ARCHITECTURAL DRAWING

INFORMATION

ARCHITECTURAL SYMBOLS
The drawing of an architectural working drawing requires a knowledge of the sym­
bols and terms commonly used in the design and construction industry. All architectural
working drawings must communicate in a clear and concise manner to the builders.
In order to simplify the details on a drawing and to speed drawing time it is neces­
sary to use architectural symbols. Many symbols are designed to approximate the ap­
'pearance of an item, or the material from which it is constructed (Fig. 1 ). Some
symbols however, may have no graphic resemblance to the material or item that they
are to represent (fig. 2 ).

riel
~

Fig. 1 Some architectural symbols are similar

to the item they represent

Fig. 2 Some architectural symbols have no

similarity to the item they represent

SYMBOL CONVENTIONS
The American Institute of Architect (AlA) and the American National Standard In­
stitute (ANSI) have each set standard conventions for architectural symbols. Since
many new and different types ,of construction materials, appliances and fixtures are con­
tinually being developed and IJsed in construction, many architectural drafters will use
symbols of their own design and show their meaning in a legend or symbol chart on the
drawing. While there are some different symbols being used, there is an overall accep­
tance of the AlA and ANSI symbol conventions.
As a general rule when a symbol is not clear or a new type of material is to be noted
on a drawing, a notation should be used with the symbol (Rg. 3 ,). This Will clarify the
communication to the builders. It must be remembered that architectural working draw­
ings must be read by many persons in the building trades. Everything must be clear so
no guess work will be involved with the design, ordering of materials or construction
phases.

z:~ I
DOUBLE THERMAL PANES
Rg. 3 For clarity, if it is needed,
use a notation with the symbol
RULES FOR DRAWING SYMBOLS
1. Always use drawing instruments. Never draw the symbols freehand on a working
drawing. Use an architectural drawing template to increase the speed and clarity of the
symbols (Fig. 4 ). Be certain that the template figures are the same scale as your
drawing's scale.
2. The location of the symbol on the working drawing is closely approximated. If an
exact location is required, dimensions must be added to the symbol on the drawing
(Fig. 5 ).
3, Symbols are not drawn to the exact size of the actual item. The general size of the
architectural symbols will vary with the scale of the drawing. The symbol should be of
convenient reading size, It should 110t be too small or large (Fig. 6).
4. Material symbols need not cover the full surface as shown in figure 7
Repetitious drawing symbols need not be completely drawn.
5. Have references for architectural symbols available.

/
: -' i /
/

c 1 -.::z-l
/
/
/

/
6'-6' HT . /

I ,///

La'
4 '-0'
.I
Fig. 4 Use an architectural template
for the drawing of symbols
Fig. 5 Add dimensions if exact
locations are required

SCALE TOO
GOOD
SMALL
SCALE
CEDAR SHINGLES

SCALE TOO
LARGE '1,6' VERTICAL SIDING

Fig. 6· Fig.. 7
Good symbol proportions are important Symbols for surface cover materials
for architectural working drawings need not cover the entire surface
 ARCHITECTURAL DRAWJNG
INFORMATION SHEET

PLUMBING SYMBOLS

8ECESSE-D
7 I
F'r:jE2 5TANDINCj
lZ2r
SQUAF\E­
BATI--l TUB BATH TUB BATUTUB
BT BT BT

lC -1T
AT&h ...

m~l'.~"~;CI _V· ~P

~~
.----------::
COPjNEp' SITZ. '. ONE PIE:Lc­
BATWTUB BATUTUB W,ATEI1 CLOSET -.

BT BT . we
I§iri *A'

(
l'r '-
WALL~UN~ ·
WATE~ cCOS~
c=J
0·'
TWO PIECE
WATE~ CLOSET
~.
~
: .
WALL WUN<1
U~INAL
we we UPj

51..WWE:~
WEAO: BIDE-T
o o
F-~c-E
U~INAL
5TANOINS
~:
" .
.

