DRAFTING MANUAL Section K6.

0
Update 56 Dimensioning and Tolerancing Page 1
Update
by: 56 A. Wilson
Bruce Introduction February 1997*

INTRODUCTION 2.2 Notes in the figures are considered part of the drawing
1.0 GENERAL when all characters are upper case. Explanations are shown
using lower case letters.
1.1 Current dimensioning and tolerancing methods defined by
the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and
approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) 3.0 BASIS FOR GUIDELINES
can be utilized to reduce product cost. One reason cost can be
reduced is that proper utilization of these methods will increase Each dimensioning and tolerancing section includes a state-
the clarity of the drawing requirements, which reduces ambigu- ment in the first paragraph to indicate the standard in force at
ity. It is much easier to achieve first-time quality when require- the time the section was written.
ments are clearly stated. Another reason cost can be reduced is 3.1 Guidelines defined in the dimensioning and tolerancing
that all the functionally acceptable variation can be specified sections are based on the national standard noted in the first
on the drawing. Permitting the maximum amount of variation paragraph of each section. Some guidelines extend the
has many manufacturing benefits that reduce part cost. principles of the national standard. Explanations of these
1.2 Current practices can achieve a clarity of requirements principles are consistent with expected advances to be made as
such that each dimension or tolerance can be shown so that future editions of the standard are completed.
only one meaning exists. Errors in manufacturing or inspection
3.2 Explanations of extended principles are identified in the
are reduced when only one meaning exists for specified dimen-
text by providing a caution regarding their usage. In some
sions and tolerances. There should not be any guessing about
instances the caution indicates that a note should be added to
what must be produced.
the drawing for clarification of how the extended principle
1.3 Failure to use standardized dimensioning and tolerancing should be interpreted. If the standard is updated to include the
methods can result in ambiguous requirements, which may extended principle, at that time it will no longer be necessary to
result in manufacturing, inspection, and engineering all having use the notes on drawings completed subsequent to the new
different opinions regarding what a dimension or tolerance standard being issued. It should be recognized that any use of
means. The result can be lost time and scrap parts - all because an extended principle introduces some risk of disagreement
of ambiguous requirements - not because of fabrication capa- regarding interpretation.
bilities.
3.3 Any extended principle shown in this manual is not a
1.4 Maximizing allowable tolerances can reduce fabrication prediction of material to be contained in a future edition of the
cost when increased tolerances permit less expensive processes national standard. These extensions are only an attempt to fill
to be used. Current dimensioning and tolerancing methods voids currently in the standard and to advance capabilities. It is
permit utilization of all functionally acceptable variation. likely that many of the extensions will be considered for future
Tolerance zone shapes are functional and therefore permit use editions of the standard, but it is also possible that different
of larger tolerances than do non-functional shapes. Functional interpretations could be included when the standard is updated.
shapes are typically related to the geometry of the controlled
feature, such as a round position tolerance for a round hole. 3.4 It is possible to avoid a conflict between drawings made
today and future standards that may create new or changed
1.5 Tolerance zones can be permitted to vary in relationship to guidelines. Each drawing should include a note that states the
the produced feature size. This maximizes allowable tolerance issue of the standard on which the drawing is based. Additional
and ensures that all functionally good parts are acceptable. notes should be applied to each specification that is an
extension of principles. The notes must explain how the
1.6 Obsolete dimensioning and tolerancing techniques did not extended principle is interpreted.
take advantage of the full functional tolerance and therefore
unnecessarily restricted fabrication requirements. 3.5 To indicate the applicable standard, a note such as the
following is recommended:
2.0 COMPLETION LEVEL OF FIGURES DIMENSIONING AND TOLERANCING IN
2.1 Figures contained in the dimensioning and tolerancing ACCORDANCE WITH ASME Y14.5M-1994.
sections of this manual are complete to the extent necessary to
illustrate the concept explained in the associated text. The It is important to include the year of the standard in the note
figures are not complete technical drawings. These simplified since requirements have advanced in each edition.
figures make it easier to find the illustrated concept and avoid
3.6 Some items in these dimensioning and tolerancing sections
the confusion that can be caused by including features not yet
of the manual are not covered by the standard but are widely
explained.
used practices. These items are identified in the text with a

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September 1995* Introduction Update 54

caution. When these items are used, a note should be included

on the drawing to indicate how to interpret each of them. As
these practices are included in future editions of the standard,
the notes may be omitted from subsequent drawings. Refer-
ences to the “national standard” or “the standard” contained in
Section K6 of this manual are related to ASME Y14.5M-1994.

4.0 GAGING EXAMPLES

4.1 Explanations of some tolerance applications include gages

for tolerance verification. The gage dimensions and example
calculations omit gage design tolerances that would be required
to fabricate gages. This permits a clear explanation of the
tolerance interpretation for the workpiece.

