almost never Industry Standard Units for Assembly Reason for choosing RSMeans Data Online RSMeans we thought would be accurate. Review Source KE Kıvanç E. Project Consultant Construction Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Good in General" October 6, 2021 4.0 Although it has some shortcomings, it worked for me in general. Pros I used the software for maintenance purposes. It shows repair, replacement, and preventative maintenance frequencies of the items, material cost, and manhour need. Cons sometimes I couldn't find what I need in the maintenance section. The construction section includes lots of items but I can't say the same thing for the maintenance section. Also, in the software, we can see component details of the items (for example, if it is a door repair item, details show change hinges, replace lockset, etc.). However, there is no option to export this information on an excel file. In addition, the units are imperial. A simple converter can be implemented so that people can switch to the metric unit system. Alternatives considered [RICS Software](https://www.capterra.com/p/146415/RICS-Software/) Reason for choosing RSMeans Data Online Because RSMeans show much more details than others. Review Source SG Stéphane G. Directeur Estimation Construction Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Base de données" October 1, 2021 4.0 Pros Base de données complète permettant de se situer et d'estimer des coûts détaillés. Cons Une bonne calibration est nécessaire avant l'utilisation du produit. Vous devez vous assurer de suivre les coûts du marchés et les réalités de votre secteur et en faire l'ajustement le plus souvent possible. Review Source Response from Gordian November 18, 2021 Hello Stéphane - Thank you for taking the time to submit feedback of your experience with RSMeans Data Online. BC Bilge C. Construction Management Program Coordinator Education Management Used the software for: 2+ years ### "RWU CM Program / Academic User" June 24, 2019 4.0 Pros Frequent database updates and ease of use. Cons The biggest issue is the lack of ability to modify user accounts in bulk. It takes me 5 minutes to delete a single user license. I need to add and delete up to 60 users every 6 months. It takes me days to add and delete these users to our organization account. This is a major issue for us. We also hope that RS Means will recognize the value of customers like Roger Williams University’s Construction Management Program as an academic/educational user. We train and graduate 40-50 construction management professionals every year and have been teaching them RS Means in multiple courses. As a leading construction management education provider we receive free educational licenses for almost all of our specialized software packages. That is not the case for RS Means. Thanks to CSR we have been getting a discounted set of licenses over multiple years. However, if it was not for him personally advocating for us, it seems unlikely that the remaining team at RS Means would support such access for us. Reason for choosing RSMeans Data Online Our long term relation with RS Means. Review Source RC Rafael C. Cost Estimator Construction Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Accurate proposal" September 23, 2021 5.0 It is a must. Federal projects require rsm pricing and it is very effective and reduces time for cost estimating when comparing to using the RSM’s handbooks. Pros Easy and effective platform to provide cost estimates with reliable cost data. A must for federal bidding. Can select the state an city and get accurate cost on that region according to local cost in labor and materials. Cons User interface and search for lines could be slicker and include filters. When scrolling lines it tends to load new lines every 20 or so and is slow Review Source Response from Gordian November 18, 2021 Hello Rafael - Thank you for taking the time to submit feedback of your experience with RSMeans Data Online. We take your comments seriously and have submitted your idea of enhancing the experience to our Product Development team to take into consideration. EP Eddie P. Director Real Estate Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Would like more clarity on when/why certain components drop out of the SF model..." June 21, 2019 4.0 I'm estimating building components for the purpose of assigning different depreciation recovery periods for federal tax purposes. I've used this tool since it came out and have used RS Means data (formerly the books) my entire career (over 35 years). Pros 1) I like that we can tweak the individual components within the SF model. 2) I like being able to take an existing model I've created in past years and update it with current (or whatever year is relevant) costs to create an estimate for a different year version. Cons 1) Historically, the cost of this tool has skyrocketed much faster than inflation every year. 2) Sometimes we make square foot models and the output doesn’t include costs for what I would assume are key parts of the building. We’ve had issues in the past with roof structure not being a part of the model but recently I generated a model that didn’t have costs for interior partitions, even though it most definitely should have. Is there a way for them to tell us which models exclude certain costs? Sometimes these are difficult to catch in our reviews. Review Source Zachary O. Project Manager Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "RSMeans Data Online" October 16, 2018 5.0 A great investment! Pros Great for quickly estimating larger budgets. RSMeans Cost Data is second to none. I find it is extremely accurate. Great tool for developers, project managers and estimators. Cons It is expensive. But I have found it is well worth the money. Review Source PA Patrick A. Sales/estimator Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Great for Procurement contracts" October 5, 2021 5.0 This software keeps the client in the loop and lets them be a part of the selection of products and scope of work. Pros Easy to search for products and match them with the scope of work. Cons Cannot find everything I need and must use alternate source. This is understandable, especially when the client request is for a particular brand of equipment. Reason for choosing RSMeans Data Online Contracts dictate what product we use. Review Source cH chance H. pm Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Have to use it." October 5, 2021 4.0 I have a hard time getting the costs that i need. I get numbers from subs and this is not keeping up. Pros I like that I am able to use it for the government work. Cons The government does not know how to read the reports that are generated. Reason for choosing RSMeans Data Online the Governement required that we use RS means to bid our projects. Review Source GB Gail B. Project Mgr Construction Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Not happy with service or customer service." September 19, 2019 1.0 RSMeans did nothing but cost a lot of money and provide inaccurate information. Pros Unfortunately it is hard to like much about the software. Many of the assemblies are inaccurate. I am still waiting for a response from the technical service department for a "ticket" that the sales rep put in 5 months ago about inaccurate calculations. Cons The customer service is almost non existent. Emails and the website advertise that their is customer service available until 10 PM. After speaking with a very unpleasant gentlemen, named Kireee, that responded to me by saying "oh my god, reeeally", I discovered he didn't know how to do anything more than sign on to the program. He was the same individual that promised I would get a call back from the training department 8 hours earlier, because he doesn't know anything about construction, only how to log on to the program. He had no idea how to even start an estimate. When he offered to sign on to my computer screen, the software program he used was too outdated for my computer which gets updated regularly. Needless to say, no one from the company ever contacted me. When I called back to speak to a different customer service rep, another "at home" person, named Athena, answered with a hostile attitude. Her only response was to also have someone call back. Reason for choosing RSMeans Data Online I was told RSMeans provided more accurate up to date information and had customer support available until 10 PM EST. That is completely inaccurate. The customer service is provided from someone's home that has absolutely no construction knowledge, never mind estimating. Review Source Talk to a Capterra advisor for free and get results within 15 minutes.