--- title: How to Merge and Delete Cost Codes in Buildern | Buildern Help Center description: Cost codes in Buildern help you organize and track project costs. In this article, you will learn how to merge multiple cost codes into one and how to safely delete unused cost codes. --- [Skip to content](https://help.buildern.com/en/articles/13773958-how-to-merge-and-delete-cost-codes-in-buildern#main-content) ![logo\_icon\_text](https://help.buildern.com/hubfs/Buildern%20logo.svg) - [My Account](https://app.buildern.com/signin) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [My Account](https://app.buildern.com/signin) - [Get Started Free](https://app.buildern.com/signup) [Get Started Free](https://app.buildern.com/signup) Welcome to Buildern Help Center! - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Buildern Help Center](https://help.buildern.com/en/articles?hsLang=en-gb) 2. [Cost Codes](https://help.buildern.com/en/articles/cost-codes?hsLang=en-gb) 3. [Getting Started with Cost Codes](https://help.buildern.com/en/articles/cost-codes?hsLang=en-gb#getting-started-with-cost-codes) # How to Merge and Delete Cost Codes in Buildern | Buildern Help Center ### How to Merge and Delete Cost Codes in Buildern Cost codes in Buildern help you organize and track project costs. In this article, you will learn how to merge multiple cost codes into one and how to safely delete unused cost codes. May 21, 2026 ### **Why Merging Cost Codes Matters** Over time, duplicate cost codes can make your data harder to manage. Instead of keeping related costs in one place, information gets spread across multiple codes, which can make reporting less accurate and create confusion across teams. Merging cost codes helps keep your financial data organized by combining similar information into a single category. This improves reporting clarity, reduces duplicate entries, and makes your overall cost structure easier to manage as your projects grow. ### **How to Merge Cost Codes** Follow these steps to merge multiple cost codes into a single code: 1. Click **the 9-dot (grid) icon** 2. Navigate to **Cost Codes** [![](https://help.buildern.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/d4e1f27e-51ea-48e5-9026-8e6ea61eb105.png)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/suco1tn6/2410074173/fe05b5958d2ea16eef56e6a2bd6c/d4e1f27e-51ea-48e5-9026-8e6ea61eb105?expires=1792671300&signature=14c3673d0ef5ecb63cdeff55117b135a1a51f56f29c436ea0f5918f39c03a5b2&req=diQmFsl5mYBYWvMW1HO4zciEdJIbMiAnZFce7i%2FPLNfryHPJIYJ1hlQVPAjw%0AQHyAQ5Cl39vsK%2BX6EiM%3D%0A)       3.   Enable **multiple selection and** select the cost codes you want to merge       4.   Click **Merge** [![](https://help.buildern.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/a23e07d6-1e8d-492c-a2fb-0ea8293df2a0.png)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/suco1tn6/2410074169/75c3a3f4c23e22362cce6550a63e/a23e07d6-1e8d-492c-a2fb-0ea8293df2a0?expires=1792671300&signature=998a7bc4706706e645ded6df69329fa00128d853299993278974c51fbd71f720&req=diQmFsl5mYBZUPMW1HO4zRu8Fj1Phtehppv%2FHpoYG66tg6K%2BR5lUqJk2%2FJn5%0AA9s%2FfYtPBG3w%2FxNJX9c%3D%0A) ### **Configure the Merge** Once you select multiple cost codes and click Merge, Buildern opens a configuration window where you define how the merge will be applied. In this step, you will see: - A list of all selected cost codes on the left - A dropdown field on the right labeled *“Select Cost Code”* [![](https://help.buildern.