Bill of Quantities (BOQ) Template - Free Excel File
Looking for a ready-made bill of quantities (BOQ) template so you don't have to start from a blank sheet? Here's a free Excel file with a real-world structure - work groups, formulas for automatic totals, and an explanation of exactly what to fill in.
Download the Template
Download the BOQ template (Excel)
The file contains 12 groups of works (from preliminary activities to demobilization), each with example line items and formulas. The yellow cells (quantity and unit price) are example values - replace them with the real ones for your project. Everything else - group subtotals, the contingency reserve, and VAT - is calculated automatically.
What the Template Includes
| Column | What you enter |
|---|---|
| No. | Line item sequence number |
| Item Description | The exact name of the work - the basis for resolving disputes if something's unclear |
| Unit | sq m, cu m, tons, pcs, linear meter |
| Quantity | The real value for your project (yellow cell) |
| Unit Price (EUR) | Materials + labor + equipment + overhead + profit (yellow cell) |
| Total Value (EUR) | Calculated automatically: quantity x unit price |
The groups follow the standard logic of the construction process: preliminary works, earthworks, structure (formwork, reinforcement, concrete), masonry, roof, finishing works, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, facade, specialized works, demobilization. At the end of the template there's a contingency reserve for unforeseen work (7% by default, adjust based on the type of project) and VAT.
For the complete step-by-step explanation - how to calculate quantities, where to source unit prices, which line items get missed most often - see the full guide to preparing a BOQ.
When the Excel Template Isn't Enough Anymore
A single file for a single project works fine. Problems start when:
- You have several projects running in parallel, each with its own file and a different version of the price list
- You need to turn a finished BOQ into an offer, then into a contract - and re-type the line items at every step
- A client requests a change and it's unclear which is the latest valid version of the file
Specialized quantity survey software solves exactly this - one shared catalog and one current price list for all your projects, instead of every Excel file starting from zero.
Related Articles
- How to Prepare a Bill of Quantities (BOQ): A Practical Guide - the full 7 steps, common mistakes, and tips
- Quantity survey software for construction - when Excel isn't enough anymore
- How to create a construction offer - the next step once your BOQ is ready
Register for free and create your next BOQ directly in the system, without Excel files that drift out of sync.
Frequently asked questions
What should a BOQ template include?
Six elements for every line item: number, description of the work, unit of measure (sq m, cu m, tons, pcs), quantity, unit price, and total value. Line items are grouped by type of work (earthworks, structure, finishing, and so on), and at the end there's a contingency reserve for unforeseen work and VAT.
Can I use this template directly for a client offer?
Yes, as a starting point - but fill in the real quantities and prices for your specific project (the yellow cells in the template), not the example values. You can adjust the groups and structure to match the specifics of your project.
Why don't the totals in the Excel file recalculate automatically?
Normally the formulas update automatically when you change a quantity or price - the file is built exactly on that principle (total value = quantity x unit price, with automatic subtotals per group). If it isn't recalculating for you, check whether Excel is set to Automatic calculation mode (Formulas -> Calculation Options).
What's the difference between this template and dedicated BOQ software?
The Excel template is a good starting point for a single project, but with many line items or several projects running in parallel, versions quickly drift apart - which is the latest file, which price is current. Dedicated software keeps one shared catalog and one current price list for all your projects, instead of every file starting from zero.