Source: https://www.quantsurv.com/library/definitions/boq
Content format: Markdown version of the public page.
Content reviewed: 2026-10-10

# BOQ (bill of quantities)

A document that lists the work item by item, with quantities, for pricing.

by [Jack Butler-Kettle](<https://www.quantsurv.com/about#jack-butler-kettle>) · About 1 min readShare

## Further detail

Read this alongside [NRM 2: Detailed measurement for building works](<https://www.rics.org/content/dam/ricsglobal/documents/standards/NRM-2_Oct2022_Update.pdf>).

A bill of quantities separates work into descriptions, units and quantities for pricing. Whether those quantities are fixed or remeasured depends on the contract. A rate may help value a change, but only if the valuation rules and the character of the changed work make it applicable.

Keep the original bill, revisions and measurement records together. Our [Quantity take-off and bill of quantities preparation](<https://www.quantsurv.com/quantity-surveying?service=%2Fquantity-surveying%2Fmeasurement-bills-of-quantities#client-types>) service establishes descriptions, units and quantities on an agreed measurement basis. Use our [Change valuation and compensation-event quotations](<https://www.quantsurv.com/quantity-surveying?service=%2Fquantity-surveying%2Fvariations-compensation-events#client-types>) service to assess later changes against that baseline.

## Sources

1.  [NRM 2: Detailed measurement for building works, UK 2nd edition, October 2021 (reissued October 2022 as RICS practice information)](<https://www.rics.org/content/dam/ricsglobal/documents/standards/NRM-2_Oct2022_Update.pdf>). RICS.

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