Why engineers are replacing spreadsheets with structural engineering software

With fixed-fee projects becoming the norm and engineering teams often stretched thin, structural engineers, especially in small to medium-sized teams, are under pressure to deliver faster designs and stay code-compliant. 

Traditional spreadsheet-based workflow just aren’t cutting it. Manual inputs, inconsistent formulas, and limited traceability increase the risk of errors and rework.

If you’ve ever spent hours wrangling formulas in Excel or double-checking your calcs before a submission, you’ve felt the pain of “Spreadsheet Stress.” Common issues include:

• Wasting hours building or updating Excel models
• Losing confidence due to inconsistent or outdated formulas
• Struggling with code compliance and version tracking
• Having to manually write out calculations for submissions to meet client or legislative requirements
• Errors in spreadsheet formulas
• Client dissatisfaction from slow turnarounds on design, particularly during the construction phase

It’s more than just annoying, it's risky. According to industry data, engineers spend up to 30% of their time managing data manually, and 1% of all spreadsheet formula cells contain errors, even a small mistake can lead to non-compliant designs or costly rework.

But even when engineers are ready to move on from spreadsheets, choosing the right structural engineering software is far from easy. Forum discussions on Reddit and Eng-Tips reveal a common theme: choosing software can feel like trial and error. 

Engineers regularly share stories of tools that are either overkill (“I bought a license for ETABS and only use 10% of it”), painfully complex (“Feels like I need a course to design a beam”), or misaligned with local needs (“None of these packages understand how we design timber in Australia”). 

With dozens of structural software packages on the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when trying to compare tools across pricing, features, and regional relevance.

That’s why we created this guide; to help engineers in Australia and the United States move beyond spreadsheet stress and make confident, informed decisions when choosing structural engineering software that actually fits their workflow, project type, and business model.

How structural engineering software supports modern workflows

Structural engineering software can be divided into three primary categories, each supporting different stages of the design process. Understanding the differences can help you choose the right tool for your workflow.

Which structural software type do you actually need?

• If you're primarily drafting or documenting, design tools like AutoCAD or Revit are essential.
• If your projects involve complex load paths or high-rise structures, analysis tools like ETABS or SpaceGASS simulate behavior under force.
• But if you need quick, reliable member checks, and want transparency in calcs for clients or regulators, calculation tools like ClearCalcs or Structural Toolkit are often the most efficient choice.

Many engineers use a combination of all three, but overinvesting in the wrong type (like analysis software when you're mostly doing beam checks) leads to unnecessary complexity, cost, and training overhead.

How engineers evaluate structural design software in 2025

Engineers often evaluate structural design software based on what’s most pressing in their day-to-day work. That could be speed, material compatibility, ease of documentation, or simply the ability to meet code without friction.

Here are the most common evaluation lenses:

By project type

Whether you're working on residential homes, commercial buildings, or custom building design projects, aligning your tools with the types of structures and material demands is essential.

• Residential engineers may prioritize speed, templates, and timber support.
• Commercial and industrial engineers might need lateral analysis, concrete and steel workflows, or integration with drafting tools.

By material support

Structural engineers often specialize, or at least focus heavily, on a few key materials.

• Timber, steel, concrete, and masonry are the most common.
• The best software surfaces relevant material libraries, limit states, and section properties for these modules without manual input.

By load analysis needs

Different software tools support different load scenarios.

• Basic tools handle dead/live loads and tributary widths.
• Advanced platforms support seismic, snow, and wind loads as well as nonlinear effects. Some even automate load combinations based on AS/NZS or IBC provisions.

By project budget

Software needs often reflect project scale and available budget.

• Lower-budget residential or small commercial firms tend to favor affordable, flexible subscription tools.
• Higher-budget projects may justify enterprise tools with deeper analysis, but they come with training and support costs.
• Budget-conscious teams must consider not just license cost, but total cost of ownership, including time, training, and productivity.

By regional relevance

Engineers also evaluate software options based on how well it supports local codes and practices.

