Dimensioning

Standards
Rules and Practices
Accurate dimensioning is one of the most
demanding undertakings when designing parts.

Use the checklist to insure you have followed

the basic dimensioning rules.

Keep in mind there may be a case where the

need to break a standard could occur to give
clarity to the part and manufacturer.
Standards
In order for the drawings to be dimensioned so
that all people can understand them, we need
to follow standards that every company in the
world must follow. Standards are created by
these organizations:
-ANSI -MIL
-ISO -DOD
-DIN -CEN
-JIS
Standards Institutions
ANSI - American National Standards Institute -
This institute creates the engineering
standards for North America.

ISO - International Organization for

Standardization - This is a world wide
organization that creates engineering
standards with approximately 100 participating
countries.
Standards Institutions
DIN - Deutsches Institut für Normung - The
German Standards Institute created many
standards used world wide such as the
standards for camera film.

JIS - Japanese Industrial Standard - Created

after WWII for Japanese standards.

CEN - European Standards Organization

Standards Institutions
The United States military has two
organizations that develop standards.

DOD - Department Of Defense

MIL - Military Standard

ANSI/ASME Y14.1 and Y14.5 – international

drafting standards for engineering drawings
 Linear dimensions are comprised of
four components:
Dimension Text Dimension Lines

Arrow Heads

Extension
Lines
 Extension Lines
Continue 3mm past the
dimension line

Extended from the

view to indicate the
edges referenced
and hold the
dimension line

2mm gap from the

view so they are not
confused with the
visible lines
Dimension Lines
Horizontal
Aligned to a slanted
surfaced

Vertical

When stacked, they

are 10mm from the
view and 10mm)
apart.
Dimension Text
If the dimension text will not fit between the
extension lines, it may be placed outside
them.

Dimension text is
placed in the
middle of the line
both horizontally
and vertically.
Dimensioning Methods

Dimensions are represented on a drawing

using one of two systems, unidirectional or
aligned.
The unidirectional method means all
dimensions are read in the same direction.
The aligned method means the dimensions are
read in alignment with the dimension lines or
side of the part, some read horizontally and
others read vertically.
Dimension Text
Unidirectional vs. Aligned

Unidirectional Aligned dimensions are placed

dimensions are placed so the horizontal dimensions can
so they can be read from be read from the bottom of the
the bottom of the drawing sheet and the vertical
drawing sheet. This dimensions can be read from the
method is commonly right side of the drawing sheet.
used in mechanical This method is commonly used in
drafting. architectural and structural
drafting.
Types of Dimensions
There are two classifications of dimensions:
size and location.

Size dimensions are placed in direct

relationship to a feature to identify the specific
size.
Location dimensions are used to identify the
relationship of a feature to another feature
within an object.
Dimensioning Checklist
Each dimension should be written clearly with
only one way to be interpreted.
A feature should be dimensioned only once.(not
repeated)
Dimension should be in fraction only
Dimension and extension lines should not cross.
Each feature should be dimensioned.
Dimension features or surfaces should be done
to a logical reference point.
Dimension Checklist
Dimension circles should have diameters
and arcs with a radius.
A center line should be extended and used as
an extension line.
Dimension features on a view should clearly
show its true shape.
Enough space should be provided to avoid
crowding and misinterpretation.
Dimension Checklist
Extension lines and object lines
should not overlap.
Dimensions should be placed
outside the part.
Center lines or marks should be
used on all circles and holes.
Linear Dimensioning
Dimensioning from feature to feature
is known as Chain Dimensioning. It
is commonly used and easy to lay
out. It does have possible
consequences in the manufacturing
of a part. Tolerances can
accumulate, making the end product
larger or smaller than expected.
Chain Dimensioning

This is a general note. It

indicates that all two
place decimal
dimensions have a
tolerance of plus or
minus .01 inch unless
otherwise specified.
Chain Dimensioning
Each of these steps can
range between .490”
and .510” wide.
Chain Dimensioning
The chain dimensioning
layout can have an effect
on the final length of the
part ranging from 1.47
to 1.53.
Chain Dimensioning
Placing an overall dimension
will limit the chain effect of the
tolerance build up.
Linear Dimensioning
The accuracy of the final product is
determined by the dimensions on the
drawing. If all the dimensions originate from
a common corner of the part, the object will
be more accurate. This is referred to as
Datum Dimensioning. Datums insure the
tolerance or errors in manufacturing do not
accumulate.
Datum Dimensioning

The dimensions originate

from a common edge
(DATUM) of the part.
Datum Dimensioning
The dimensions originate
from a common edge
(DATUM) of the part.

