Principles of Dimensioning: Machine A PDF Writer That Produces Quality PDF Files With Ease!

Principles of Dimensioning
Introduction
A detail drawing is expected to provide not only the

complete shape description of the part, but also furnish size
description. This is provided in the form of distance between
the surfaces, location of holes etc., Apart from this, other
details like kind of finish, type of material, etc are also need
in the case of production drawings. These features are
illustrated on a drawing by the use of lines, symbols,
figures, and notes, called dimensioning. Proper
dimensioning requires engineering judgment and thorough
knowledge of the practices and requirement of the
production department. Dimensions are classified into the
following types:
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1. Functional dimension (F) – A dimension that is essential
to the function of the part.
2. Non functional dimension (NF) – A dimension that is not

essential to the function of the part.
3. Auxiliary dimension (AUX) – A dimension given for

information purpose only. It does not govern the
production or inspection operations and is derived from
other values shown on the drawing. An auxiliary
dimension is enclosed in parenthesis and no tolerance
applies to it.
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Figure 1 indicates the classification of dimensions
Fig. 1 Classification of dimensions

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Execution of Dimensions
The elements of dimensioning include the projection

line, dimension line, leader line, dimension line origin
indication, its termination, notes, the dimension, etc.
The various elements of dimensioning are shown in
Fig. 1.
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Fig. 1a Elements of dimensioning
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Principles of Dimensioning
The following are the basic principles of dimensioning:
1. All dimensional information necessary to define a part

clearly and completely shall be shown directly on a
drawing.
2. Each feature shall be dimensioned once only on a

drawing.
3. Dimensions shall be placed on the view or section that

shows clearly, the corresponding features (Fig. 2).
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Fig. 2 Placement of dimensions
where the shape is best shown
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4. As far as possible, on a drawing, dimensions should be
expressed in one unit only, preferably in millimeters,
without showing the unit symbol (mm). Unit on the
drawing, however, may be shown in a note (Fig. 9).
5. No more dimensions than are necessary to define a part

shall be shown on the drawing. No feature of a part shall
be defined by more than one dimension in any one
direction (Fig. 3).
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Fig. 3 Placement of only necessary dimensions
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6. As far as possible, dimensions should be placed outside
the view (Fig. 4).
Fig. 4 Placement of dimensions outside the view

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7. Dimensions should be represented from the visible
outlines, rather than from hidden lines (Fig. 5).
Fig. 5 Marking of dimensions from the visible outlines

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8. Dimensions should be given from a base line, a centre line
of a hole, or a finished surface. Dimensioning to a centre
line should be avoided, except when it passes through the
center of a hole (Fig. 6).
Fig. 6 Avoiding dimensioning to the centre line

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9. Interesting projection and dimension lines should be
avoided. Were unavoidable, however, neither line should
be shown with a break (Fig. 7a). Dimension line should
not be used as an extension line (Fig. 7b).
A centre line or the outline of a part should not be used as a

dimension line, but may be used in place of a projection line
(Fig. 7c); where centre line is used as a projection line, it
may be continued as a centre line.
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Fig 7
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10. If the space of dimensioning is insufficient, the arrow
heads may be reversed and the adjacent arrow heads
may be replaced by a dot (Fig. 8).
Fig. 8 Dimensioning in narrow spaces

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Projection and dimension lines should be drawn as thin
continuous lines. Projection lines should extend slightly
beyond the respective dimension line. It should be
perpendicular to the feature being dimensioned. Where
necessary, however, they may be drawn obliquely, but
parallel to each other in special cases, such as on tapered
features (Fig. 10).
Fig. 10 Dimensioning a tapered feature

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A leader line is a line referring to a feature (dimension,
object, outline, etc.).
Fig. 11 Termination of leader lines

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Leader lines should terminate (Fig. 11).
• with a dot, it they end within the outline of an object,
• with an arrow head, if they end on the outline of an object,
• without dot or arrow head, if they end on a dimension line.

Leader lines should be included to the horizontal at an
angle greater than 30.
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Fig. 12 Dimensioning several arcs Fig. 13 Unbroken dimension line
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When several arcs are dimensioned, it is preferable that
separate leaders be used rather than extending the leaders
(Fig. 12).
A dimension line should be shown unbroken, even where the

feature to which it refers is shown broken (Fig. 13).
Dimension lines should show distinct termination, in the form

of an arrow heads or oblique strokes or where applicable, an
origin indication (Fig. 14). The size of the termination should
be proportionate to the size of the drawing on which it is used.
One style of termination only should be used on a single
drawing. However, where space is too small for an arrow
head, the oblique stroke or a dot may be substituted.
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Fig. 15 Dimensioning of radii
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Only one arrow head termination, with its point on the arc
end of the dimension line, is to be used where a radius is
dimensioned (Fig.15).The arrow head termination may be
either on the inside or on the outside of the feature outline,
depending upon the size of the feature. Dimensions should
be written on a drawing, according to one of the following two
methods. Only one method should be used on any one
drawing.
Aligned system
Dimensions should be placed parallel to the dimension lines

and preferably near the middle, above and clear off the
dimension line (Fig. 16a). An exception may be made where
superimposed running dimensions are used (Fig. 16b).
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Fig. 16 Aligned dimensioning
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Dimensions should be written, so that they may be read
from the bottom or from the right side of the drawing.
Dimensions on oblique dimension lines should be oriented
as shown in Fig. 17.
Angular dimensions may be oriented as shown in Fig. 18.
Fig. 17 Oblique dimensioning Fig. 18 Angular dimensioning

