A SOW (Statement of Work) is a document that spells out exactly what a provider will deliver for a client: the tasks, deliverables, schedule, acceptance criteria and payment terms for one project or engagement.
Why it matters
Most disputes in services work come from different assumptions about scope. A SOW turns those assumptions into written, testable commitments, which protects both sides. It usually sits under a master services agreement (MSA), which holds the general legal terms, so each new project needs only a new SOW rather than a new contract.
Example
Project: Customer portal redesign
Deliverables: 12 wireframes, clickable prototype, 8 production pages
Timeline: 6 weeks from kick-off
Fee: fixed price, paid 30% / 40% / 30% at milestones
Acceptance: written sign-off within 5 business days of delivery
Out of scope: content writing, hostingCommon mistakes
- Using vague verbs such as "support" or "improve" with no measurable output.
- Omitting an out-of-scope list and a change-request process.
- Forgetting acceptance criteria, so nobody can say when the work is finished.
- Copying a template without checking it; contract rules vary by country, so important agreements should be reviewed locally.
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This page is general information written by our editorial team and updated when documentation changes. Servers and providers differ, so test changes safely first. See our editorial policy and disclaimer.