• In the U.S., platforms like Enercalc, StruCalc, RISA, and ClearCalcs are commonly used for low-rise and residential design. ClearCalcs, in particular, is gaining popularity for its transparent calculation workflows and consistent updates to IBC, CBC, and FBC standards.
• In Australia, tools like ClearCalcs, Structural Toolkit, and SpaceGASS align well with AS/NZS codes and typical workflows.
• In Germany and Europe, packages like Sofistik or Dlubal RFEM/RSTAB dominate due to Eurocode integration.

“Half the tools I tried didn’t even have AS/NZS 1170 load paths. What’s the point?”  Reddit user, r/StructuralEngineering

This regional lens helps engineers avoid the frustration of using globally known software that lacks critical local compliance and highlights the growing demand for tools like ClearCalcs that prioritize both code coverage and usability.

Common mistakes when choosing structural engineering tools

When engineers are selecting structural design software, it’s easy to get caught up in flashy features or brand names, without considering whether the tool truly fits their needs. Here are the most common pitfalls engineers face:

1. Choosing software that doesn’t match your project scope

• Problem: A solo residential engineer picks a tool built for high-rise seismic design (e.g., ETABS), which is overkill for their needs.
• Result: Higher costs, longer learning curve, and underused features
• Tip: Match the software to your typical project scale and materials. Don’t overbuy.

2. Underestimating the learning curve

• Problem: Complex software like SpaceGASS or SAP2000 may require weeks of training.
• Result: Loss of productivity during onboarding, errors due to inexperience.
• Tip: Choose platforms that your team can start using productively within days.

3. Overlooking hidden costs

• Problem: Engineers focus on license fees, but forget about training costs, support fees, or productivity losses due to inefficiency.
• Result: Budget overruns or slower ROI.
• Tip: Consider the total cost of ownership, not just the upfront price.

4. Poor integration with your workflow

• Problem: Software that doesn’t export cleanly to PDF, DWG, or integrate with drafting tools like AutoCAD or Revit.
• Result: Double-handling data, copy-pasting errors, and slower delivery.
• Tip: Look for software that fits with your existing CAD/drafting tools or cloud workflow.

5. Falling behind on code compliance

• Problem: Some tools don’t update regularly for changes in AS/NZS, IBC, or ACI codes.
• Result: Risk of non-compliant designs or rework.
• Tip: Choose software that auto-updates with local codes and clearly cites clauses.

6. Accepting “black box” outputs

• Problem: “Black box” software that hides the math or doesn't explain the logic.
• Result: Harder to QA, harder to justify to clients or regulators.
• Tip: Pick tools (like ClearCalcs) that show formulas, assumptions, and checks alongside results.

7. Limited collaboration or cloud access

• Problem: Legacy software with no cloud access or real-time collaboration
• Result: Frustration on teams, slow updates, siloed data.
• Tip: Prioritize cloud platforms if you work with others remotely or want to share work instantly.

8. Vendor lock-in

• Problem: Proprietary formats or licensing traps that make switching difficult.
• Result: Inflexibility and future cost increases.
• Tip: Prefer tools with open file formats (e.g., DWG, CSV) and clear exit strategies.

Compare top structural engineering software platforms

With dozens of tools on the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This table breaks down popular structural engineering software platforms based on real-world use cases, material support, pricing models, and regional relevance.

Best software picks for small and medium-sized engineering teams

• ClearCalcs, SkyCiv, and StruCalc offer flexible subscription pricing and user-friendly interfaces. Ideal for small teams focused on productivity.
• ETABS and SpaceGASS are better suited for engineers dealing with advanced analysis and larger commercial projects.
• Structural Toolkit remains a strong niche option for Australian firms needing detailed wind load analysis and timber design.

This table gives engineers a grounded starting point to shortlist options based on scope, materials, ease of use, and budget, especially useful for firms managing multiple project types across different regions.

How structural engineers should evaluate structural design software

Choosing the right software isn’t just about features. It’s about finding a tool that grows with your team, keeps your work code-compliant, and reduces time spent on manual tasks.

