US Standards · CSI MasterFormat
Learn to estimate construction like a pro
16 modules = the 16 CSI MasterFormat divisions. Real theory, interactive take-off exercises, calculators and quizzes. Guided by AACE, ASPE, RSMeans and ASTM E2516.
The 16 divisions
Division 01 – General Requirements
Covers the project's administrative and procedural requirements.
Division 02 – Site Construction
Focuses on earthwork, demolition, and site preparation.
Division 03 – Concrete
Everything related to cast-in-place and precast concrete.
Division 04 – Masonry
Brick, concrete block (CMU) and stone walls bonded with mortar, often reinforced and grouted. Estimated by wall area, then converted to unit counts of block or brick.
Division 05 – Metals
Structural steel framing, steel joists, metal deck and miscellaneous metals. The structural steel itself is estimated by WEIGHT (tons); decking and railings by area or length.
Division 06 – Wood & Plastics
Rough carpentry (framing, blocking, sheathing) and finish carpentry / millwork (trim, cabinets). Lumber is quantified in Board Feet (BF) and Linear Feet (LF); sheet goods by SF.
Division 07 – Thermal & Moisture Protection
The building's defense against water, vapor, air and heat loss: waterproofing, dampproofing, insulation, air/vapor barriers, roofing, flashing and sealants. The highest-risk division for callbacks and litigation, so accurate takeoff matters.
Division 08 – Doors & Windows
Openings in the building: doors, frames, hardware, windows, storefront and curtain wall. Doors and frames are counted by the EACH (opening); glazing systems are measured by area (SF).
Division 09 – Finishes
The visible surfaces: gypsum drywall, plaster, tile, flooring, acoustic ceilings and paint. Almost everything in Division 09 is measured by AREA in Square Feet (SF).
Division 10 – Specialties
Manufactured, installed items: toilet partitions and accessories, signage, lockers, fire extinguisher cabinets, corner guards and visual display boards. Almost all are counted by the EACH.
Division 11 – Equipment
Fixed and built-in equipment serving a building's function: commercial kitchen and foodservice equipment, laboratory and medical equipment, library, athletic, theater and loading-dock equipment. Almost everything is counted by the EACH and priced as a furnished unit.
Division 12 – Furnishings
Furnishings and movable equipment: manufactured casework and cabinets, countertops, window treatments (blinds/shades), entrance mats, and furniture (FF&E). Casework is measured by LF of run; most other items are counted by the EACH or measured by SF.
Division 13 – Special Construction
Specialized, often pre-engineered systems: pre-fabricated and pre-engineered metal buildings, clean rooms, cold-storage and controlled environments, swimming pools, sound/vibration control, and integrated automation. Usually priced as a single LUMP-SUM or vendor package, not by unit take-off.
Division 14 – Conveying Systems
Systems that move people and material vertically and horizontally: elevators, escalators, moving walks, material lifts, dumbwaiters and pneumatic tube systems. Priced almost entirely by the EACH unit as a furnished-and-installed vendor package, with cost driven by number of STOPS and travel.
Division 15 – Mechanical
Plumbing, HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) and fire protection. Equipment is counted by the EACH (boilers, chillers, RTUs, fixtures); piping and ductwork are measured by the LINEAR FOOT or by POUND of sheet metal. One of the two largest cost divisions in most buildings.
Division 16 – Electrical
Power distribution, lighting, low-voltage and communications: service and panels, conduit and wire, devices (receptacles/switches), lighting fixtures, fire alarm and data/comm. Devices and fixtures are counted by the EACH; conduit and wire (feeders/branch) are measured by the LINEAR FOOT. The other large MEP division.