Statement of work (SOW) template
A precise scope document that pins down deliverables, timeline, and acceptance so nobody argues later — copy it, fill in the brackets, sign it.
Updated August 25, 2026STATEMENT OF WORK
Between [CLIENT NAME] (“Client”) and [YOUR NAME / BUSINESS NAME] (“Provider”), effective [DATE]. This SOW operates under the parties’ master service agreement dated [DATE — or delete if this is a standalone document].
1. Project overview. [ONE PARAGRAPH: what the project is and the outcome it delivers.]
2. Deliverables.
| # | Deliverable | Format | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | [BE SPECIFIC — “homepage + 3 inner pages, responsive”] | [FILE TYPES / ACCESS] | [DATE] |
| 2 | [ ] | [ ] | [DATE] |
| 3 | [ ] | [ ] | [DATE] |
3. Out of scope. The following are not included and will be quoted as a separate change order: [LIST — e.g. ongoing maintenance, copywriting, third-party licensing].
4. Milestones and timeline.
- [MILESTONE 1 — e.g. discovery complete]: [DATE]
- [MILESTONE 2 — e.g. first draft]: [DATE]
- [MILESTONE 3 — e.g. final delivery]: [DATE]
Delays in Client feedback or materials extend each dependent date day-for-day.
5. Client responsibilities. Client will provide [ASSETS, ACCESS, APPROVALS] within [X] business days of each request. Provider is not responsible for delays caused by missing inputs.
6. Acceptance criteria. Each deliverable is considered accepted when [DEFINE — e.g. “Client confirms in writing, or 5 business days pass after delivery with no written objection”].
7. Price and payment. Total: [AMOUNT]. Payment schedule: [DEPOSIT %] on signing, [%] at [MILESTONE], remainder on final acceptance. Terms: [net-15 / net-30].
8. Revisions. Includes [NUMBER] rounds of revisions per deliverable. Further rounds bill at [RATE].
9. Assumptions. [LIST ANY ASSUMPTIONS THE ESTIMATE DEPENDS ON — e.g. “content supplied in final form”, “one primary point of contact”.]
Signed:
Client: ______________________ Date: __________
Provider: ______________________ Date: __________
How to use this SOW
A statement of work is the document you point at when someone asks “was that included?”. It is worth more than the contract on projects with lots of moving parts, because it is the only place the deliverables are enumerated.
Generate one with the statement of work generator, tie payments to milestones with the payment schedule builder, and handle additions with a change order rather than a conversation.
This template is a starting point, not legal advice. For high-value engagements, have a lawyer review your final SOW.