Engineering 25 Graphics

DIMENSIONING RULES
1. Dimension outside of objects in space between views.
2. Dimensions should be placed on the most descriptive view (no dimensions to hidden lines).
3. Ends of leader lines should be horizontal. Leader lines used to dimension arcs and radii should be
radial.
4. Align and group dimension lines for clarity and uniform appearance. Put shorter dimensions closer
to the object than longer dimensions. Extension lines should never cross dimension lines.
5. First choice is to put dimension lines and numerical values inside extension lines. Second choice is
to put value inside extension lines and dimension line outside. Third best is to place value and
dimension lines outside extension lines.
6. Extend extension lines 1/8 inch past the end of the dimension line. Leave a visible gap between
extension lines and object lines.
7. Leave a gap between dimension lines and numerical dimensions.
8. Use center lines as extension lines, not as dimension lines. Center lines used as extension lines
cross visible lines with no gaps.
9. Holes or circular features greater a semicircle are dimensioned using diameter with diameter
symbol, arcs less than a semicircle use radii and R.
10. Holes require 3 dimensions. Two to locate the hole and one for the diameter.
11. Counterbored, spotfaced and countersunk holes are specified in notes using standard format.
12. Depth of a blind hole may be specified in a note using the same symbol as depth of a counterbore.
13. The location of holes should always be specified by a dimension to the center not the edge.
14. Dimension concentric circles in a longitudinal view when possible.
15. When dimensioning an arc or radius, show a small cross at the center.
16. Show a tolerance using limit dimensioning, plus minus dimensioning or a general note.
17. Angles may be dimensioned using square or angular dimensions. Angles are assumed to be 90
degrees if no dimension is given.
18. Use unidirectional dimensions rather than aligned dimensions.
19. Dimension features not spaces.
20. EACH FEATURE IS DIMENSIONED ONCE AND ONLY ONCE. (Avoid over dimensioning)