A scope of work describes the work to be delivered and the conditions that make it complete. It is useful when a client, contractor or internal team needs a shared understanding of boundaries before work starts. Describe the result that the reviewer can inspect, then list the activities, dates and inputs needed to produce it.
Compare 20 layouts below with Word files among the options. Jump to the template previews and downloads.
Choose a scope of work template
Use a short scope for one deliverable with a single review. Choose a milestone-based layout for phased projects and a deliverables table when different items have different approvers or acceptance tests. If a contract already governs the work, match its terms and identifiers in the scope.
What to include
- Deliverables and exclusions Name what will be supplied, in what form and what falls outside the assignment.
- Milestones and responsibilities Give the dates for submission, review and approval. Identify which party provides source material or access.
- Acceptance criteria Describe an observable result the reviewer can verify. Use a checklist or measurable test when the output requires it.
- Changes and dependencies Identify assumptions and explain how requests affecting scope or timing will be recorded and approved.
Review the statement of work from the point of view of someone receiving the deliverable. Can they tell what to open, what to check and who can approve it? A useful deliverables table has one row per output and separates submission from approval. Dependencies deserve their own list when another team controls access, source material or testing. A proposed change can then be described against a specific item instead of a vague overall request. When writing an internal scope, include the departments responsible for review and describe the handover so teams know where responsibility changes.
Worked example
A website refresh scope includes five named page layouts and one round of consolidated revisions. The client supplies final copy before design begins. Acceptance requires delivery of the editable design files and approval of the five layouts. Hosting and implementation are listed as exclusions.
Compare the available layouts
The collection includes Simple Scope of Work Template (DOCX), Draft Scope of Work Template for a Project (DOC), and Web Design Project Scope of Work Template (DOCX). Compare the previews for the fields and page layout you need before opening the ZIP package. Check the file extension on the extracted file so you know which application to use.
Premade Scope Of Work (SOW) Templates Are Added Here
Simple Scope of Work Template
File Size: 11 KB
Project Management Scope of Work Template
File Size: 22 KB
Interior Design Project Scope of Work Template
File Size: 16 KB
Fillable Scope of Work Template Word
File Size: 13 KB
Simple Scope of Work Template with Example Data
File Size: 28 KB
Free Download Scope of Work (SOW) Template
File Size: 15 KB
Free Editable Scope of Work Sample Doc
File Size: 17 KB
Consultant’s Scope of Work (SOW) Format Template
File Size: 32 KB
Standard Scope of Work (SOW) Sheet Template
File Size: 16 KB
Practical Scope of Work Format in MS WORD
File Size: 12 KB
Draft Scope of Work Template for a Project
File Size: 503 KB
Commercial Construction Scope of Work (SOW) Template
File Size: 25 KB
Free Printable Scope of Work Template Doc
File Size: 30 KB
Organization’s Scope of Work (SOW) Template
File Size: 83 KB
Software Scope of Work (SOW) Template
File Size: 36 KB
Basic Scope of Work Layout Template
File Size: 14 KB
Elemental Scope of Work (SOW) Template
File Size: 26 KB
Project Contractor’s Scope of Work Template in MS WORD
File Size: 41 KB
Sample Scope of Work Format
File Size: 12 KB
Web Design Project Scope of Work Template
File Size: 26 KB
How to use and customize the template
- Agree on the objective and list the outputs separately from the activities.
- Assign an owner, date and acceptance check to each deliverable.
- Review assumptions and exclusions with the people who provide inputs or approvals.
- Save a baseline version and record approved changes against it.
Before you share the finished copy
Terms such as full support or final revisions can leave work open-ended. Give a limit, a time window or an acceptance condition when the distinction affects time or cost.
Related resources
See also Project Outline Templates and Planning Sheets and Status Report Templates and Action Logs.
Frequently asked questions
What belongs in a scope of work?
Include the objective, deliverables, responsibilities, deadlines, acceptance criteria, exclusions and any dependencies or change process.
What is the difference between a scope and a project plan?
A scope defines what work is included and how it will be accepted. The project plan organizes how the team will carry it out.
Who should review the scope?
Have the people delivering the work and the person approving it review the same version before relying on it.
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