Bill of quantities.
A bill of quantities (BoQ) is a formal document prepared by a quantity surveyor that lists every item of work with its measured quantity, description, and unit. Contractors insert their rates to produce a total tender price.
Who this guide is for
Contractors pricing BoQs for main contracts, subcontractors pricing work packages, and anyone who needs to understand the standard method of measurement used in UK construction.
How a BoQ is structured
A BoQ is divided into work sections following the standard method of measurement (NRM2 or SMM7). Each item has: item number, description, unit of measurement, quantity, and a column for rate and total. Preliminary items are listed separately. The contractor prices each item and totals the columns.
Miniature example
BoQ extract for foundation concrete:
Item A100: Excavate trench 0.5–1.0 m deep — 24 m³ — rate £22.00 — total £528
Item A110: Concrete grade C25 in foundations — 24 m³ — rate £145.00 — total £3,480
Item A120: Formwork to foundation sides — 36 m² — rate £38.00 — total £1,368
Section total: £5,376
Common mistakes
- Pricing items without reading the preambles and specifications that define quality
- Missing items that are in the drawings but not separately measured in the BoQ
- Incorrect unit conversions or arithmetic errors when extending rates
Related guides and tools
Compare with quantified schedules and schedules of rates. Use the Construction Estimator for BoQ-style pricing.