Here are the key factors engineers should prioritize when selecting structural design software:

1. Compliance with standards

Manually updating spreadsheets whenever codes change, like AS/NZS 1170, AS 3600, ACI 318, or IBC, is time-consuming and error-prone.

• Modern software should automatically stay current with local code updates and clearly cite code clauses used in checks.
• Tools like ClearCalcs integrate code changes directly into calculations, reducing rework and risk.

2. Scalability with project complexity

Spreadsheets may work for simple lintels and decks, but break down fast as load paths, materials, or code references grow in complexity. 

The best structural engineering software scales with your project requirements, whether you’re designing a single-story dwelling or a multi-material commercial facility.

• Look for platforms that support load linking, multi-span systems, and integrated member selection, so your workflow scales with your projects.
• ClearCalcs, for example, helps ensure every member in a structure carries the correct loads without re-entering data.

3. User-friendliness and learning curve

Software should help you move faster, not slow you down. If it takes weeks to get up to speed, it may not be a good fit for smaller teams or solo engineers.

“It shouldn’t take four days and 50 YouTube videos to model a basic wood frame.” Structural engineer on Eng-Tips

• Prioritize platforms with an intuitive user interface that include tutorials, in-app guidance, and responsive support.
• ClearCalcs, SkyCiv, and StruCalc all score well here, with interfaces designed for productivity, not punishment.

As Jim Fanjoy of Brittell Architecture puts it: “ClearCalcs has a simple, clean interface that allows you to get to work quickly and clearly shows what is happening in the calculation so you can make smart choices in structural design.”

4. Transparent calculations

“Black box” software outputs make it hard to justify your design decisions—to clients, reviewers, or even your future self.

• Choose tools that show formulas, assumptions, and design checks directly alongside visual diagrams.

Tools like ClearCalcs also include Reference Mode, which displays relevant code clauses and formulas directly next to your calculation steps. This not only helps you validate results in real time but also builds confidence during peer reviews, client presentations, or certifier submissions.

ClearCalcs offers PDF and CSV exports of detailed calculations, helping you retain full traceability so that each parameter and calculation is known.

5. Integration and compatibility

Spreadsheets often require double-handling to create reports, coordinate drawings, or pull in data from CAD/BIM models.

• Modern tools should integrate with PDF print workflows, DWG/DXF import/export, and even architectural layouts from Revit or AutoCAD.
• ClearCalcs and SkyCiv provide PDF summary exports and drawing support.

6. Efficiency and productivity

Good software doesn’t just reduce errors, it frees up time. For engineers operating on tight schedules and fixed-fee contracts, efficiency is often the difference between profit and loss.

• Prioritize tools that eliminate redundant inputs and manual work.
• Features like pre-built calculators, built-in material databases from local suppliers, and automated load distribution can significantly cut design time.
• Tools that allow real-time edits, print-ready exports, and cloud-based access help teams move faster with fewer revisions.

ClearCalcs includes time-saving tools purpose-built for engineering workflows. For example, the load linking feature automatically carries load reactions from one member to the next, like linking sheets in Excel. So you only input data once, and your updates flow through the structure dynamically. 

The member selector helps you instantly compare manufacturer sections, running pass/fail checks in the background so you can make informed decisions without flipping through span tables. Combined with automation features like autosize, these tools help engineers save hours per project and focus on design, not data entry.

Engineers using ClearCalcs consistently report significant time savings, with Lawrence Bowen of VQ Design noting a 75% reduction in workload that enabled him to take on more projects without compromising quality. 

Similarly, Donovan Rae from Lumos & Associates shared that the software boosted their team’s productivity by at least 30%, a critical advantage when working within the constraints of fixed-fee projects.

7. Peer support and vendor responsiveness

Working alone in spreadsheets means reinventing the wheel. Strong software communities offer help, share best practices, and speed up problem-solving.

• Look for active user communities, detailed documentation, and responsive customer support.
• Vendors like ClearCalcs and SkyCiv provide access to webinars, live chat, blog tutorials, and engineering guides tailored to your local standards.

Workflow compatibility: How well does your structural software fit into daily operations?

The best structural engineering software isn’t just about features, it’s about how well it integrates into your day-to-day workflow. Whether you're preparing submission packages, collaborating with architects, or working on residential jobs with tight turnarounds, file format support and integration with drafting tools like AutoCAD and Revit are essential.

Some tools export clean PDFs or DWGs for drafters. Others create bottlenecks with proprietary formats or limited compatibility, which can lead to double-handling, formatting errors, or frustration in downstream processes.

Use this table to understand which tools align with your projects and which might create friction.

Engineers frequently mention frustration with tools that “don’t play nice” with others, whether that’s a lack of DWG/DXF support, no cloud sync, or poor export formatting. One user summarized it well:

“The software works, but the second I try to export to DWG for my drafter, it’s a mess.”

ClearCalcs helps engineering teams bridge the gap between structural calculations and documentation by offering clean PDF and Excel exports, along with an API for custom integrations. While it does not currently support DWG or DXF file imports, its streamlined export options allow engineers to easily incorporate load tables and material data into architectural layouts using tools like AutoCAD or Revit. This makes ClearCalcs a strong fit for firms that need fast, reliable handoffs between design and drafting workflows.

Key insights:

• ClearCalcs is ideal for engineers working across residential and light commercial projects who need export-ready reports and transparent calcs.
  
• ETABS and SpaceGASS shine on high-rise or seismic projects but may be overkill for simpler workflows.
• SkyCiv stands out for cloud compatibility and Revit export, which is helpful in design coordination workflows.
• Engineers working in Australia should consider format compatibility with documentation requirements, especially for council submissions or collaboration with architects using AutoCAD or Revit.

This table helps filter options based not just on what the software can do, but how well it fits your everyday workflow.

Ease of adoption: How fast can you and your team get up to speed?

Even the most feature-rich software can fall short if it is difficult to learn or slows your team down. For smaller firms or teams handling a high volume of projects, onboarding time is critical. Structural engineers often value software that enables them to be productive within days instead of weeks.

Look for tools that combine an intuitive interface with built-in guidance, strong documentation, and responsive support. This combination provides a faster path to value and helps avoid costly mistakes caused by inexperience.

The table below compares popular structural engineering platforms by how easy they are to adopt, along with the training resources available to support new users.

Key insights:

• ClearCalcs, SkyCiv, and StruCalc offer strong usability, with in-app tutorials, video libraries, and live support chat that help engineers get up and running quickly.
• ETABS and SpaceGASS, while powerful, come with steep learning curves and often require formal or paid training, making them better suited to larger firms with dedicated onboarding capacity.
• Engineers working independently or in fast-moving teams benefit most from software that is easy to pick up and backed by robust support, helping reduce downtime and deliver faster ROI.

What the future holds for structural engineering software

Spreadsheets won’t disappear overnight, but for many structural engineers, they’re already becoming a bottleneck. Manual workflows, version control issues, and the risk of hidden errors are too costly to ignore, especially on fixed-fee jobs or when juggling multiple projects.

Modern structural engineering software is changing the game. Platforms like ClearCalcs, SkyCiv, and others are helping engineers streamline their processes, stay up to date with evolving codes, and reduce the time spent on repetitive calculations. 

The days of manually updating every code revision or rechecking formulas are numbered.

But choosing the right tool is just as important as deciding to upgrade. Every engineering firm has a different focus, residential vs. commercial, solo vs. small team, timber vs. multi-material. The best software is the one that fits your specific workflow, supports your most-used materials, and scales with your construction projects.

If you're still spending hours chasing spreadsheet bugs or manually formatting your calculation outputs, it's time to ask:

• Are we losing valuable time on tasks that could be automated?
• Are we confident that our calculations reflect the latest codes?
• Are we building trust with clients and reviewers, or just getting by?

Make 2025 the year you leave spreadsheet stress behind.

Explore structural engineering software built for speed, clarity, and accuracy. See how a cloud-based calculations platform like ClearCalcs can help you do more with less, while delivering results you can trust.