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Uni-directional system
Dimensions should be written so that they may be read from

the bottom of the drawing. Non-horizontal dimension lines
are interrupted, preferably near the middle, for the insertion
of the dimension (Fig. 19).
Angular dimensions may be oriented as shown in Fig. 20.
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Fig. 19 Unidirectional dimensioning Fig. 20 Angular dimensioning
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The placing of dimensions frequently needs adopting to
varying situations. For example, dimensions may be,
i. closer to a termination, to avoid having to follow a long

dimension line, where only part of the dimension line
needs to be shown (Fig. 21).
ii. above the extension of the dimension line, beyond one of

the terminations, at the end of a leader line which
terminates on a dimension line; above a horizontal
extension of dimension line where space does not allow
placement (Fig. 8).
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Dimensions out-of-scale (except where break lines are used)
should be underlined with a straight thick line (Fig. 22), where
feature size modification does not warrant an extensive
drawing revision, to correct the feature scale.
Fig. 21 Dimensioning closer to termination Fig. 22 Indication of out-of-scale dimension
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Arrangement of dimensions
The arrangement of dimensions on a drawing must

indicate clearly the design purpose. Generally, it is the
result of a combination of various design requirements.
Chain dimensioning
This consists of chains of simple dimensions being used

where the possible accumulation of tolerances does not
endanger (Fig. 23) the functional requirement of the part.
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Fig. 23 Chain dimensioning
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Parallel dimensioning
This consists of placement of a number of single dimension

lines, parallel to one another and spaced to write the
dimension easily (Fig. 24). Superimposed running
dimensioning may be used (Fig. 16b) where there are space
limitations.
Fig. 24 Parallel dimensioning

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Dimensioning from a common feature may be executed as
parallel dimensioning or as superimposed running
dimensioning.
Combined dimensioning
Single dimensions, chain dimensioning and dimensioning
from a common feature may be combined on a drawing (Fig.
25).
Fig. 25 Combined dimensioning

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The dimension figures should be placed approximately at the
centre of the dimension line, but the dimension figures in
parallel dimensioning should be staggered (Fig. 26).
Fig. 26 Staggering dimensions

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Where an over-all dimension is shown, the intermediate
dimension is redundant and need not be shown (Fig. 27).
Fig. 27 Redundant dimensions

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The first row of dimensions should be placed atleast 10 mm
from the view and the successive rows should be atleast 6 mm
from the first row (Fig. 28).
Dimension figures should not be placed over the lines of

sectioned areas unless necessary; in which case, clear space
should be provided for the dimension figures (Fig. 29).
Fig. 28 Spacing of dimensions Fig. 29 Dimensioning sectioned areas
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Angles are dimensioned with arcs and extension lines, and
the dimension should not be placed inside the angle cut
(Fig. 30).
Fig. 30 Dimensioning an angle

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Dimensions of lengths and relevant diameters should be
given in the same view in the drawing as far as possible
(Fig. 31).
Fig. 31 Dimensioning lengths and related diameters

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Dimensions which go together, for example, the diameter
and depth of a hole, the width and length of a groove,
should be entered in the same view as far as practicable
(Fig. 32).
Dimensioning by co-ordinates
The sizes of the holes and their co-ordinate dimensions

may be indicated directly on the drawing or they may be
conveniently presented in a tabular form as shown in Fig.
33.
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Fig. 32 Dimensioning a hole Fig. 33 Co-ordinate dimensioning
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Special Indications
In addition to the features being dimensioned; the nature of

the feature may also be reflected while dimensioning, for
enhanced clarity of the detail.
Fig. 34 Shape identification symbols

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Shape identification symbols
Symbols are used with dimensions to indicate shape

identification, thus improving drawing interpretation. The
applicable indication (symbol) should precede the dimension
(Fig. 34).
Diameters
Dimensions of diameters should be placed on the most

appropriate view to ensure clarity and should be preceded by
the symbol Ø in order to distinguish the diameter from a
length. Figure 35 indicates the method of dimensioning
diameters.
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Fig. 35 Dimensioning diameters
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When centre lines cross each other in a view, at the
intersection point, the longer dashes only should be
intersected symmetrically (Fig. 36).
Fig. 36 Centre lines at the crossing points

