Understanding Change Order Percentage
How we calculate. CO % = change-order dollars ÷ original contract × 100. The form uses the same arithmetic as the worked examples on this page. See our methodology and accuracy policy.
Real-world scenario: A typical Change Order Percentage case uses change-order value 1200000 and original contract 10000000. Enter the same figures below to reproduce the worked path.
What is Change Order Percentage?
A scope-growth signal for owners and GCs. State whether you include pending COs or only executed ones.
- Same currency
- Original contract as the base
- Label executed vs pending
The Formula
Worked Example
Common Use Cases
- Owner controls: scope growth
- GC risk reviews: CO exposure
- Lessons learned: design completeness
Pro Tips
- Separate owner vs contractor-caused
- Watch cumulative vs period COs
- Align with contingency used %
Limitations: Change Order Percentage results are educational construction planning aids—not engineering, safety, legal, or cost-estimating advice. Confirm definitions with your project controls, safety, and contract documents. For earned-value SPI/CPI see the Professional hub.
FAQ
Original or current contract?
This form uses original contract as the denominator. Current-contract variants need a clear label.
What if original contract is 0?
Change order % is undefined—enter a positive original contract value.
Authoritative References
For construction project controls and safety rate concepts, consult: