# Division Hierarchies

Browse MasterFormat from broad divisions down to more specific classifications.

## Browse MasterFormat classifications

Select an edition such as **MasterFormat 2026** or **MasterFormat 2020**. Search for a classification or expand the hierarchy to explore the classifications beneath it.

![Expanded Division Hierarchies tree](/docs/screenshots/division-hierarchies.jpg)

_Expand a branch to move from a broad MasterFormat classification to more specific classifications._

## When should I use this?

Use Division Hierarchies when you want to explore a subject instead of searching for one exact classification.

- You know the general division but not the exact classification.

- You want to see how a subject is organized.

- You want to compare classifications at the same level.

- You want to find the appropriate level of detail.

## Find a starting branch

1. Select the classification system and edition.

2. Choose **Classification & Title** for precise results or **Title & Explanations** for a broader search.

3. Enter a division, classification, title, or keyword.

4. Select a suggestion, press Enter, or select the search button.

5. Open a result and expand its children.

## Search examples

- `03 81 00` or `038100` finds an identifier with or without spaces.

- `Concrete Cutting` searches by title.

- `03 81*` or `finish*` uses a wildcard to match different endings.

- `"Wood Trim"` finds that exact phrase.

## Explore the tree

```text
[BROAD RECORD]
├── [CHILD RECORD]
│   ├── [MORE SPECIFIC RECORD]
│   └── [MORE SPECIFIC RECORD]
└── [CHILD RECORD]
```

Expand one branch at a time. Start broadly—for example, with `03 00 00` or Concrete—then drill down toward a more specific record such as `03 20 00` or Concrete Reinforcing. Open the details control when the tree alone does not provide enough scope or explanatory context.

## Learn more about a classification

Some MasterFormat 2026 classifications include guidance beyond their number and title. Select **More** to view the additional information available for that classification.

- **Includes** — what the classification covers.

- **Does Not Include** — related work that belongs under another classification.

- **Definitions** — additional explanation of terminology.

- **Notes** — guidance about how the classification is used.

- **See Also** — related MasterFormat classifications that may also be relevant.

- **Numbering recommendations** — guidance such as a Level 4 Numbering Recommendation for creating more detailed classifications where applicable.

Not every classification contains every type of additional information.

### Example

**32 00 00 — Site Improvements** includes additional information describing what Site Improvements includes and excludes, definitions that provide context, and related classifications such as Earthwork and Utilities.

> **In simple terms**
>
> This guidance can help when you know the general subject but want to confirm whether a specific type of work belongs under that classification.

## See changes in MasterFormat 2026

When browsing **MasterFormat 2020**, a classification with edition-change information can display **Transitions**. Select it to see the corresponding MasterFormat 2026 classification or classifications and the available type of change.

## Save classifications

Use **Copy to clipboard** beside a tree item to save its identifier and title. You can add notes and copy all saved classifications when you are ready to use them elsewhere.

Source: https://theconstructionstandard.com/docs/division-hierarchies