What is the difference between NRM2 and SMM7?

NRM2 (New Rules of Measurement, 2013) is the current RICS standard for BoQ preparation, with more detailed rules and BIM compatibility. SMM7 (Standard Method of Measurement, 1988) is the older standard with 27 work sections. NRM2 uses alphabetical groups (A–I) while SMM7 uses numbered sections (1–27). NRM2 is recommended for new projects.

Should I use NRM2 or SMM7?

Use NRM2 for all new projects unless the client or contract specifically requires SMM7. NRM2 is the current RICS recommended standard, supports BIM workflows, and is increasingly adopted internationally. Continue using SMM7 only for legacy projects or when contractually required.

Yes, SMM7 is still used in legacy projects, government contracts that specify it, and by practitioners trained on it. However, it's being gradually phased out in favor of NRM2. RICS recommends NRM2 for all new bills of quantities.

What measurement standard does Enormous Buildings use?

Enormous Buildings generates BoQs using an NRM2-style format, which is the current RICS recommended standard. The AI automatically categorizes items by trade group, uses consistent measurement rules, and produces clear item descriptions in standard BoQ format.

NRM2 vs SMM7: Which BoQ Measurement Standard Should You Use?

NRM2 and SMM7 are the two most common BoQ measurement standards. This guide explains the key differences, when to use each, and what it means for your construction projects.

What Are Measurement Standards?

Measurement standards define the rules for how construction work is measured, described, and presented in a bill of quantities. They ensure consistency across projects and allow fair comparison between tenders.

The two most widely used standards in the UK and Commonwealth countries are NRM2 and SMM7.

What Is NRM2?

NRM2 (New Rules of Measurement, Volume 2) is the current RICS standard for preparing bills of quantities for capital building works. Published by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), it replaced SMM7 as the recommended standard.

Key Features of NRM2:

Published in 2013 by RICS
Covers capital building works
More detailed measurement rules than SMM7
Better aligned with modern construction practices
Supports both approximate and detailed estimates
Includes rules for measuring complex elements
Designed for use with BIM workflows

Structure of NRM2:

NRM2 organizes work into groups and sub-groups:

Group A: Preliminaries
Group B: Existing site conditions
Group C: Substructure
Group D: Superstructure (walls, floors, roof)
Group E: Internal finishes
Group F: Fittings
Group G: Services (mechanical, electrical)
Group H: External works
Group I: Measured work not included in other groups

What Is SMM7?

SMM7 (Standard Method of Measurement, 7th Edition) was the standard for BoQ preparation from 1988 until NRM2 was introduced. It's still widely used, especially in legacy projects and by practitioners who trained on it.

Key Features of SMM7:

Published in 1988 by RICS and the Construction Industry Council
27 work sections covering all construction trades
Extensive guidance notes
Well-established and understood by older practitioners
Still referenced in many contracts
Being gradually phased out in favor of NRM2

Structure of SMM7:

SMM7 organizes work into 27 sections:

Preliminaries
Existing site conditions
Substructure
Concrete work
Masonry
Structural/carcase carpentry
First fix carpentry
Second fix carpentry
Roofing
Plumbing
Mechanical heating
Electrical
Plastering
Glazing
Painting
Drainage
Paving
Plant
Doors
Windows
Metalwork
Ironmongery
Suspended ceilings
Floor finishes
Wall finishes
Furniture
Building fabric sundries

Key Differences: NRM2 vs SMM7

Aspect	NRM2	SMM7
Published	2013	1988
Status	Current RICS standard	Legacy (still used)
Structure	Groups A–I	27 numbered sections
Detail level	More detailed rules	Less prescriptive
BIM compatibility	Designed for BIM	Pre-BIM era
Approximate estimates	Supported	Limited
Guidance notes	Comprehensive	Extensive
Adoption	Growing	Declining
New projects	Recommended	Only if specified
International use	Increasing	Common in legacy

When to Use NRM2

New Projects

For all new projects in the UK and Commonwealth, NRM2 is the recommended standard. RICS guidance is clear: NRM2 should be used for new bills of quantities.

BIM Projects

NRM2 was designed with BIM in mind. If your project uses BIM, NRM2's structure aligns better with model-based quantity extraction.

RICS-Regulated Work

If your project requires RICS-regulated quantity surveying, NRM2 is the expected standard.

International Projects

NRM2 is increasingly adopted internationally, especially in Commonwealth countries and Middle East projects with UK-based consultants.

When to Use SMM7

Legacy Contracts

If an existing contract specifies SMM7, you must continue using it for consistency. Switching standards mid-project causes confusion and potential disputes.

Client Specification

Some clients, especially government departments, still specify SMM7 in their tender documents. Always follow the client's specified standard.

Practitioner Familiarity

If your quantity surveyor is more comfortable with SMM7 and the project doesn't mandate NRM2, using SMM7 may be more efficient.

Existing Frameworks

If you're working within an existing framework agreement that uses SMM7, continue with it for consistency.

How to Choose: Decision Guide

Situation	Recommended Standard
New UK project	NRM2
New international project	NRM2 or POMI
Existing contract specifies SMM7	SMM7
Client specifies SMM7	SMM7
BIM project	NRM2
RICS-regulated project	NRM2
Private project (no preference)	NRM2
Legacy project continuation	SMM7
World Bank project	POMI
US/Canada project	CSI MasterFormat

Impact on BoQ Preparation

The choice of standard affects:

Item Numbering

NRM2 uses alphabetical group references (A, B, C...). SMM7 uses numerical section references (1, 2, 3...).

Item Descriptions

NRM2 provides more detailed description rules. SMM7 descriptions are shorter but rely more on the QS's judgment.

Measurement Rules

Some elements are measured differently between the two standards. For example, wall openings are treated slightly differently in NRM2 vs SMM7.

Trade Organization

NRM2 groups trades differently than SMM7. For example, NRM2 combines all superstructure elements into Group D, while SMM7 separates them into sections 4 (concrete), 5 (masonry), 7 (carpentry), etc.

How AI Handles Measurement Standards

Enormous Buildings generates BoQs using an NRM2-style format, which is the current RICS recommended standard. The AI:

Automatically categorizes items by trade group
Uses consistent measurement rules
Produces clear item descriptions
Organizes output in standard BoQ format

If you need SMM7 format specifically, you can export the NRM2-style BoQ to Excel and reorganize the trade sections manually—a quick adjustment since the quantities are already correct.

Other Measurement Standards

POMI (Principles of Measurement International)

Used for international projects, especially World Bank-funded work. Simpler than NRM2 or SMM7, designed for cross-border consistency.

CSI MasterFormat

Used in the USA and Canada. Organizes work into 49 divisions (03: Concrete, 04: Masonry, 05: Metals, etc.). Very different structure from NRM2/SMM7.

AACPI

Used in Australia. Similar principles to SMM7 but adapted for Australian construction practices.

Best Practice: Consistency Is Key

Whichever standard you choose, the most important thing is consistency. Mixing standards within a single BoQ causes confusion, pricing errors, and disputes.

If you're starting a new project with no constraints, choose NRM2. It's the current standard, future-proof, and increasingly expected by clients and contractors.

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