Accurate measurement of construction work is the foundation of proper cost estimation, billing, and quantity surveying. For every civil engineering project, the Indian Standards (IS) have laid down clear guidelines to standardize how building works should be measured. Understanding how to measure building work as per IS codes ensures clarity between contractors, engineers, and clients and helps avoid disputes. This guide explains all major rules and methods for measurement based on IS codes in a clear and practical manner.
Why Measurement is Important in Construction
Measurement of work directly impacts budgeting, material planning, contractor payments, and tendering processes. When done as per standard codes, it offers transparency and uniformity across all construction projects.
Benefits of accurate measurement include:
Correct quantity estimation for materials and labor
Avoidance of overbilling or underbilling
Smooth project billing and contractor payments
Legal compliance and accountability
Basis for cost control and project planning
IS Code for Measurement of Building Works
The primary code followed for building work measurement in India is:
IS 1200 – Method of Measurement of Building and Civil Engineering Works
It is divided into multiple parts, each dealing with specific construction components.
| IS 1200 Part | Description |
|---|---|
| Part 1 | Earthwork |
| Part 2 | Concrete work |
| Part 3 | Brickwork |
| Part 4 | Stone masonry |
| Part 5 | Formwork |
| Part 6 | RCC works |
| Part 9 | Flooring |
| Part 11 | Finishing (plaster, pointing, etc.) |
| Part 13 | Water supply, plumbing |
| Part 14 | Electrification |
| Part 15 | Painting and polishing |
General Principles of Measurement as per IS 1200
1. Units of Measurement
Each item is measured in a suitable unit such as:
Length (m) – for pipes, cables
Area (m²) – for plaster, flooring
Volume (m³) – for concrete, earthwork
Number (Nos.) – for doors, fixtures
Weight (kg or tonne) – for steel, reinforcement
2. Mode of Measurement
Work is measured based on the finished dimensions, unless otherwise stated. Deductions and additions are applied according to the component’s size, openings, or overlaps.
3. Deductions for Openings
Openings like doors and windows are deducted from wall area if their size is more than 0.1 m². For smaller openings, no deduction is made, and no additions are made for reveals, jambs, or sills.
4. Centerline or Long Wall–Short Wall Method
For foundation, walls, and RCC footings, either the centerline method or long wall–short wall method is used depending on drawing complexity.
5. Measurement Should Be Item-wise
Each item of work must be measured and recorded separately, with clear description, location, and specification.
How to Measure Earthwork – IS 1200 Part 1
Earthwork is measured in cubic meters (m³). It includes excavation, backfilling, and disposal. Measurements include:
Length × Breadth × Depth of excavated trench or pit
Lead (horizontal distance of disposal) and lift (vertical rise)
Separate measurements for excavation in soft soil, hard soil, and rock
Different items for trench filling, compaction, and water dewatering if required
How to Measure Concrete Work – IS 1200 Part 2
Concrete is measured in m³. It includes PCC and RCC work. Measurement includes:
Clear length × width × depth as per drawing
No deductions for small embedded fixtures like sleeves
Separate measurement for different mixes like M10, M15, M25
RCC work excludes reinforcement and formwork, which are measured separately
How to Measure Reinforcement Work – IS 1200 Part 8
Reinforcement is measured by weight (in kg or tonne). Measurement procedure:
Bar lengths are measured including bends and hooks as per IS 2502
Weight = (D²/162) × length (m)
Separate entries for different diameters (8 mm, 10 mm, 12 mm, etc.)
Lapping, crank bars, and chairs are included
Overlaps are measured only if shown in the drawing or approved by engineer
How to Measure Brickwork – IS 1200 Part 3
Brickwork is measured in m³. Guidelines include:
Dimensions are taken from center to center of the walls
Thickness includes mortar joints
No deductions for small openings under 0.1 m²
Lintels are not deducted unless mentioned separately
Masonry in arches and curved walls measured with care using geometrical methods
How to Measure Plastering and Finishing – IS 1200 Part 11
Plastering is measured in m². Points to consider:
Length × height of wall or surface
Deductions for openings above 0.5 m²
No addition for jambs, soffits, or returns under 0.3 m width
Measured separately for internal and external plaster
Thickness of plaster noted in description (e.g., 12 mm or 20 mm)
How to Measure Flooring Work – IS 1200 Part 9
Flooring, tiling, and marble work are measured in m². The measurement rules include:
Only net finished area is measured
Skirting and dado are measured separately
Openings like manholes or ducts are deducted
For patterned or decorative flooring, joints are not deducted
Each type of flooring material is recorded separately (vitrified, granite, etc.)
How to Measure Painting Work – IS 1200 Part 15
Painting is measured in m². The method includes:
Flat surfaces: Length × height
Doors, windows, grills: Measured by area or counted in numbers with conversion factor
No deduction for minor openings or joints
Two or more coats counted as separate items
Separate measurement for priming, finishing, and texture
Measurement of Formwork – IS 1200 Part 5
Formwork or shuttering is measured in m² of contact surface area with concrete. Rules include:
Only shuttered surface area measured, not volume
Different measurements for columns, beams, slabs, and footings
Repetitive formwork is measured once unless design changes
No deduction for openings up to 0.1 m²
Form oil application is not measured separately
Measurement of Woodwork and Joinery
Wooden doors, windows, and frames are measured in m³ or m² depending on specification. Hardware fittings are measured separately as per number or kg.
Plumbing and Sanitary – IS 1200 Part 13
Pipes are measured in linear meters
Valves and fittings by number and size
Fixtures like basins, closets measured in numbers
Inspection chambers and manholes measured in cubic meters
Jointing, bedding, and testing of pipes covered separately
Measurement of Electrical Work – IS 1200 Part 14
Conduits and wiring in meters
Switches, sockets, MCBs in numbers
Cables measured by length and cross-section
Light points, fans, and accessories by number
Earthing pits and plates measured in sets or numbers
Measurement for Steel Structures – IS 1200 Part 8
Steel in trusses, purlins, and frames is measured in kg or tonnes
Cutting and welding charges included
Bolts, nuts, and gusset plates measured separately
Painting of steel surfaces measured in m²
Useful Tips for Site Engineers
Always refer to the latest IS code edition
Use standard format of measurement book (MB)
Cross-check with drawings before recording
Use digital tools for accuracy and backup
Mention lead, lift, and location clearly in measurement sheets
Keep site records signed by both contractor and client representative
FAQs on Measurement of Building Work
Which IS code is used for measurement in construction?
IS 1200 is the standard series of codes used for measurement of all types of civil engineering works.
Is reinforcement included in concrete measurement?
No, concrete is measured excluding reinforcement. Steel bars are measured separately by weight.
What is the unit of measurement for plaster?
Plaster is measured in square meters (m²) as per IS 1200 Part 11.
What is the measurement book in construction?
Measurement Book (MB) is a government-approved document used to record all on-site construction measurements and quantities.
How are deductions made for openings?
Openings below 0.1 m² are ignored. Above that, deductions are made from net quantity of wall finish or masonry.
Are electrical conduits measured in area?
No, conduits and electrical wires are measured in running meters as per their size and type.