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/35a8812d-b287-4ab4-9fc0-d226234ceec9.png)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/suco1tn6/2410074174/17266301a2eaec0b178906af1039/35a8812d-b287-4ab4-9fc0-d226234ceec9?expires=1792671300&signature=63cfa6fc9361b288d53f94e67c4928510baae1b2815401d48cf8bdb1d626c94c&req=diQmFsl5mYBYXfMW1HO4zQjpAc2PmVRLBIDDR4wzaA3GpN%2BkyZ4XF4y9Y70g%0A69XN7UawVroSqYD8hes%3D%0A) At this stage, you are choosing which cost code will remain as the primary active code after the merge, while the other code will be merged into it. Once you click **Save**: - All selected cost codes are **consolidated into the chosen one** - The merged codes are **removed from your cost code list** - Any existing data linked to those codes is **automatically reassigned** [![](https://help.buildern.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/6941f5c2-5ef4-4d09-96c7-47ab0a3a29b8.png)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/suco1tn6/2410074172/e730389a8c99c0aac404c670c6f0/6941f5c2-5ef4-4d09-96c7-47ab0a3a29b8?expires=1792671300&signature=caa77c1ce0becbcb219ea0043eeb442e6b481a538748764ec6ae4f4d3e94e7cc&req=diQmFsl5mYBYW%2FMW1HO4zThZAx24hbpZlhDZerLX0PfVhaqpKvnUTWN5IF7Z%0AtGaZc6gHfDuiwWiCJAM%3D%0A) ***ℹ️ Note -*** *The merge action is permanent and cannot be undone* ### **What Happens After Merging** Buildern automatically handles the heavy lifting behind the scenes. If the merged cost codes were previously used in: - Estimates - Bills - Purchase Orders - Change Orders / Variations - Invoices - Timesheets All references will be updated to the selected primary cost code. This ensures your data stays consistent without requiring manual updates. Changes apply across all project data in Buildern. ### **How to Delete Cost Codes** In some cases, you may have cost codes that were created but never used. These can be safely removed. 1. Use the checkboxes on the left to select one or multiple cost codes 2. Once selected, a bottom action bar will appear 3. In the bottom action bar, click the **Delete (trash icon)** [![](https://help.buildern.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/b98e6f0e-a96a-464c-87ba-d8d3f0de4f46.png)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/suco1tn6/2410074171/07edeb39757bdec0a6a160dc2eed/b98e6f0e-a96a-464c-87ba-d8d3f0de4f46?expires=1792671300&signature=8cb48aff9eea797f41464e9e45f16a23a3de97f5c6d29bf82f9189efd31d40e5&req=diQmFsl5mYBYWPMW1HO4zXJrFfJR5n2KIRTx0lW9dMCztE01S1VsmDO31Upd%0AteXKWd%2Fo%2F8OBaIiD%2FJs%3D%0A) ### **What Happens Next** Buildern immediately evaluates whether the selected cost codes can be deleted. - If the cost codes are **unused** → they will be removed - If any cost code is **already used** → deletion will be restricted Buildern protects your data by preventing accidental deletion of used cost codes. If a cost code is linked to: - Estimates - Bills - Purchase Orders - Invoices - Timesheets The system will display a **warning message** [![](https://help.buildern.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/3d949d4c-169b-42e0-af82-cf18da076ef3.png)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/suco1tn6/2410074170/ac16c5b208427a5b804d0f6db72a/3d949d4c-169b-42e0-af82-cf18da076ef3?expires=1792671300&signature=27cbb71ae8bbd15e68eb8869db3ba9fc5ee911a42c6029f4953166c19c434133&req=diQmFsl5mYBYWfMW1HO4zc5tMVNEMRY%2B%2FQR0ZfkvpabTk5Nr9ixAVUex3p0q%0AEg4Pkopo9d1Jo8fdZDk%3D%0A) ### **When to Delete vs Merge** - Use **Delete** → when the cost code was never used - Use **Merge** → when the cost code exists in project data ***💡 Tip*** *- If you're unsure, merging is always the safer option.