The rules for measurement of each item are invariably described in IS - 1200. However some of the general rules are listed below:

1. Measurement shall be made for finished item of work and description of each item shall include materials, transport, labour, fabrication tools and plant and all types of overheads for finished the work in required shape, size and specification.

2. In booking, the order shall be in sequence of length, breadth and height or thickness.

3.  All works shall be measured subject to the following tolerances.

•  Linear measurement shall be measured to the nearest 0.01m.

•  Areas shall be measured to the nearest 0.01 SQM

•  Cubic contents shall be worked out to the nearest 0.01 cum.

4. Same type of work under different conditions and nature shall be measured separately under separate items.

5.The bill of quantities shall fully describe the materials, proportions, workmanships and accurately represent the work to be executed.

6.In case of masonry (stone or brick) or structural concrete, the categories shall be measured separately and the heights shall be described as:

•  From foundation to plinth level

•  From plinth to first floor level

•  From first floor to second floor level and so on.