5.0 UNITS OF MEASURE

5.1 Dimensioning and tolerancing fundamentals are the same

regardless of the unit of measurement used on the drawing.
Only the dimension value and the treatment of decimal values
is impacted. Unit values and how they are shown are explained
in the General Tolerances section.

5.2 Some figures are illustrated with metric units and others
include inch units. The unit of measurement has no effect on
the dimensioning and tolerancing concept.

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 DRAFTING MANUAL Section K6.1
Update 56 Dimensioning and Tolerancing Page 1
Update 56 A. Wilson
by: Bruce Symbols February 1997*

SYMBOLS 2.1 Diameter - A diameter symbol is placed in front of any

1.0 GENERAL1 dimension value that is a diameter. See Figure 2.
This section is based on ASME Y14.5M-1994. Symbols unique
to ANSI Y14.5M-1982 are also described for those who are
contractually obligated to comply with the older standard.

1.1 Symbols permit consistency in the way dimensions and

tolerances are specified, and each symbol has a clearly defined
meaning. Symbols take less time to apply on a drawing than
would be required to state the same requirements with words.
The symbols also require considerably less space. See Figure 1.

Figure 2. Diameter Symbol

2.2 Counterbore Symbol - A counterbore symbol combined

with a diameter symbol is placed in front of a specified
counterbore or spotface diameter. See Figure 3.

Figure 1. Equivalent Symbol and Note

1.2 The symbols are presented in two groups for easier use of
this section as a reference. General dimensioning symbols are
shown first. Some of these symbols are also used in tolerance
specifications. The second set of symbols are used for toler-
ances.

1.3 Symbol sizes are shown in the figures as values propor-

tional to the letter ‘h’. The letter ‘h’ represents the predominant
character height on a drawing. If a symbol dimension is shown
as 1.5h, and the predominant character height on the drawing is Figure 3. Counterbore Symbol
to be 3mm, then the symbol dimension is 4.5mm (1.5 x 3mm).
2.3 Countersink - The countersink symbol combined with a
1.4 Symbol proportions defined in the standard are recommen- diameter symbol is placed in front of a specified countersink
dations. Some companies find it desirable to vary from the diameter. See Figure 4.
recommended proportions for improved microfilm reproduc-
tion capability. Symbol proportions within a company, and
certainly within a single drawing, should be consistent.

1.5 Symbols are not generally used in text or notes lists.

Abbreviations and symbol names are used in text or notes lists.

2.0 GENERAL SYMBOLS

General symbols are used with dimensions to clarify the
requirement defined by a dimension value and to minimize the
number of words or abbreviations placed on a drawing.

1
Figures in this section were created using Auto CAD software, a product of
Autodesk, Inc. and plotted on a Summagraphics (Houston Instrument Figure 4. Countersink Symbol
Engineered) DMP 160 series plotter.

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August 1993* Symbols Update 47

2.4 Depth - A downward-pointing arrow is used for the depth

symbol, and it is placed in front of the depth value in such
applications as for counterbore and hole depths. See Figure 5.

2.7 Reference -
Parentheses enclosing a
dimension value
Figure 5. Depth Symbol indicates the dimension
is a reference value.
2.5 Dimension Origin - A circle used in place of one of the See Figure 8.
arrowheads on a dimension line indicates the origin for
measurement. See Figure 6. This symbol is not used as a
replacement for datums and datum references.

2.8 Arc Length - An arc

drawn above a dimension
value indicates the shown
value is the distance
measure along the defined
arc. See Figure 9. It may
be a distance measured
along a curved surface or
it may be a distance
between two features such
as holes in a curved part.
2.6 Square - A square is placed in front of dimensions for
square features. See Figure 7. The square symbol is used in a
manner similar to the diameter symbol. One dimension is
adequate for a square shape when this symbol is used -
eliminating the need for a second dimension.
Figure 9. Arc Length

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Update 56 Symbols February 1997*

2.9 Slope - The slope symbol is placed at the left end of the example:
slope specification. See Figure 10. The slope value is specified 3X .250-20UNC-3A
as the amount of change per unit of length.
The letter X can also be used in place of the word BY. A space
is placed on each side of the letter X for this usage.

example:
.125 X .750

2.11.2 Radius - The letter R is

placed in front of any value that
indicates a radius dimension. See
Figure 12. Prior to the 1982
standard, the letter R was shown
following the dimension value.
Figure 10. Slope Symbol
Figure 12. Radius Dimension
2.10 Conical Taper - A conical taper symbol is placed in front
of a taper specification. See Figure 11. The specification 2.11.3 Controlled Radius - The abbreviation CR is defined by
indicates the amount of change in diameter over a unit length the 1994 standard to indicate a controlled radius dimension.
of the axis. CAUTION - This abbreviation is not defined in the 1982
standard.

