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Fire Fighting BOQ Estimator Calculator

Reference: NFPA 13/14/72

📋 FIRE

Free fire fighting BOQ estimator. Order-of-magnitude bill of quantities and cost for sprinklers, hydrants, pumps, tanks and detection from built-up area, floors and building height (NFPA basis).

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📐 DETAILED CALCULATIONS

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📋 ASSUMPTIONS & BASIS

NFPA 13/14/72

Design criteria, governing codes and assumptions.

ℹ About This Calculator

A quick fire-protection budget is often needed before the fire strategy and hydraulic design are complete. This estimator gives an order-of-magnitude bill of quantities and cost for the sprinkler, hydrant, pump, storage-tank and detection scope from the built-up area, number of floors and building height, using typical per-square-metre and lump-sum allowances so you can seed the project budget and compare options.

The allowances reflect typical NFPA-based systems but real cost depends on hazard classification, occupancy, the fire strategy, local rates and the detailed hydraulic design. Use the estimate for early budgeting and option studies, not for tender. Replace it with a measured BOQ from the approved fire drawings and current pricing before committing.

Concept Fire BOQ Method

NFPA 13/14/72

Step 1 - Apply per-m² allowances for sprinkler piping and heads and for detection to the built-up area.
Step 2 - Add hydrant/standpipe and riser allowances scaled to floors and building height.
Step 3 - Add lump sums for the fire pump set and storage tank sized to the hazard.
Step 4 - Optionally add a gas-suppression allowance for critical rooms.
Step 5 - Sum into a headline value and a per-m² benchmark rate.

Worked Example

A 6,000 m² building over 8 floors at 30 m height, applying per-m² sprinkler and detection allowances plus hydrant/standpipe scope scaled to height and a pump-and-tank lump sum, produces a headline fire-protection budget and a per-m² benchmark to carry into the project cost plan.

Fire System Budgeting Notes

Scope depends on the fire strategy

Before pricing, the hazard classification and fire strategy decide what systems are required — wet or dry sprinklers, internal hydrants and standpipes, external hydrants, pumps, storage and suppression. The estimator assumes a conventional system; unusual hazards change it.

Height and zoning

Building height sets the fire pump pressure, standpipe provisions and whether the system must be zoned with intermediate tanks or break tanks, which is a major cost driver captured only approximately at concept stage.

From estimate to BOQ

Use this figure to frame the budget, then replace it with a measured bill of quantities taken from the approved hydraulic calculations and layouts priced at current rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in a fire fighting BOQ? +

Typically sprinkler piping and heads, hydrants and standpipes, risers, the fire pump set, storage tank, valves and the detection and alarm system — plus optional gas suppression for critical rooms.

What drives fire protection cost? +

Hazard classification and occupancy, building height (which sets pump duty and standpipe scope), the required storage, and whether special suppression is needed all move the cost significantly.

How accurate is the estimate? +

It is order-of-magnitude, meant for concept budgeting and comparison. The final figure comes from a measured BOQ off approved drawings.

Does building height matter? +

Yes. Taller buildings need higher pump pressure, more standpipe and zoning, and often intermediate tanks, all of which raise the cost per square metre.

Which standard is this based on? +

Typical NFPA practice (for example NFPA 13 sprinklers, 14 standpipes, 20 pumps and 72 detection). Use the code adopted for the project for the actual design.