A bill of quantities is a construction document that lists everything needed to build a project, item by item, with quantities. It is prepared by a quantity surveyor or estimator and used to obtain competitive bids from contractors. Instead of pricing a vague description, each bidder prices the same measured list of materials and labor.

The document is organized by trade or work section: earthworks, concrete, masonry, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and so on. Each line describes the item, its unit of measurement, and the quantity. A contractor fills in rates and totals. The result is a detailed, comparable price breakdown.

Bills of quantities are common in public projects and large private ones. They reduce disputes because everyone bids on the same scope. They also help with cost control during construction, since changes can be priced against the original rates.

Not every project uses one. Small residential jobs often rely on drawings and specifications alone. But on complex projects, a good bill of quantities is worth the effort.