What is the difference between Unit of Measure and Purchase Unit?

Unit of Measure is the unit that is used when measuring the exact extent, quantity, or amount that is needed of a Costbook Item (i.e. square feet, cubic feet, yards, etc.). The Purchase Unit is the specific quantity or packaging in which the Costbook Item is procured or purchased. Common examples of Purchase Units included in the default list provided by ConstructionOnline include: Cubic Yards, Each, Sheets, 5 gal. bucket, Day, Packs, and Rolls. Unit of Measure and Purchase Unit vary depending on the type of item or service but a common example is concrete which may have a Unit of Measure of cubic yards, but is delivered by truckload (which would be its Purchase Unit).

Both terms are crucial to understand when estimating costs and managing procurements in your construction projects as they impact cost estimate and communication with suppliers/subs. 

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