2.11.4 Spherical Radius -

The letters SR are placed in
front of a dimension for a
spherical radius. See Fig-
ure 13.

Figure 13. Spherical Radius

2.11.5 Spherical
Diameter - A letter S
precedes the diameter
symbol, and both are
placed in front of a
spherical diameter
Figure 11. Conical Taper Symbol dimension. See
Figure 14.
2.11 LETTERS - All letters used for symbols have a height
Figure 14. Spherical Diameter
equal to ‘h’.
2.11.1 Letter X - The letter X may be used to indicate a
3.0 TOLERANCING SYMBOLS
number of times or places a feature or item is repeated. If the X
is to indicate the number of times or places, no space is shown Tolerancing symbols can be categorized as being applicable to
between the number of occurrences and the letter X. datum identification, form, orientation, location, profile, runout,
and modifiers.

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3.1 DATUM IDENTIFICATION SYMBOLS - These 3.1.1.2 1982 Datum Feature Symbol - The symbol shown in
symbols provide a means to identify datum features. ANSI Y14.5M-1982 and earlier standards is a rectangle with
two short dashes. See Figure 16. One dash is placed on each
3.1.1 1994 Datum Feature Symbol - This symbol became the side of the letter used to identify the datum feature. Depending
U.S. standard in 1994 and is used widely in foreign countries on the requirement, this symbol may be attached to an exten-
since it is defined by the International Standards Organization. sion line, a dimension line, a leader, a feature control frame, or
See Figure 15. placed adjacent to a dimension value.

3.1.2 Datum Target Symbol -

The datum target is a circle
with a horizontal line across
the middle. See Figure 17.
The datum identification goes
in the bottom half of the
symbol, and, in the case of a
datum area, the size can be
shown in the top half.

Figure 15. 1994 Datum Feature Symbol

3.1.1.1 The 1994 symbol always has a leader extending from it

to the point of application. The leader includes a triangle at the Figure 17. Datum Target Symbol
end. It may be filled or left open. The triangle is sometimes
referred to as a suction cup, but it is correctly identified as a
datum feature triangle.
3.1.3 Target Point Symbol - A
datum target point is shown by
drawing an X at the location
of the point. See Figure 18.
This same symbol is also used
to indicate the end view of a
datum target line.

Figure 18. Datum Target

Point Symbol

3.2 FORM - Form tolerance symbols include straightness,

flatness, circularity, and cylindricity. Although profile can be
Figure 16. 1982 Datum Feature Symbol used to control form, profile tolerance symbols are contained in
a separate category of tolerance.
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Update 47 Symbols August 1993*

3.2.1 Straightness - A straight 3.2.4 Cylindricity - This

line is used to indicate a symbol is a circle with
straightness requirement. See two parallel lines drawn
Figure 19. It is only applied in a tangent to the circle. See
feature control frame, and may Figure 22. It is used to
be used to control straightness of control the surface errors
surface elements. It may also be on a cylindrical feature.
used to control the straightness of It simultaneously
an axis or center plane. controls circularity and
parallelism of the
elements on the cylinder.

3.3 ORIENTATION - Orientation tolerance symbols include

parallelism, perpendicularity, and angularity.
3.2.2 Flatness - The
flatness symbol appears
as an oblique view of a
square surface. See 3.3.1 Parallelism - Parallel-
Figure 20. This symbol is ism is indicated by two
used in feature control parallel straight lines. See
frames and is only used Figure 23.
to control the form
variations on flat
features.

3.2.3 Circularity - Circularity is

indicated by a circle. See Fig-
ure 21. It controls the amount of 3.3.2 Perpendicularity -
form error permitted on the Perpendicularity is indicated
surface of a circular feature at by two perpendicular lines.
individual cross sections. See Figure 24.

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February 1997* Symbols Update 56

3.4.3 Symmetry - A
3.3.3 Angularity - Angularity is special symmetry symbol
indicated by two lines forming a existed prior to the 1982
30° angle. See Figure 25. standard. See Figure 28.
This symbol became
obsolete in the 1982
standard. Under the 1982
standard, any symmetry
requirement is specified
using a position
tolerance. The symbol
has been reinstated by the
1994 standard.
Figure 25. Angularity Symbol
3.4 LOCATION - Position tolerances are the most common
location tolerance. Concentricity and symmetry are also types
Figure 28. Symmetry Symbol
of location tolerances. Profile tolerances can be used to control
location, but these are covered separately. 3.5 PROFILE - Line profile and surface profile are two
distinctly different tolerance types, and each has a specific
symbol. Both tolerance types may be used for multiple levels
3.4.1 Position - of control, which are described in detail in the section on
profile tolerances.
The position
tolerance symbol is
a circle with a
horizontal and 3.5.1 Line Profile - Line
vertical line drawn profile is indicated by an arc.
through the circle. See Figure 29. The arc is
See Figure 26. open at the bottom. It is easy
to remember the line profile
symbol since it is drawn with
a single curved line.

