How to create a BOQ online with EstiMatrix — step by step

A bill of quantities (BOQ) is the document every construction budget, tender and payment in Bangladesh is built on. EstiMatrix turns the job into one linked workbook so you never re-type a quantity or a rate. This guide walks through a complete BOQ from scratch.

1. Start a new project

Open Create a BOQ from the homepage or the menu. You do not need an account to start — but read the note on guest mode below.

The set-up dialog asks for:

• Project information — name, reference number, client, location and the district. Choosing a district sets the PWD zone (A, B, C or D) and the district labour rate in one step.
• Structure & units — new construction, retrofit or renovation; RCC, steel or hybrid; and the unit system: metric (m, sqm, cum) or imperial (rft, sft, cft). You can switch units later without losing accuracy (see switching units mid-project).
• Budget breakdown — one consolidated budget, floor-wise or phase-wise.
• Taxes & margins — VAT, AIT, profit and overhead are pre-filled with the standard percentages. Keep them or change them; they can be edited any time later.

You can also start from a verified Prime Base Engineering project template — a PEB warehouse, an RMG retrofitting package or an industrial utility building — instead of a blank BOQ.

2. Add items

Inside the workbook, use + SoR item to search the PWD Schedule of Rates. Type words ("40 MPa column", "plaster 1:4") or an item number ("07.5.1"). Every SoR item arrives with:

• the published rate for your zone, converted to your unit system;
• a generated rate analysis (materials, labour, equipment) priced at PWD basic rates, with today's market prices alongside;
• a measurement sheet ready for take-off.

Use + Custom for items not in the schedule — they come with their own rate analysis template — and + Library for items you saved from earlier projects.

After each addition, EstiMatrix suggests the next logical item from standard construction sequencing — for example sand filling in foundation trenches after earthwork in excavation. Accept it with one click or dismiss it.

3. Measure

Click an item's quantity to open its measurement sheet. Type Nos × Length × Breadth × Height row by row:

• press Enter to move Description → Nos → Length → Breadth → Height → new row;
• type formulas such as =12.5+15+8.25 — the cell keeps the formula for checking later;
• add deduction rows for openings;
• rebar and structural steel items switch automatically to their own take-off layouts.

The measurement sheet guide covers every option.

4. Check rates and the analysis

The Rate analysis sheet shows the breakdown behind every item. Compare PWD rates with market rates using PWD vs Market, try a different rebar brand or cement with the Material Swapper, and check the cost per SFT pill in the toolbar against thumb rules.

5. Issue the BOQ

Use Export for:

• the full engineering Workbook (Excel with live formulas, or A4 PDF);
• a Client BOQ without rate analyses or PWD codes;
• a Blank Quotation for subcontractors;
• an e-GP schedule with unit rates in English and Bengali words.

Add your company letterhead, revision and Prepared / Checked / Approved block from File → Letterhead & sign-off. See exporting your BOQ.

Guest mode: save your work

Without an account, your BOQ is stored only temporarily in your browser. Clearing the cache or cookies erases it. Create a free account — everything you did as a guest moves into it automatically and is backed up to the cloud.

Next steps

• Rate analysis on the PWD SoR
• VAT, AIT, profit and overhead
• What is a bill of quantities?