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Matrak vs Autodesk Forma
Autodesk Forma estimates carbon from early massing. Matrak measures it from the documented design.
What is Autodesk Forma?
Autodesk Forma is Autodesk's cloud tool for early-stage design. Its embodied carbon analysis, built on the former C.Scale, estimates carbon from massing models and design assumptions so architects can compare options before the design is detailed.
Where it shines: Instant feedback while the building is still a massing model, inside the Autodesk ecosystem.
Matrak vs Autodesk Forma, capability by capability
| Capability | Autodesk Forma | Matrak AI Takeoff |
|---|---|---|
| Measures quantities from PDF drawings | No | Yes |
| Uses supplier EPDs | No | Yes |
| NABERS factors (Green Star Upfront Carbon) | No | Yes |
| Re-measures each revision and shows the carbon change | No | Yes |
| Every quantity marked up on the drawing | No | Yes |
| Whole-of-life LCA (modules A to D) | Partial | No |
| Certified rating or certification report | No | No |
| Where the quantities come from | Massing model and design assumptions | PDF drawings, plus any supplier EPDs you attach |
| Pricing | Autodesk subscription | Pay per takeoff, carbon included. No subscription. |
Based on each vendor's public product information as at September 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we'll correct it.
The difference that matters
Massing-based estimates are for choosing between options, not for reporting what you're actually building. Once there are drawings, Matrak measures the real quantities from the PDFs and puts NABERS or supplier-EPD carbon on every line of the bill.
A carbon tool is only as good as the quantities fed into it, and producing those quantities is the slow, expensive part: a consultant rebuilding a bill of quantities by hand, often months after the drawings. Matrak's AI measures them straight from the PDF drawings in about 30 minutes, applies supplier EPDs first and NABERS factors where there are none, and shows every quantity marked up on the drawing. Run it again on the next revision and you see the carbon change beside the cost change.
Frequently asked questions
Does Matrak replace an LCA tool?
Not for a whole-of-life LCA or a certified rating. Matrak measures upfront embodied carbon (cradle-to-gate, A1 to A3) for each line of the bill of quantities, from the drawings. Many teams use it to get the quantities and a first carbon number fast, then carry the bill into their LCA tool or a NABERS assessment.
Where do the carbon factors come from?
Your suppliers' Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) when you attach them. Otherwise the NABERS National material emission factors database (v2026.2), the dataset GBCA's Green Star Buildings requires for its Upfront Carbon credit.
How long does it take?
About 30 minutes for a typical project, from PDF drawings to a bill of quantities with carbon on every line. There's no model to build and no quantities to type in.
Can we export it?
Yes. Excel, CSV and the quote all carry the carbon columns, or push it straight into Matrak.