Figure 26. Position Tolerance Symbol

Figure 29. Line Profile

3.4.2 Concentricity -
Concentricity is indicated by
two concentric circles. See 3.5.2 Surface Profile - The
Figure 27. The need for this surface profile symbol is similar
symbol has been challenged, to the line profile symbol,
but it is still used to specify except the surface profile has a
concentricity. Care should be straight line drawn across the
taken to avoid the use of this bottom. See Figure 30. Al-
symbol if the needed control though the surface profile
can be achieved by using symbol is closed, it is not filled.
either position or runout
tolerances.

Figure 27. Concentricity Symbol Figure 30. Surface Profile Symbol

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Update 56 Symbols February 1997*

3.6 RUNOUT - Two types of runout can be specified to

achieve the necessary surface control of circular elements or
surfaces relative to an axis of rotation. Either circular runout or
total runout may be controlled. 3.7.1 Maximum Mate-
rial Condition - A letter
M within a circle is the
3.6.1 Circular Runout - maximum material
A single arrow pointing condition modifier. See
in an upward direction Figure 33. The equiva-
indicates circular runout. lent abbreviation for use
See Figure 31. The arrow in notes is MMC.
may be filled or unfilled.

Figure 33. Maximum Material Condition Symbol

Figure 31. Circular Runout Symbol 3.7.2 Least Material

Condition - A letter L
3.6.2 Total Runout - Two parallel arrows pointing upward and within a circle is the
connected by a horizontal line at the bottom of the arrows least material condition
indicates a total runout requirement. See Figure 32. The arrows modifier. See Figure 34.
may be filled or unfilled. The equivalent abbre-
viation for use in notes
is LMC.

Figure 34. Least Material Condition Symbol

3.7.3 Regardless of
Feature Size - A letter
S within a circle
indicates regardless of
feature size. See
Figure 35. The symbol
is optional—no longer
required. The equiva-
Figure 32. Total Runout Symbol lent abbreviation for
use in notes is RFS. In
3.7 MODIFIERS - Modifiers are used to provide information compliance with
about how the specified tolerances apply to the controlled ASME Y14.5M-1994,
feature. As an example, if a tolerance applies when a feature is the RFS condition is
at its maximum material condition, then the maximum material assumed to apply to all
condition modifier is shown with the tolerance specification.
tolerances unless
Some modifiers may be used with dimensions. The specific
specified otherwise.
application of each modifier is explained in the sections on
tolerance application.
Figure 35. Maximum Material Condition Symbol

August 1993
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February 1997* Symbols Update 56

3.7.4 Projected Tolerance - A 3.8 BETWEEN - A double-

tolerance zone that projects ended arrow placed between
beyond the surface of the part two letters indicates that a
is a projected tolerance zone control extends between two
and is indicated by a letter P labeled points on a feature.
inside a circle. See Figure 36. See Figure 40. CAUTION -
The double-ended arrow is
Figure 36. Projected Tolerance Symbol not in the 1982 or earlier
standards.

3.7.5 Statistical Value - A tolerance value calculated on the

basis of statistical analysis should be identified. For this
purpose, ASME Y14.5-
1994 introduced the
Figure 40. Between Symbol
letters ST enclosed
within what looks like
an elongated hexagon. 4.0 FEATURE CONTROL FRAMES
See Figure 37. CAU-
TION - This symbol is Geometric tolerances are specified with feature control frames.
not in the 1982 or See Figure 41. The feature control frames are always created
earlier standards. and read from left to right. The tolerance characteristic is first,
followed by the tolerance and any applicable datum references.
Figure 37. Statistical Value Symbol Whether or not a diameter symbol or modifier is included in
the tolerance specification depends on the application and the
3.7.6 Tangent Plane - A tolerance zone applicable to a tangent desired control.
plane rather than the feature surface requires special notation.
A tangent plane application
is indicated by the letter T
placed inside a circle. See
Figure 38. CAUTION -
This symbol is not in the
1982 or earlier standards.

Figure 38. Tangent Plane Symbol Figure 41. Geometric Tolerances are Specified wtih
Feature Control Frames

4.0.1 Feature Control Frame Lines - A feature control frame

may be made of one line containing a single specification, or
3.7.7 Free State - A letter F
multiple lines may be used to indicate multiple controls on the
inside a circle indicates that a
same feature or features. The controlled item may be identified
dimension or tolerance is
with a datum feature symbol applied to the feature control
applicable in the free state.
frame.
See Figure 39. CAUTION -
This symbol is not in the
1982 or earlier standards.

Figure 39. Free State Symbol

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