bill of quantities: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2 (Specialized Professional)Formal, Technical (Construction/Engineering/Project Management)
Quick answer
What does “bill of quantities” mean?
A document used in construction and engineering that provides a detailed list of materials, parts, labor, and other items required to complete a project, with quantities specified.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A document used in construction and engineering that provides a detailed list of materials, parts, labor, and other items required to complete a project, with quantities specified.
A standardized, itemized schedule of work and materials prepared by a quantity surveyor, serving as the basis for obtaining comparable tenders from contractors and for valuing work during the construction process.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is standard and common in both UK and Commonwealth countries (e.g., Australia, Singapore). In the US, the term 'schedule of values' or 'quantity takeoff' is often used in similar contexts, though 'bill of quantities' is understood in international project management.
Connotations
In UK/Commonwealth contexts, it implies a formal, detailed, and standardized process central to traditional procurement (e.g., JCT contracts). In the US, it may be perceived as a more British/International term.
Frequency
Very high frequency in UK/Commonwealth construction industries. Lower frequency in general US usage, where alternative terms are preferred.
Grammar
How to Use “bill of quantities” in a Sentence
[Contractor] tendered based on the bill of quantities.[Quantity Surveyor] prepared the bill of quantities for [Project].[Client] issued the bill of quantities to [multiple bidders].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bill of quantities” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The project was tendered using a measured bill of quantities.
- We need to bill-of-quantities this section more accurately. (Rare, jargony verb form).
American English
- The estimator will quantity-takeoff the plans. (Uses the synonym as a verb).
- The scope was not properly bill-of-quantitied, leading to disputes.
adverb
British English
- The work was priced bill-of-quantities style. (Informal).
American English
- They tendered the project bill-of-quantities-wise. (Informal/Jargon).
adjective
British English
- The bill-of-quantities approach ensures price transparency.
- We operate on a bill-of-quantities basis.
American English
- The bill-of-quantities method is less common here than the design-build model.
- A bill-of-quantities contract provides more cost certainty.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Crucial for cost control, tender comparison, and interim payment applications in construction projects.
Academic
Studied in surveying, construction management, and civil engineering courses as a key procurement tool.
Everyday
Almost never used in everyday conversation. Highly specialized term.
Technical
The foundational document for measurement and valuation in many construction contracts (e.g., using Standard Method of Measurement - SMM).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bill of quantities”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bill of quantities”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bill of quantities”
- Using 'bill of quantities' to refer to an invoice sent after work is done. (It's a pre-tender document).
- Confusing it with a 'bill of materials' (BOM), which is a manufacturing/assembly list, not a construction tender document with measured work.
- Using it as a plural incorrectly (e.g., 'bills of quantity' – the standard fixed phrase is 'bill of quantities').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A quantity surveyor or cost consultant, often on behalf of the client or project designer.
Yes, when it forms part of a signed contract. It becomes the basis for measuring work completed and calculating payments.
The specification describes the quality and standards of materials and workmanship (the 'how' and 'what quality'). The BOQ itemizes and quantifies the work required (the 'how much' and 'what quantity'). They are often complementary documents.
Yes, through formal contract variations or change orders if the scope of work changes. The priced BOQ is then used to value these changes.
A document used in construction and engineering that provides a detailed list of materials, parts, labor, and other items required to complete a project, with quantities specified.
Bill of quantities is usually formal, technical (construction/engineering/project management) in register.
Bill of quantities: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbɪl əv ˈkwɒntɪtiz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbɪl əv ˈkwɑːntɪtiz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's all in the BQ. (Meaning the detailed answers/costs are found in the document)”
- “The BQ is the bible for this contract. (Meaning it is the primary reference for scope and payment)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a restaurant bill that itemizes every dish (material) and drink (labor) with its quantity and price. A 'Bill of Quantities' does the same for a building project.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CONSTRUCTION PROJECT IS A FINANCIAL RECIPE. The bill of quantities is the detailed recipe listing every ingredient (material) and step (labor) in exact amounts needed to 'cook' (build) the project.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a bill of quantities?