* More helpful Buildern tutorials are coming soon. ​ Happy building! - [Getting started](https://help.buildern.com/en/articles/getting-started?hsLang=en-gb) - [Projects](https://help.buildern.com/en/articles/projects?hsLang=en-gb#main-content) - [Getting Started with Projects](https://help.buildern.com/en/articles/projects?hsLang=en-gb#getting-started-with-projects) - [Projects Explained](https://help.buildern.com/en/articles/projects?hsLang=en-gb#projects-explained) - [Dashboards](https://help.buildern.com/en/articles/dashboards?hsLang=en-gb) - [Takeoff](https://help.buildern.com/en/articles/takeoff?hsLang=en-gb) - [Estimates](https://help.buildern.com/en/articles/estimates?hsLang=en-gb#main-content) - [Creating and Editing an Estimate](https://help.buildern.com/en/articles/estimates?hsLang=en-gb#creating-and-editing-an-estimate) - [Estimate Measurements](https://help.buildern.com/en/articles/estimates?hsLang=en-gb#estimate-measurements) - [Getting Started with Estimates](https://help.buildern.com/en/articles/estimates?hsLang=en-gb#getting-started-with-estimates) - [Importing Estimates](https://help.buildern.com/en/articles/estimates?hsLang=en-gb#importing-estimates) - [Cost Codes](https://help.buildern.com/en/articles/cost-codes?hsLang=en-gb#main-content) - [Getting Started with Cost Codes](https://help.buildern.com/en/articles/cost-codes?hsLang=en-gb#getting-started-with-cost-codes) - [Importing Cost codes](https://help.buildern.com/en/articles/cost-codes?hsLang=en-gb#importing-cost-codes) - [Proposals](https://help.buildern.com/en/articles/proposals?hsLang=en-gb) - [Schedule](https://help.buildern.com/en/articles/schedule?hsLang=en-gb#main-content) - [Schedule Board Explained](https://help.buildern.com/en/articles/schedule?hsLang=en-gb#schedule-board-explained) - [Importing Schedule](https://help.buildern.com/en/articles/schedule?hsLang=en-gb#importing-schedule) - [Getting Started Schedule](https://help.buildern.com/en/articles/schedule?hsLang=en-gb#getting-started-schedule) - [Bid Requests / Request for Quote](https://help.buildern.com/en/articles/bid-requests-request-for-quote?hsLang=en-gb) - [Selections and Allowances](https://help.buildern.com/en/articles/selections-and-allowances?hsLang=en-gb) - [Purchase Orders](https://help.buildern.com/en/articles/purchase-orders?hsLang=en-gb) - [Bills](https://help.buildern.com/en/articles/bills?hsLang=en-gb) - [Budget Tab](https://help.buildern.com/en/articles/budget-tab?hsLang=en-gb) - [Change Orders / Variations](https://help.buildern.com/en/articles/change-orders-variations?hsLang=en-gb) - [Quickbooks Online Integration](https://help.buildern.com/en/articles/quickbooks-online-integration?hsLang=en-gb) - [Xero Integration](https://help.buildern.com/en/articles/xero-integration?hsLang=en-gb) - [Client Invoices](https://help.buildern.com/en/articles/client-invoices?hsLang=en-gb#main-content) - [Client Invoices Explained](https://help.buildern.com/en/articles/client-invoices?hsLang=en-gb#client-invoices-explained) - [Getting Started with Invoices](https://help.buildern.com/en/articles/client-invoices?hsLang=en-gb#getting-started-with-invoices) - [To-Dos](https://help.buildern.com/en/articles/to-dos?hsLang=en-gb) - [Daily Logs / Site diary](https://help.buildern.com/en/articles/daily-logs-site-diary?hsLang=en-gb) - [Timesheets](https://help.buildern.com/en/articles/timesheets?hsLang=en-gb) - [Files](https://help.buildern.com/en/articles/files?hsLang=en-gb) - [Users, Roles, Permissions](https://help.buildern.com/en/articles/users-roles-permissions?hsLang=en-gb) - [Clients](https://help.buildern.com/en/articles/clients?hsLang=en-gb) - [Subcontractors & Vendors](https://help.buildern.com/en/articles/subcontractors-vendors?hsLang=en-gb) - [Templates](https://help.buildern.com/en/articles/templates?hsLang=en-gb) - [Settings and Configurations](https://help.buildern.com/en/articles/settings-and-configurations?hsLang=en-gb) - [Buildern AI](https://help.buildern.com/en/articles/buildern-ai?hsLang=en-gb) - [My Account](https://app.buildern.com/signin) [![logo\_icon\_text](https://help.buildern.com/hubfs/Buildern%20logo.svg "logo_icon_text")](https://buildern.com/) Copyright © 2026, Buildern Inc.