This is a general note. It

indicates that all two place
decimal dimensions have a
tolerance of plus or minus .
01 inch unless otherwise
specified.
Datum Dimensioning
This step can be .490
to .510 wide.

This distance can be

1.49 to 1.510 wide.

This distance can

be .990 to 1.010
wide.
Dimensioning Symbols
Dimensioning Angles
Angled surface may be dimensioned
using coordinate method to specify the
two location distances of the angle.
Angled surfaces may also be
dimensioned using the angular method
by specifying one location distance and
the angle.
Dimensioning Angles

Coordinate Method Angular Method

Dimensioning Arcs and Circles

Arcs and circles are dimensioned in

views that show the arc or circle.
Arcs are dimensioned with a leader to
identify the radius; in some cases, a
center mark is included.
Circles should have a center mark and
are dimensioned with a leader to
identify the diameter.
Dimensioning Curved Features and Arcs

The arrow can be inside

for small arcs.

Use a capital “R” for

dimensioning arcs.

Small arcs do not need

center marks. Arrow can
be outside.

Large Arcs use center

marks.
Diameters
A full circular object should be dimensioned
using its diameter. Holes should use hole
notes.

This specification
calls for a hole with
a .5 diameter
and 1.00 deep.
Diameters
Cylindrical parts may show their diameters in this
manner. Dimensioning on the right side view
could be too crowded.

Note that the diameter symbol is used so it

is not confused with a linear dimension.
Dimensioning Curved Features

Points are placed along the contour

and are dimensioned from the datum.

Datum
Reference Dimensions
Designates more than one of the same feature.
In this case, it is identifying there are
two identical holes.
Chamfers
External chamfer for 45 degree
chamfers only.
There are two options. Internal chamfers.

External chamfer for angles other than

45 degrees.
Fillets and Rounds

Fillets

Rounds
 Fillets and Rounds

Large arcs use center marks.

Use a capital “R” for

dimensioning the arc.

Small arcs do not need

center marks. Arrow can
be outside the arc.
Conical Tapers
Slot Dimensioning
The two methods
shown on the left
are the acceptable
methods for
dimensioning slotted
holes.
Dimensioning Radial Patterns
Angles and radius values
are used to locate the centers
of radial patterned features,
such as the holes on
this plate.
Keyway and Keyseat

Keyway Keyseat
Keyways
Keyway Dimensions

Shaft
Hole Dimensioning
Holes are specified
with numbers and symbols.
 Reading a Hole Note
The Hole Diameter is .25” and will be drilled .75” deep.
The Hole will be Counterbored to
a .38”diameter and to a depth of .25”

Counterbore or
Spotface Symbol
Depth Symbol
Reading a Hole Note
The Hole Diameter will be
.38” drilled .5 deep.
Reading a Hole Note

The Hole Diameter will be .38”

through the whole block.
Reading Thread Notes

Threads are dimensioned with

the use of local notes. We will
discuss two methods: the ISO
and the Unified National Thread
method.
Reading a Unified National
Thread Note
Identifies coarse or fine
Threads per Inch thread. In this case, C for coars
F is for fine.

Major Diameter
Reading a ISO Thread Notes
This number can be 3,4,5,6,7,8,9.
It is the grade of tolerance in the threads
from fine to coarse. The H is for allowance:
G would be a tight allowance and
H is no allowance.
Pitch of the threads.

Nominal Diameter
In Millimeters

Prior to THRU, you may have an L

M for Metric for left hand thread.

Finally THRU or a depth may

be specified.
Dimension
Guidelines
1. Dimensions should NOT be duplicated, or
the same information given in two different
ways.

Incorrect
1. Dimensions should NOT be duplicated, or
the same information given in two different
ways.
2. No unnecessary dimensions should be
used – only those needed to produce or
inspect the part.

Incorrect
2. No unnecessary dimensions should be
used – only those needed to produce or
inspect the part.
3. Dimensions should be attached to the view
that best shows the contour of the feature
to be dimensioned.

Incorrect
3. Dimensions should be attached to the view
that best shows the contour of the feature
to be dimensioned.
4. Whenever possible, avoid dimensioning to
hidden lines and features.

Incorrect
4. Whenever possible, avoid dimensioning to
hidden lines and features.
5. Avoid dimensioning over or through the
object.

Incorrect
5. Avoid dimensioning over or through the
object.
6. A dimension should be attached to only
one view; for example, extension lines
should not connect two views.