51--1\--10 B
.meUp'Ed
O~
If,

o~

~II~
WALLl--lUN~ ~
LAVATOFW
.LAV
~e!~~ND<N"~
>+-r
LAVATOp'Y
L,AV
COUNTE"
LAVATO~Y
LAV
Top~l~
••: . ' :

~
WCL

WATEi')·COOU::l1 ~
WCL -~
 WINDOW SYMBOLS

DOU8LE: I-IUNe, 5WINGINC,

WINDOW SLJOINe, WINDOW WINDOWS
DWW 5LO WOw SWG, WOW

L .-J

AWNIN<; WINDOW WOPPe~ WINDOW JALOUSIE:- WINDOW

AWN WOW WOP WOW JAL WOW c

ron ra.

~\ \ \\\-;\\' SQUD.~c BAY

FIXE-D WINDOW ~ BAY WINDOW WINDOW
FX WOW BAy WOW SQ BAy wow

DOOR SYMBOLS
°

\
.....

·YJl c::::~ -<r~..

/\

INT~~IO~ ~OO"" DOUBLE

5WIN~INe, ooo~ °

-
00 00

INT DF'] ~XT OPt 05LoSW~ o~

s:::=;:::;;

~q
Ili!ld Iii{

.~
SLtD1N<; ooo~
SLO<;°Oq
/
0­

POCIlE:-T
PI1 oq
BilJlJl.ir.,.
OOO~

e
Jl o

F~E-NC\-1
F-~
0001=\5
O~S
'I
.;
1
I;
.:
_ I

~ ~

VJi ACCO~OIAN ~. °

DUTCI-l 'DOO~
DT D~ ACON D~
OOA B'FOLo<N,
BI-l=-LD oPts
ood101
 ARCHITECTURAL DRAWII~-.J

VARIOUS ARCHITECTURAL SYMBOLS

Abbreviation, plan symbol, elevation and pictorial

.t'

BUILDING MATERIAL SYMBOLS:

SECTION SECTION SECTION SECTION
NAME ABBRV SYMBOL ELEVATION NA"'E ABBRV SYMBOL ELEVATiON NAME ABBRV SYMBOL ELEVATION NAME ABBRV SYMBOL ELEVATION

COMMON
BRICK
COM
BRK
~I~ WELDED
WIRE MESH
WWM
Sl~ rr
EARTH
CUT STONE,
ASHLAR
CTSTN
ASH
~I~
_I~ ~I.u ~[~
FACE FC ROCK CUT STONE, CT STN
FABRIC FAB RK RGH
BRICK BRK ROUGH

I ~-- -~
I~
- -.-T'ln

FIREBRICK FRB
~I.~ UOUID laO
~ ~f}~~ SAND SD MARBLE MARB

GLASS '.

GLASS
BLOCK
GL

Gl
BLK
., .-"

~ II'j ':J<::J,:,'I
COMPOSITION
SHINGLE

RIOGID
INSULATION
SOLID
COMP
SH

RDG
INS
E31~
mlam
GRAVEL

CINDERS

--
I
-
GV

CIN
FLAGSTONE

CUT SLATE
FlG ST

I CT SlT
-
JI
~~
~
ml~ ~
MM I [1[
"""'';-'''''-1
IF RANDOM RND
LOOSE-FILL ,-\''') ~f-- ...
STRUCTURAL STRUC AGGREGATE AGR RUB
GLASS Gl
INSULATION INS
;1::7;I'/J;~"d RUBBLE

~I~ fS{yj [:.:.···.··;,::\~{{ltj ~IM

\~
QUILT OlT LIMESTONE
FROSTED FRST CONCRETE CONC LM ST

-
GLASS Gl

~I- LId I[:.;::<\:>'ili ~I-

..:··.·.\.·•..:1
SOUND SND CEMENT CEM CERAMIC
CER Tl
STEEL STl INSULATION. INS TILE

CAST IRON CST IR

~ 1l1li CORK
INSULATION
CRK
INS Imlmm TERAZZO
CONCRETE
TER
CONC
TERRA-COTTA
TILE
TC Tl
ElrnHE
BRASS &
BRONZE
BRS
BRZ
,~~"
~~~'$

R 1l1li
- PLASTER
WALL

PLASTER
PLST
WL

PLST
~1[[3d

~III:I:I
I
I I '1 Ii
CONCRETE
BLOCK

--
CAST
CONC
BlK

CST
,.: . :t.~

r'~
: 10'1':
'1::.•.:.'
.:'

[1:::1:1:
;:J..i:.;J.
STRUCTURAL
CLAY TilE
--~

