Statement of Work Template

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Statement of Work (SOW) Page 1
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A statement of work agreement is a legal document that is used to clearly define the job that a service provider or contractor is expected to do for a client. With this form, both parties agree on the scope of the project, time limits for it to be completed, and the cost of all services and promise to follow their legal obligations to each other.
Paper titled "Statement of Work (SoW)", man and woman shaking hands by the desk

A simple SoW template is required in situations when a person or a company hires someone to do a specific task or provide a service. It ensures everyone agrees on responsibilities, deadlines, and payments and reduces the risks of legal claims. Besides, with the help of a template for statement of work, the parties establish the quality requirements for the work to be done, which makes the whole cooperation process more transparent.

When To Use a Statement of Work

Common situations:

  • A freelance graphic designer is hired to create a business logo;
  • A software developer builds an app or website;
  • A marketing agency is contracted for a digital campaign;
  • A construction company is hired to renovate an office space;
  • Consulting services are purchased for business strategy creation.

When not to use a statement of work:

A statement of work sample template is not used if:

  • The project is very informal or short (e.g., hiring a babysitter one evening);
  • You're not exchanging services for money;
  • The tasks are ongoing without a defined end (e.g., hiring full-time employees — you'd use an employment contract instead);
  • You're making a general agreement without needing a detailed breakdown of services, deadlines, or payments.

How To Fill In a Statement of Work Template: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Add the date and the parties

Sample of a SoW contract template
  • Write the day when the agreement starts;
  • Add the names and business addresses of the client and the contractor.
Example:

This Statement of Work is entered into on June 10, 2025, by and between Jane Smith, registered at 123 Main St, Dallas, TX 75201, and Mark Johnson Design, registered at 789 Elm St, Austin, TX 73301, collectively referred to as the "Parties."

Step 2: Describe the project

Part of a statement of work template free download
  • Add the project title;
  • Explain what the project is about and why it is important;
  • Specify the scope of the project, exclusions, etc;
  • Clarify what products or services need to be performed.
Example:

Project Title: Website Redesign 

Project Description: New design of the Logoapp.com website.

Scope of work: Redesign the company website to improve user experience and mobile responsiveness.

Name of the service: Web design

Description of the service: Creation of a new logo, welcome page, and blog page.

Step 3: Define the contractor’s duties and rights

Part of a free statement of work template
  • Enumerate the tasks or services the contractor is expected to perform;
  • Break the work into smaller parts and set deadlines for each stage;
  • Specify how much the contractor will be paid, when, and in what way.
Example:

Contractor's responsibilities: Reviewing existing website structure, creating a new design layout, developing the site using WordPress, and testing the website on different devices.

Project schedule: Initial design draft – due July 1, 2024; 

Final design approval – due July 15, 2024; 

Website launch – due August 1, 2024.

Payment amount: $5000.

Payment details and other payment terms: Payment will be transferred to the contractor's bank account.

50% ($2,500) due at the start of the project; 

50% ($2,500) due within 5 business days upon final delivery.

Step 4: Mention work standards and responsibilities

Part of a SoW template free
  • Explain who will check the work and how
Example:

Quality standards: All requirements are provided in the file Website Design Technical Task.

Acceptance criteria: The project will be reviewed and approved by the company CEO and Marketing Manager.

Step 5: Include legal terms

Statement of work agreement sample
  • If any part of the project is private or sensitive, mention it.
  • State what happens if someone breaks the agreement.
Example:

Additional conditions: Both parties agree to keep all project information confidential. This SOW is governed by the laws of the State of Texas.

Step 6: Sign the document

Part os a statement of work sample template
  • Both parties must add their signatures and date to the SOW contract template. 
Example:

The Client: 

Jane Smith 

June 10, 2025 


The Contractor
Mark Johnson

June 10, 2025 

Always keep a signed copy of the document for your records.

If you’re unsure about any terms, ask a legal expert for help or use a contract statement of work example available online.