By the MassBid Estimation team · Published · Updated
In short
CSI MasterFormat is the standard system for organizing construction specifications and cost estimates in the United States and Canada. It sorts all the work on a project into 50 numbered divisions, 00 to 49, such as 03 Concrete, 09 Finishes and 26 Electrical. Estimators use the same divisions so that an estimate lines up with the specifications and the bid form.
- Published by
- The Construction Specifications Institute and Construction Specifications Canada
- Number of divisions
- 50, numbered 00 to 49, with several held in reserve
- Before 2004
- 16 divisions
- Building work
- Divisions 02 to 14
- Mechanical and electrical
- Divisions 21 to 28
- Site work
- Divisions 31 to 33
What MasterFormat is for
A set of construction documents has two halves: the drawings, which show where things go, and the specifications, which say what they are made of and how they are installed. MasterFormat is the filing system for the specifications. Every product and trade has a home, identified by a six-digit number whose first two digits are the division.
Because architects, contractors, suppliers and estimators all use it, a subcontractor can open any project manual and find their work in the same place. An estimate laid out the same way can be checked against the specifications section by section.
The 2004 edition expanded the system from 16 divisions to 50, mainly to give mechanical, electrical, communications and site work more room.
The divisions used on most buildings
| Division | Covers |
|---|---|
| 00 Procurement and Contracting Requirements | Bid forms, instructions to bidders, contract conditions |
| 01 General Requirements | Supervision, temporary facilities, permits, cleaning, closeout |
| 02 Existing Conditions | Demolition, site assessment, hazardous material removal |
| 03 Concrete | Formwork, reinforcing, cast-in-place and precast concrete |
| 04 Masonry | Brick, concrete block, stone, mortar and grout |
| 05 Metals | Structural steel, joists, deck, stairs, railings, miscellaneous metals |
| 06 Wood, Plastics and Composites | Rough framing, sheathing, trusses, finish carpentry, millwork |
| 07 Thermal and Moisture Protection | Roofing, insulation, waterproofing, flashing, sealants, firestopping |
| 08 Openings | Doors, frames, hardware, windows, storefront, curtain wall, glazing |
| 09 Finishes | Drywall, ceilings, flooring, tile, paint, wall coverings |
| 10 Specialties | Toilet accessories, signage, lockers, fire extinguishers |
| 11 Equipment | Kitchen, laboratory, medical and other fixed equipment |
| 12 Furnishings | Casework, window treatments, furniture |
| 13 Special Construction | Pools, pre-engineered structures, special rooms |
| 14 Conveying Equipment | Elevators, escalators, lifts |
| 21 Fire Suppression | Sprinklers, standpipes, fire pumps |
| 22 Plumbing | Piping, fixtures, water heaters, drains |
| 23 HVAC | Ductwork, air handling, heating and cooling equipment, controls |
| 25 Integrated Automation | Building automation systems |
| 26 Electrical | Power distribution, wiring, devices, lighting |
| 27 Communications | Data, voice, audio-visual cabling |
| 28 Electronic Safety and Security | Fire alarm, access control, video surveillance |
| 31 Earthwork | Clearing, excavation, grading, fill, shoring |
| 32 Exterior Improvements | Paving, curbs, sidewalks, fencing, landscaping |
| 33 Utilities | Water, sewer, storm drainage, site electrical and gas |
Divisions 34 and 35 cover transportation and marine construction. Divisions 40 to 48 cover process and industrial equipment, such as material handling, water and wastewater treatment and power generation. The numbers in between are held in reserve.
How divisions appear in an estimate
An estimate summary lists one line for each division that has work in it. On an 8,020 square foot interior renovation we estimated, twelve divisions appeared: 01, 02, 06, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 22, 23, 26 and 27. There was no Division 03 or 05, because an interior fit-out pours no concrete and erects no steel.
That is the first thing to check on any estimate: do the divisions listed match the trades in the drawings? A missing division usually means a missing trade. The full breakdown of that estimate is in how to read a construction estimate.
Real samples, division by division
We estimate every division, and the samples page has at least one finished estimate or takeoff for each of Divisions 01 to 12, 21 to 23, 26 to 28 and 31 to 33. A few examples:
| Division | Sample project | Figure |
|---|---|---|
| 02 Existing Conditions | Education building, Maryland, 8,260 sq ft | $57,620 suggested bid |
| 03 Concrete | Multi-story building, California | $846,899 concrete |
| 05 Metals | Retail store addition, Florida, 5,155 sq ft | $160,679 metals |
| 08 Openings | Equipment rental building, North Carolina, 10,500 sq ft | $89,144 |
| 09 Finishes | City recreation center, Texas, 11,500 sq ft | $86,873 flooring |
| 22 Plumbing | Three-story apartment building, Florida, 30,900 sq ft | $882,592 plumbing |
| 23 HVAC | Four-story hotel, Florida, 80,500 sq ft | $764,512 HVAC |
| 26 Electrical | Apartment building, California, 12,200 sq ft | $238,337 electrical |
| 31 Earthwork | Childcare center site, Texas | $140,732 |
| 32 Exterior Improvements | City road and roundabout, Florida | $538,980 paving |
Common questions
MasterFormat has 50 divisions, numbered 00 to 49. Several are held in reserve for future use, so fewer than 50 are in active use. Before 2004 there were 16.
General Requirements: costs that belong to the project but not to one trade, such as supervision, temporary facilities, permits, cleaning and closeout.
Division 09, Finishes. It also covers ceilings, flooring, tile, paint and wall coverings.
Division 23. Plumbing is Division 22, fire suppression is Division 21 and electrical is Division 26.
Division 31 Earthwork, Division 32 Exterior Improvements and Division 33 Utilities. Demolition of existing structures is in Division 02.
Yes. Every estimate is organized by MasterFormat division, with a summary line for each division and a detail sheet behind it, unless you ask for your own format.