For civil engineering students and freshers, preparing a BOQ for the first time can feel like a lot of scattered rules — different units for different items, rate sources that vary by client type, and a compilation format that has to match what a contractor or examiner expects. Here’s the process laid out as a clean, learnable sequence.
The BOQ Preparation Process in Civil Engineering
| Step | Skill/Tool Needed |
|---|---|
| 1. Read drawings & specs | Understanding architectural/structural drawings |
| 2. Break into work sections | Knowledge of construction sequence |
| 3. Take off quantities | Mensuration — length × breadth × depth |
| 4. Assign correct units | Cum, Sqm, Rmt, Ton, No. per item type |
| 5. Apply rates | DSR/PWD schedule or rate analysis |
| 6. Compile & total | Spreadsheet or manual tabulation |
Worked Example: Preparing a BOQ Item
Take a simple item — RCC footing, 1.5m × 1.5m × 0.6m, 4 footings:
- Calculate quantity: Volume = 1.5 × 1.5 × 0.6 × 4 = 5.4 Cum
- Assign unit: Cum (cubic metre, standard for concrete)
- Apply rate: RCC M20 rate = ₹7,900/Cum (from DSR or rate analysis)
- Calculate amount: 5.4 × ₹7,900 = ₹42,660
- Enter in BOQ: S.No, Description (“RCC footing M20”), Unit (Cum), Qty (5.4), Rate (7,900), Amount (42,660)
Repeat this for every item in the project, group by section, and total each section into the final abstract of cost.
💡 Practicing on a real structure
The fastest way to actually learn BOQ preparation is to work through a real project structure rather than isolated examples. Our BOQ & Estimation Excel Templates come pre-built with formulas visible, so you can see exactly how each quantity, rate, and amount connects.
Common Mistakes Students Make
- Mixing units — using Sqm for an item that should be measured in Cum (e.g., treating a footing as an area instead of a volume).
- Forgetting deductions — not subtracting door/window openings from wall area before applying the plaster or masonry rate.
- Skipping the abstract — leaving item-wise totals unsummed instead of rolling into a final project cost.
- Using outdated rates — applying an old DSR/PWD schedule instead of the current revision.
Learn by Example
Civil Work Estimate & BOQ Template — ₹249
See every formula from takeoff to final abstract, ready to adapt for your own project
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first step in preparing a BOQ in civil engineering?
Studying the approved drawings and specifications to understand scope, materials, and grades before measuring any quantities.
What units are used in a civil engineering BOQ?
Cum for concrete/earthwork, Sqm for plaster/flooring/painting, Rmt for pipes/skirting, Ton for steel, and No. for countable fittings.
Is Excel enough to prepare a BOQ, or is special software needed?
Excel is sufficient and is what most engineers and contractors actually use — dedicated estimating software helps at scale but isn’t required to prepare an accurate BOQ.
Related: BOQ Preparation of Civil Work · BOQ Rates Explained · CPWD BOQ Format & Rate Analysis