~~~Ll SCALE
I ST
Cl TL

TL
m'!rnHE
~ 1111
~~
ALUMINUM Al BLOCK BLK BLOCK 1'] I
BlK :::: ....:::-",.'.>

-
---
PLASTER
I
:'~"J';"V: 11",':":':"j
~
~

~ 1111
SHT PlST CINDER
WALL AND CIN GLAZED GLZ FAC
SHEET METAL
IFLASHING}
MrL
FLASH
J~ METAL
LATHE
Wl&
MT lTH
BLOCK
BLK
::.';~<I'lt
.';".:.::~.\.:;.
.. : . : .' :: .. ·.~.;:·;il~
FACE HOLLOW
TILE
HOl Tl

REINFORCING
STEEL BARS
REBAR ~1~=1
L~ t:=--=--:=j
PLASTER
WALL AND
CHANNEL
STUQS
~~~ '1~
~ I [22]
CHNSTD '::.:::'-::.':::::'.
TERRA·
COTTA BLOCK
LARGE
SCALE
TC
BlK
igil ==;;
~i
TERRA·COTTA
BLOCK
SMALL
SCALE
I TC
BLK
II I f:(:);:'<~:;,l
~
 ")LlANCE AND FIXTURE SYMBOLS DOOR SYMBOLS
--",,__,1

NAME ABBRV SECTION ELEVATION PICTORIAL NAME ABBRV SECTION ELEVATION PICTORIAL
SYMBOL . SYMBOL

NAME ABBRV SECTION ELEVATION PICTORIAL NAME ABBRV . SECTION ELEVATION PICTORIAL
SYMBOL SYMBOL ~COAOlAN AWN •
IHTEllIOA
HINGED DOOR

:EI:=Lt~
HOUOWCOllE

".. ,:E: -=:Rt¥~

w"'
c.>,,~~
-
_llIIllll&lllll!tIIIWill!!
-.
~.

"
~jgL

:ECU
~
.. ~
EXTERIOR
HINGEO·DOOR
saUD CORE

DOUBlE
ACTION
00,"
DVTCHOOOII

~ ~
,..----·1
w._ IIYl'ASSING
SUDINl] " __________ WERHEAO " I
"'OHOR~ ,'
8
~~G

-"" ~
00," GAAA.aEOOOFl

-
axXTor ~~
-~ OJ~
~ OOUIlLE
FRENCH
DOORS
~~LDR'Y
,...,.....,
l1ARAGEOOOII

~~~
-,--,-~
--
w'"
~.
:rnrA~ SUDIN!)
POCKET
000'
:~a~.!
'" ill
_. RlUfI.·IDf
Q,t,RAGEDOOR ~vv
iIrL
- -_. ,~.lrt ~ *­
•
.~
....L'l'"'"

\J IIIF<lLDING 'H'U>
:~,.:
'----1! . '
00'''' OR ......................... seCTIONAL
P.OL1.-UP
GAfl.A.l1EDOOR
.,,,
BARo".lw:
.
1IW.1lf'\.

SANITATION FACILITY SYMBOLS WINDOW SYMBOLS

NAME ABBRV SECTION ELEVATION PICTORIAL NAME ABBRV SECTION ELEVATION PICTORIAL NAME ABBRV SECTION ELEVATION PICTORIAL NAME ABBRV SECTION ELEVATION PICTORIAL
SYMBOL SYMBOL SYMBOL SYMBOL

LWnDRY
"o,'"~
~~ \Q1 --=l ~ ::~:u.: ::., Olio{
~r
~, OOUBL£·HUNG
Wlt!DOW OHW ~~
00
o
HOPPER
'MNDOW

-rd~
....nmJ.
C:O~"H1

~'1L5Ld~
"-~I~ll··
H01IIlONTAl
o4li-eAV

"'
SUOINQ

~,CSl~~
'MNDDW lVINOOW

~ ~--n ~
DOUBLE·HUNG
't::loJ~ ~III .....'!"ofnJl

~."

