Unit pricing contract
In the United States, a unit price contract is a commonly-used type of construction contract.
It may be entered into based on a price per unit, such as an hourly rate, specific item, amount of work, volume, and so on. This can allow a contract to be agreed based on approximate quantities, and then the actual payment determined by the number of units actually required. For example, a price might be given per kilometre of highway to be laid, based on an approximate estimate of the distance required, and then the actual payment calculated based on measurement of the final length of the highway that has been constructed.
This type of contract is suitable for big public works such as infrastructure projects which involve repetitive tasks and resources that are easily quantifiable. However, if a project involves multiple complex trades and activities, it is not particularly suitable as it can be difficult to accurately predict the quantities needed for each unit.
Unit pricing can benefit the client because it is quite easy to compare and benchmark prices, and it can allow an early start to works before their exact extent has been determined. It can be beneficial for the contractor because it largely removes the risk of inaccurate estimation of uncertain quantities.
This is similar to a measurement contract in the UK.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Guidance notes to prepare for April ERA changes
From the Electrical Contractors' Association Employee Relations team.
Significant changes to be seen from the new ERA in 2026 and 2027, starting on 6 April 2026.
First aid in the modern workplace with St John Ambulance.
Ireland's National Residential Retrofit Plan
Staged initiatives introduced step by step.
Solar panels, pitched roofs and risk of fire spread
60% increase in solar panel fires prompts tests and installation warnings.
Modernising heat networks with Heat interface unit
Why HIUs hold the key to efficiency upgrades.
Reflecting on the work of the CIOB Academy
Looking back on 2025 and where it's going next.
Procurement in construction: Knowledge hub
Brief, overview, key articles and over 1000 more covering procurement.
Sir John Betjeman’s love of Victorian church architecture.
Exchange for Change for UK deposit return scheme
The UK Deposit Management Organisation established to deliver Deposit Return Scheme unveils trading name.
A guide to integrating heat pumps
As the Future Homes Standard approaches Future Homes Hub publishes hints and tips for Architects and Architectural Technologists.
BSR as a standalone body; statements, key roles, context
Statements from key figures in key and changing roles.
ECA launches Welsh Election Manifesto
ECA calls on political parties at 100 day milestone to the Senedd elections.
Resident engagement as the key to successful retrofits
Retrofit is about people, not just buildings, from early starts to beyond handover.
Plastic, recycling and its symbol
Student competition winning, M.C.Esher inspired Möbius strip design symbolising continuity within a finite entity.
Do you take the lead in a circular construction economy?
Help us develop and expand this wiki as a resource for academia and industry alike.
Warm Homes Plan Workforce Taskforce
Risks of undermining UK’s energy transition due to lack of electrotechnical industry representation, says ECA.
Cost Optimal Domestic Electrification CODE
Modelling retrofits only on costs that directly impact the consumer: upfront cost of equipment, energy costs and maintenance costs.