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Chords, arcs, angles and radii
Dimensions of chords, arcs and angles should be as shown

in Fig. 37.
Fig. 37 Dimensioning of chords, arcs and angles

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Where the centre of an arc falls outside the limits of the
space available, the dimension line of the radius should
be broken or interrupted, according to whether or not it is
necessary to locate the centre (Fig. 15).
Where the size of the radius can be derived from other

dimensions, it shall be indicated with a radius arrow and
the symbol R, without an indication of the value.
Equidistant features
Where equidistant features or uniformly arranged elements

are part of the drawing specification, dimensioning may
be simplified as follows:
1. Linear spacings may be dimensioned as shown in Fig. 38
(one space may be dimensioned to avoid possibility of
confusion). pdfMachine
Fig. 38 Dimensioning equidistant features
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2. Angular spacing of holes and other features may be
dimensioned as shown in Fig. 39.
Fig. 39 Dimensioning equispaced angular feature

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Chamfers and counter-sinks
Chamfers may be dimensioned as shown in Fig. 40, and

counter-sinks, as shown in Fig. 41.
Fig. 40 Dimensioning champers

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Fig. 41 Dimensioning counter-sinks
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Tapered features
Tapered features are dimensioned, either by specifying the

diameters at either end and the length, or the length, one of
the diameters and the taper or taper angle (Fig. 42a).
A slope or flat taper is defined as the rise pr unit length and is

dimensioned by the ratio of the difference between the heights
at the ends to its length (Fig. 42b).
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Fig. 42 Dimensioning tapered features
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Screw threads
Screw threads are always specified with proper designation.

The nominal diameter is preceded by the letter M. The useful
length of the threaded portion should be dimensioned as
shown in Fig. 43. While dimensioning the internal threads,
the length of the drilled hole should also be dimensioned.
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Fig. 43 Dimensioning screw threads
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Keyways
Dimensioning of keyways, both external and internal, is

followed as shown in Fig. 44. Figure 44a shows the
method of dimensioning, as recommended for the keyway
on a shaft, located at its end and Fig. 44b, for keyway
located at some intermediate position. Figure 44c
represents the dimensioning facilitate accurate
measurement of the given dimensions.
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Fig. 44 Dimensioning keyways
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Spherical features
Figure 45 represents correct and incorrect method of

dimensioning a spherical feature. Here too, the dimensioning
requirement is measurement feasibility.
Fig. 45 Dimensioning spherical features

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Principles of Dimensioning

A detail drawing is expected to provide not only the

2. Non functional dimension (NF) – A dimension that is not

3. Auxiliary dimension (AUX) – A dimension given for

Fig. 1 Classification of dimensions

The elements of dimensioning include the projection

The following are the basic principles of dimensioning:

1. All dimensional information necessary to define a part

2. Each feature shall be dimensioned once only on a

3. Dimensions shall be placed on the view or section that

5. No more dimensions than are necessary to define a part

Fig. 4 Placement of dimensions outside the view

Fig. 5 Marking of dimensions from the visible outlines

Fig. 6 Avoiding dimensioning to the centre line

A centre line or the outline of a part should not be used as a

Fig. 8 Dimensioning in narrow spaces

Fig. 10 Dimensioning a tapered feature

Fig. 11 Termination of leader lines

• with a dot, it they end within the outline of an object,

• with an arrow head, if they end on the outline of an object,

• without dot or arrow head, if they end on a dimension line.

A dimension line should be shown unbroken, even where the

Dimension lines should show distinct termination, in the form

Dimensions should be placed parallel to the dimension lines

Angular dimensions may be oriented as shown in Fig. 18.

Fig. 17 Oblique dimensioning Fig. 18 Angular dimensioning

Dimensions should be written so that they may be read from

Angular dimensions may be oriented as shown in Fig. 20.

i. closer to a termination, to avoid having to follow a long

ii. above the extension of the dimension line, beyond one of

Fig. 21 Dimensioning closer to termination Fig. 22 Indication of out-of-scale dimension

The arrangement of dimensions on a drawing must

This consists of chains of simple dimensions being used

This consists of placement of a number of single dimension

Fig. 24 Parallel dimensioning

Fig. 25 Combined dimensioning

Fig. 26 Staggering dimensions

Fig. 27 Redundant dimensions

Dimension figures should not be placed over the lines of

Fig. 28 Spacing of dimensions Fig. 29 Dimensioning sectioned areas

Fig. 30 Dimensioning an angle

Fig. 31 Dimensioning lengths and related diameters

The sizes of the holes and their co-ordinate dimensions

In addition to the features being dimensioned; the nature of

Fig. 34 Shape identification symbols

Symbols are used with dimensions to indicate shape

Dimensions of diameters should be placed on the most

Fig. 36 Centre lines at the crossing points

Dimensions of chords, arcs and angles should be as shown

Fig. 37 Dimensioning of chords, arcs and angles

Where the size of the radius can be derived from other

Where equidistant features or uniformly arranged elements

Fig. 39 Dimensioning equispaced angular feature

Chamfers may be dimensioned as shown in Fig. 40, and

Fig. 40 Dimensioning champers

Tapered features are dimensioned, either by specifying the

A slope or flat taper is defined as the rise pr unit length and is

Screw threads are always specified with proper designation.

Dimensioning of keyways, both external and internal, is

Figure 45 represents correct and incorrect method of

Fig. 45 Dimensioning spherical features

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