# Statement of Work Template > Professional Statement of Work (SOW) template for freelancers and small businesses to define project scope, deliverables, and payment terms. URL: https://gofirmhub.com/en/contracts/statement-of-work-template/ Last updated: 2026-10-08 Clearly define the boundaries of your project to prevent scope creep and ensure both parties are aligned on expectations. ## Preview ## How to use this template 1. Fill in the project details and payment terms 2. Review the scope and deliverables for accuracy 3. Download as a PDF or copy the text 4. Sign with your client to finalize the agreement ## When to use this template Use a statement of work (SOW) to pin down one project: what will be delivered, by when, for what price, and how the client accepts the result. It is the document most disputes come back to, so it pays to be specific. A SOW is often signed under an existing service or consulting agreement that covers the general terms (liability, confidentiality, ownership). If you have such an agreement, name it in the form; if not, this SOW works on its own. ## Check before you sign - Every deliverable is concrete enough that both sides can tell whether it is finished. - Out-of-scope work is clearly excluded, so extra requests go through a change request. - The acceptance period and what counts as a defect are clear. - The timeline shows what the client must provide, and when. - The pricing model fits: a fixed price for well-defined work, time and materials when the scope is uncertain. ## Full text of the statement of work template This is the complete template. Words in [brackets] are filled in automatically when you use the form above; where the template has options, the form shows only the one you choose. ### STATEMENT OF WORK ### 1. Purpose This Statement of Work ("SOW") is entered into on [Effective date] between [Client name], located at [Client address] ("Client"), and [Service Provider name], located at [Service Provider address] ("Service Provider"). This SOW describes the project known as [Project name]. Related agreement: [Related agreement]. If a related agreement is named here, this SOW is governed by its terms, and that agreement prevails in the event of any conflict. If no related agreement is named, this SOW is a standalone agreement between the parties. ### 2. Objectives [Project objectives] ### 3. Scope of Work [Scope of work] Any task, service, or requirement not explicitly described in this section is considered out of scope and may require a separate agreement or change request. ### 4. Deliverables [Deliverables] ### 5. Timeline The work shall commence on [Start date] and is expected to be completed by [Planned completion date]. The parties acknowledge that the completion date may be adjusted if the Service Provider experiences delays caused by the Client's failure to provide necessary information or approvals. ### 6. Roles and Responsibilities Each party will designate a primary point of contact for the duration of the project. The Client agrees to provide the Service Provider with timely access to necessary data, systems, and personnel, and to make decisions promptly to avoid project delays. ### 7. Fees If you choose: Fixed price The Client shall pay the Service Provider a fixed fee of [Amount or hourly rate] [Currency] for the completion of the project. If you choose: Time and materials (hourly rate) The Client shall pay the Service Provider for work performed at a rate of [Amount or hourly rate] [Currency] per hour. The Service Provider will maintain and provide records of the time spent on the project. ### 8. Invoicing and Payment The Service Provider will issue invoices as the project progresses or upon completion of milestones. The Client shall pay all undisputed invoice amounts within [Payment due] days of the invoice date. ### 9. Acceptance The Client shall review each deliverable within [Review period for deliverables] days of receipt. The Client may either accept the deliverable or provide a written description of any defects. The Service Provider will correct any identified defects and resubmit the deliverable for review. If the Client does not provide a written response within the specified period, the deliverable will be deemed accepted. ### 10. Change Requests Any changes to the scope, timeline, or fees must be documented in a written change request. Such changes are only valid once signed by authorized representatives of both parties. ### 11. Assumptions and Exclusions This SOW is based on the information provided by the Client. The Service Provider is not responsible for project delays or failures caused by the Client or by third-party vendors and services. ### 12. Governing Law This SOW is governed by the laws of [Governing law]. If this SOW is subject to a related master agreement, the governing law specified in that agreement shall