"'~- ..,...,...?
1QJ--'1 <df ~
___
~it~=I'ri"I~ :',,"YO ~
~ ~ A.....HINO
IMNOOW
000'"'
CASEMENT

""'''T'(ACOOL£,.
IY"'Lo.'OtJ~Tto

WC\,
wt~
~
WCl 0
~

~
~~ -o-c:m ~
'~'
"MNDOW

-:----. :/

.~".~~~
,
• "let ~
Ire '\J d .
~
w._
lWo.l~
~ 0 ~ ~
SWiNGINO
CASEMENT
W1~DOW

:~
~ ~IJlC ~- -V- YJl --JJ
 ARCHITECTURAL DRAWING
INFORMATION SHEET

FLOOR-PLAN DIMENSIONING

Dimensions show the builder the width and length of the building. Dimensioning
architectural drawings differ from dimensioning mechanical drawings in many ways.
The DIMENSIONING system most commonly used in architectural drafting is known
as aligned dimensioning. With this system, dimensions are placed in line with the
dimension lines and are read from the bottom or right side of the sheet. Dimension
numerals are centered on and placed above the solid dimension lines:

41'_0"

15'-0. "

7/-f.p# eo'_O·

uOAO

BcTOM C
-'~
;,
/0

I
// ~,j
~=.
"?
I ~ ~

I
/ ~ .4-'_0·

:­
--;,
"'""
-'

;,
..
-'

.2
Q
"~
Q
-'
"

B'_!#· If..'_f..pJl

'L\/~O"
:1

BASEMENT F-LOOQ. PLAN

ALIGNED DIMENSIONING ON A FLOOR PLAN

 RULES FOR DIMENSIONING

1. Architectural dimension lines are unbroken lines with dimensions placed above the line.
2. In drawing plans, feet and inch marks may be omitted as a general rule, (Do not omit dash).
a. Dimensions over l' are expressed in feet and inches.
b. Dimensions less than l' are shown in inches.
3. A slash is often used with fractional dimensions to conserve vertical space.
4. Dimensions should be placed to read from the right or from the bottom of the drawing.
5. You should place dimensions so that the drawing does not appear crowded.
a. Space dimension fines a minimum of 3/8" from the object and from each other.
b. If there is room, it is preferred to start the first dimension line 1/2" from the plan.
6. Be consistent so that dimension lines are evenly spaced (regardless of distance chosen).
7. Dimension lines terminate at the extension lines with dots, arrowheads, or slash marks.
8. Dimension numerals are drawn 1/8" high with the aid of guidelines.
9. Line and arrowhead weights are the same as those used in dimensioning mechanical drawings.
10. Overall building dimension are placed outside the other dimension Jines.
a. The first line of dimensions on the plan is the smallest distance from the exterior wall the
the center of windows, doors and partition (interior) wails.
b. The second lines of dimensions generally gives the distance from the outside walls to the
partition (interior) walls.
c. The third fine of dimensions is usually the overall distance between the two exterior walls.

,-- .,\PPRO)(IIV1ATELY 1/8"

, - ;/
v
~

:9 -0 II
1
/ IO'-O~ ~
L/- EQUAL SP/\CE

~
tS"OIl 17'-0
11 1
f 3/8" iVll NIMU M

SP/lDE DEPENDS
UPON ,iWlIILABLE
,900fVI 3/8 " TO 1"
! .,- INTERIOR
! EXTENSION
LINES, TO
CENTER OF
FEATURE -".,
1
I

1/1?"~
-- EXTERIOR EXTENSIOf\1 L1II JE,
ASSUMED TO OUTSiDE
FACE OF STUDS

- '­ -

DIMENSION LINE SPACING

 11. Room sizes may be shown by stating width and length.

12. When an area to be dimensioned is too small for the numerals, they are placed outside the

extension lines.

