We have performed a wide field survey for dust sources at 1.2-millimetres in the rho Ophiuchi molecular cloud, covering more than 1 square degree in an unbiased fashion. We detect a number of previously unknown sources, ranging from extended cores over compact, starless cores to envelopes surrounding young stellar objects of Class 0, Class I, and Class II type. We analyse the mass distribution, spatial distribution and the potential equilibrium of the cores.