---
title: "Measurement book"
subject: "Construction Management"
chapter: 8
key: "semester_8/construction_management:measurement-book"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_8/construction_management/measurement-book
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Measurement book

Construction Management · Chapter 8: Site Management

- Asked in: 2079 Jestha, 2 marks; 2070 Bhadra, 3 marks; 2072 Asoj (asked 3 times)
- Video: [Public Works: Measurement Book](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MR17HoUkLFM) — eGovFoundation
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_8/construction_management/measurement-book
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_8/construction_management/chapter-8

## Question

What is a measurement book? Explain.

## Short answer

A measurement book is a serially numbered bound book recording detailed dimensions and quantities of completed work, used as the basis for contractor bills and payment. Entries are made in ink, cannot be removed, corrections are initialled, and it is signed by the measurer and checked by a senior officer.

## Answer

A **measurement book** (MB) is a bound, serially numbered book in which the engineer or overseer records the detailed measurements of all work done at site, such as length, breadth, height and number, together with the calculated quantity. It is the basic record for preparing the contractor's bills and for payment.

#### Features
- The book carries a serial number and its pages are numbered; no page may be removed.
- Entries are made in ink with the date, location, item and description; measurements are not erased, and corrections are made by crossing out and initialling.
- Each entry refers to the agreement item, and totals are calculated and checked by a second person.
- It is signed by the person who measures and checked by a senior officer.
- An abstract of measurements is prepared at the end for the bill.

#### Uses
1. The basis of the running bills and the final bill.
2. A record of the work done, which can be checked later.
3. Helps to find variations from the contract quantities.
4. Evidence in audits and disputes.
5. Records hidden work (foundation, reinforcement) before it is covered.

The MB is kept in the safe custody of the engineer and is not given to the contractor.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. A measurement book records:
   A. Detailed measurements of work done with calculated quantities, the basis for bills
   B. Daily attendance of workers
   C. Orders to the contractor
   D. Stock of cement
   Answer: A. The MB is the basic record for bills and payment. (Key point: Definition)

2. How are corrections made in the MB?
   A. Erasing
   B. By cancelling and initialling
   C. By tearing the page
   D. By overwriting
   Answer: B. Measurements are not erased; corrections are cancelled and initialled. (Key point: Corrections)

3. Why are measurements of foundation and reinforcement recorded in the MB?
   A. They become hidden after covering and cannot be measured later
   B. They are cheaper
   C. They are not paid
   D. They are optional
   Answer: A. Hidden work is recorded before it is covered. (Key point: Hidden work)

## Related in Construction Management

- [Short note: Measurement book and muster roll](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Fconstruction_management%3Ameasurement-book-muster-roll-note) — Construction Management, chapter 8
- [Differentiate site order book and measurement book](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Fconstruction_management%3Asob-vs-measurement-book) — Construction Management, chapter 8