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

# Differentiate site order book and measurement book

Construction Management · Chapter 8: Site Management

- Asked in: 2073 Bhadra, 2 marks
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_8/construction_management/sob-vs-measurement-book
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_8/construction_management/chapter-8

## Question

Explain and differentiate between site order book and measurement book.

## Short answer

A site order book records written instructions and orders from the engineer to the contractor, while a measurement book records measured quantities of completed work. The order book is evidence of instructions, delays and variations; the measurement book is the basis for bills, payment and audit.

## Answer

A **site order book** records the written instructions and orders given by the engineer to the contractor at site. A **measurement book** records the measured quantities of completed work.

| Point | Site order book | Measurement book |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Written orders, instructions, remarks | Measurements of work done |
| Contents | Instructions, defects, changes, replies | Dimensions, quantities, calculations, location |
| Used for | Control of quality, time and variations | Preparation of bills and payment |
| Written by | Engineer; contractor writes replies | Engineer, overseer or measuring person |
| Signed by | Engineer and contractor's representative | Measuring person, contractor, checking officer |
| Value as record | Evidence of instructions, extension of time, variations | Evidence of quantity of work for payment and audit |
| Kept at | Site office, open to the contractor and inspecting officers | With the engineer, in safe custody |

## Check yourself

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

1. What is a site order book used for?
   A. Recording measured quantities
   B. Recording written instructions and orders to the contractor
   C. Recording daily wages
   D. Recording material stock
   Answer: B. The site order book holds written instructions, orders, defects and replies. (Key point: Purpose of SOB)

2. The measurement book is mainly used for what?
   A. Control of quality and variations
   B. Replying to the engineer
   C. Preparing bills and payment
   D. Listing defects
   Answer: C. Measured quantities in the MB are the basis for bills and payment. (Key point: Use of MB)

3. Where is each book normally kept?
   A. SOB with the engineer in safe custody; MB open at the contractor's site
   B. Both locked in the head office
   C. SOB at the contractor's site open to inspection; MB with the engineer in safe custody
   D. Both with the contractor
   Answer: C. The site order book stays at the site open to inspection while the MB is kept safely by the engineer. (Key point: Custody)

## Related in Construction Management

- [Site order book](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Fconstruction_management%3Asite-order-book) — Construction Management, chapter 8, asked 5×
- [Measurement book](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Fconstruction_management%3Ameasurement-book) — Construction Management, chapter 8, asked 3×
- [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

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