Source: https://www.quantsurv.com/library/glossary/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 2 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.

### Bill of quantities template

Link quantities to the take-off and state the specification and measurement basis. Keep provisional items and exclusions identifiable.

[Download blank Excel workbook](<https://www.quantsurv.com/downloads/library/bill-of-quantities-template.xlsx>)

Free blank template for your own project. The completed example is shown below. No email address required.

View the completed example

Completed fictional example

Westhaven refurbishment · 14 October 2026 · Version 1.0

#### Bill of quantities template

Scroll across if needed to read the whole record. A dash means no value has been entered.

Bill of quantities template: completed fictional example
| Item | Description / specification | Quantity | Unit | Rate (£) | Amount (£) | Measurement source |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 01 | Partition finish to specification F-01 | 80 | m² | £25.00 | £2,000.00 | Take-off M-01 and M-02 |
| 02 | Special finish to specification F-02 | 20 | m² | £40.00 | £800.00 | Take-off M-03 |

Example measured total £2,800 excluding VAT. These are teaching rates, not a market price recommendation.

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