Incorrect
6. A dimension should be attached to only
one view; for example, extension lines
should not connect two views.
7. Whenever possible, locate dimensions
between adjacent views.

Incorrect
7. Whenever possible, locate dimensions
between adjacent views.
8. Avoid crossing extension lines, but do not
break them when they do cross.

Multiple
extension
line
crossings
may be
confused for
the outside
corner of the
part.
9. Whenever possible, avoid sending extension
lines through object views.

Incorrect
9. Whenever possible, avoid sending extension
lines through object views.
10. In general, a circle is dimensioned by its
diameter and an arc by its radius.
11. Holes are located by their centerlines,
which may be extended and used as
extension lines.
12. Holes should be located and sized in the
view that shows the feature as a circle.

Incorrect
12. Holes should be located and sized in the
view that shows the feature as a circle.
13. Do not cross a dimension line with an
extension line, and avoid crossing
dimensions with leader lines.
13. Do not cross a dimension line with an
extension line, and avoid crossing
dimensions with leader lines.
14. Leader lines point toward the center of the
feature, and should not occur horizontally
or vertically.
15. Dimension numbers should be centered
between arrowheads, except when using
stacked dimensions, and then the numbers
should be staggered.

Incorrect
15. Dimension numbers should be centered
between arrowheads, except when using
stacked dimensions, and then the numbers
should be staggered.
16. Concentric circles are dimensioned in the
longitudinal view, whenever practical.

Incorrect
16. Concentric circles are dimensioned in the
longitudinal view, whenever practical.
Tolerances
Variation is Unavoidable

• No two manufactured objects are

identical in every way. Some
degree of variation will exist.
• Engineers apply tolerances to part
dimensions to reduce the amount
of variation that occurs.
 ANSI/ASME Standard
ANSI/ASME Standard Y14.5
Each dimension shall have a tolerance,
except those dimensions specifically
identified as reference, maximum,
minimum, or stock. The tolerance may be
applied directly to the dimension or
indicated by a general note located in the
title block of the drawing.
 Tolerances
A tolerance is an
acceptable
amount of
dimensional
variation that will
still allow an
object to function
correctly.
 Tolerances
A tolerance is an
acceptable
amount of
dimensional
variation that will
still allow an
object to function
correctly.
Tolerances
 Tolerances
Three basic
tolerances that
occur most often
on working
drawings are: limit
dimensions,
unilateral, and
bilateral tolerances.
 Tolerances
Three basic
tolerances that
occur most often
on working
drawings are: limit
dimensions,
unilateral, and
bilateral tolerances.
 Limit Dimensions
Limit dimensions are
two dimensional values
stacked on top of each
other. The dimensions
show the largest and
smallest values allowed.
Anything in between
these values is
acceptable.
Limit Dimensions

These are limit dimensions,

because the upper and
lower dimensional sizes are
stacked on top of each other.
 Unilateral Tolerance
A unilateral
tolerance exists
when a target
dimension is given
along with a
tolerance that allows
variation to occur in
only one direction.
Unilateral Tolerance
This tolerance is
unilateral, because
the size may only
deviate in one direction.
 Bilateral Tolerance
A bilateral
tolerance exists if
the variation from a
target dimension is
shown occurring in
both the positive
and negative
directions.
 General Tolerances
If no tolerances are specified at the dimension
level, then general tolerances may be applied by
deliberately controlling the number of values
past the decimal point on each dimension.

Linear Dimensions
X.X = ± .020
Angles = ± .5° X.XX = ± .010
X.XXX = ± .005
 General Tolerances
Tolerances
X.X = ± .020
X.XX = ± .010
X.XXX = ± .005
 Total Tolerance
The total tolerance is a value that
describes the maximum amount of
variation.

Tolerance = Total Tolerance = .

.010 020
.020

.490 .500 .510

Target Dimension
 Total Tolerance
A measuring device should be able to
accurately measure within 1/10th of the
total blueprint tolerance identified.

.020

.490 .500 .510

Target Dimension
 Tolerances and Measuring

In this case, a measuring device should be

able to take accurate measurements to
within two thousandths of an inch.
Total tolerance =.020
1 x
= 10x =.020 x =.002
10 .020
X = the minimum accuracy
of the measuring device
Three Types of Fit

There are three types of fit that should be considered

when working with tolerances.
• Clearance Fit- have limits of size so prescribed that a
clearance always results when mating parts are assembled.
• Interference Fit- have limits of size so prescribed that an
interference always results when mating parts are
assembled.
• Transition Fit- have limits of size indicating that either a
clearance or an interference may result when mating parts
are assembled.
Discussion