What is a Bill of Quantities?
A Bill of Quantities (BOQ) is a structured document that describes and quantifies construction work so tenderers or contractors can price a common scope. It can also provide a commercial baseline for tender comparison, valuations, variations and final-account work, depending on the contract and procurement method.
What a BOQ contains
A BOQ typically organises work into measured items or sections with descriptions, units and quantities. The exact structure depends on the measurement rules, procurement approach and project requirements.
Where the quantities come from
Quantities are measured from drawings, models, schedules and other design information. Reliable BOQs should preserve the measurement basis and make assumptions or exclusions visible.
Why it helps tendering
A common bill makes it easier to compare how different tenderers price the same measured scope, while qualifications and exclusions still need separate review.
Why revisions matter
When drawings or specifications change, the quantity impact should be reviewed against the relevant source revision so commercial changes are not mixed into the baseline without evidence.
CivilQuant provides this guide as general information. The applicable professional, contractual, accounting or valuation requirements depend on the specific engagement.