apply. ### 13. General Terms This document constitutes the entire agreement between the parties regarding this specific project. Any amendments must be made in writing and signed by both parties. If any provision of this SOW is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect. ### Signatures Client Signature: ____________________ Name and title: ____________________ Date: ____________________ Service Provider Signature: ____________________ Name and title: ____________________ Date: ____________________ ## Frequently asked questions ### What is this contract for? A Statement of Work (SOW) is used to define the specific activities, deliverables, and timelines for a particular project. It ensures both the client and service provider agree on exactly what is being delivered. ### What should I include in my SOW? You should be as detailed as possible regarding the scope of work and the final deliverables. Clearly stating what is 'out of scope' is just as important as stating what is included. ### Is this template legally binding? This is a general template and does not constitute legal advice. While it can become legally binding once signed, you should have a qualified lawyer review it to ensure it meets your specific needs and local laws. ### What is the difference between an SOW and a Master Service Agreement (MSA)? An MSA is a high-level contract that governs the long-term relationship and general terms (like confidentiality and liability). An SOW is a project-specific document that defines the actual work to be done under that MSA. ### Can I edit the text of the contract? Yes. Once you download or copy the generated text, you can modify any clause to better fit your specific business arrangement. ### Is my data stored on your servers? No. Your data stays in your browser and is not stored on our servers, ensuring your project details remain private. ## Other contract templates - [Non-Disclosure Agreement Template](https://gofirmhub.com/en/contracts/nda-template/): Protect confidential information when you share it, one-way or mutual. - [Independent Contractor Agreement Template](https://gofirmhub.com/en/contracts/independent-contractor-agreement/): Hire a freelancer or work as one: services, fees, ownership and termination. - [Consulting Agreement Template](https://gofirmhub.com/en/contracts/consulting-agreement-template/): Hourly, daily, fixed or retainer consulting work, with clear deliverables. - [Service Agreement Template](https://gofirmhub.com/en/contracts/service-agreement-template/): Ongoing or one-time services with payment terms and a renewal period. - [Subcontractor Agreement Template](https://gofirmhub.com/en/contracts/subcontractor-agreement-template/): Pass part of a project to a subcontractor with scope, schedule and insurance. - [Employment Agreement Template](https://gofirmhub.com/en/contracts/employment-agreement-template/): Hire an employee: role, pay, hours, paid time off, at-will or fixed term. - [Partnership Agreement Template](https://gofirmhub.com/en/contracts/partnership-agreement-template/): Start a business with a partner: contributions, profit shares, decisions and exit. - [Shareholder Agreement Template](https://gofirmhub.com/en/contracts/shareholder-agreement-template/): Agree how shareholders decide, sell shares and handle deadlock in a company. - [LLC Operating Agreement Template](https://gofirmhub.com/en/contracts/operating-agreement-template/): Set ownership, management and exit rules for a US limited liability company. - [Sales Agreement Template](https://gofirmhub.com/en/contracts/sales-agreement-template/): Sell goods to a business customer with clear price, delivery, risk and warranty terms. - [Purchase Agreement Template](https://gofirmhub.com/en/contracts/purchase-agreement-template/): Buy a specific item, such as a vehicle or equipment, with a clear handover. - [Loan Agreement Template](https://gofirmhub.com/en/contracts/loan-agreement-template/): Lend or borrow money with a clear interest rate, repayment schedule and default terms. - [Letter of Intent Template](https://gofirmhub.com/en/contracts/letter-of-intent-template/): Record the main terms of a deal before the final contract, binding only where it should be. - [Memorandum of Understanding Template](https://gofirmhub.com/en/contracts/memorandum-of-understanding-template/): Agree how two organizations will cooperate, without creating binding obligations. ## Related free tools - [Free Contract Templates for Small Businesses](https://gofirmhub.com/en/contracts/): 15 free contract templates you fill in online: NDA, contractor, SOW, sales, loan, LLC operating, shareholder… - [Shareholders Agreement Template](https://gofirmhub.com/en/contracts/shareholder-agreement-template/): Create a professional shareholders agreement for your small business. 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