13. Window and door sizes may be shown directly on the door or window symbol or may be indexed
to a door or wirldow schedu Ie.
14. Curved leaders are sometimes used to eliminate confusion with other dimension lines.
15. When an area is too small for an arrowhead, dots may be used to indicate the dimension limits.
16. When the space is small, arrowheads may be placed outside the extension lines.
17. A dot with a leader refers to the large area noted.
18. Dimensions that cannot be seen on the floor plan or those too small to place on the object are
placed on leaders for easier reading.
19. In dimensioning stairs, the number of risers is placed on a line with an arrow indicating the
direction (up or down).
20. Windows, doors, pilasters, beams and areaways are dimensioned to their centerlines.
21. Use abbreviations when symbols do not show clearly what is intended.
22. Sub-dimensions must add up to overall dimensions (14'-0" + 12'-0" = 26'-0").
23. Architectural dimensions always refer to the actual size of the building regardless of the scale of
the drawing.
24. Aligned dimensions are placed in alignment with an angled wall or feature.

F=~~

OPEN ARROWHEADS

CLOSED ARROWHEADS

PERPENDICULAR LINES

SLASH LINES
3" MINIMUM II
..... "­ ..... TRIANGLES ~
-------r!'­
v v
'" CIRCLES DOOR CENTERED
i\illNIMUM DISTANCE
IN HALLWAY, ASSUMED
DOOR TO WALL ASSUMED
I
DIFFERENT STYLES OF
ARROWHEADS

36"* S~OWER

~EADER
WITH
LINE CURVED FREEHAND OR
IRREGULAR CURVE, OR STRAIGHT.
CENTER AT BEGINNING OR END OF NOTE.
TERMINATE WITH ARROWHEAD.
 COMMON SIZES OF ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES

1. Base cabinets generally are not dimensioned as they are typically 24" deep.
2. Closet poles are generally 15" from the back wall and are dashed lines.
3. Closet shelves are solid lines 12" from the back wall.
4. Room components:

-exterior walls: 6"

-exterior unheated walls (garage, shop): 4"

-Interior: 4"

-Interior plumbing wall (ie..toilet): 6"

-Hallway: 36" minimum wide

-entry hallways: 42 - 60"

-bedroom closets: 24" minimum depth; 48" length

-linen closets: 14-24" deep (not over 3D")

-Washer/dryer space: 36" deep; 5'-6" long minimum

-Stairways: 36" minimum wide; 10.5" tread(typical); 11 '-4" total run

5. Plumbing:
-Bathroom sink: 19" x 16" (oval); provide 9" from edge to wall and about 12" between two sinks; 36"
minimum length
-Kitchen sink: 32" x 21" for a double, 42" x 21" for a triple
-Laundry sink: 21" x 21"
-Shower: 36" square; 42" square; or a combination of 36", 42", 48" and 60" for fiberglass; any size for
ceramic tile
-Toilet space: 30" wide (minimum), 24" clearance in front

- Washer/Dryer: 2'-4" square (approXimately)

6. Appliances:
-Forced air unit: gas- 18" square (minimum) with 6" space all around (can NOT go under the stairs) ;
electric- 24" x 30" (same space reqUirements as gas)
- Water heater: gas- 18-24" diameter (can NOT go under the stairs)
-Refrigerator: 36" wide space; approximately 27-30" deep; 4" from wall, 4" from the base cabinet.
-Stove/cooktop: 30" x 21" deep
-Built-in oven: 27" x 24" deep
-Dishwasher: 24" x 24"
-Trash compactor: 15" x 24" deep; near sink, away from stove
-Broom/pantry: 12" minimum x 24" deep, increasing by 3" increments
-Desk: 30" x 24" deep (minimum); not within the work triangle

-Built-in vacuum: 24" x 30" diameter

7. Doors:
-Entry: 36" x 6'_8"; 42" x 8'-0"
-Slider or French: 5', 6', 8' (double); 9', 10' (triple); 12' (four panel)
-Garage, utility, kitchen and bedrooms on custom houses: 2'-8"
-Bedrooms and bathrooms of nice homes: 2'-6"
-Bathroom closets: 2'-4"

-Garage: 8' x 1', 9' x 8', 16' x l' and 18' x l'

 8. Windows:

- Living, family: 8' - 10'

-Dining: 6' - 8'

-Bedrooms: 4' - 6'

-Kitchens: 3' - 5'

-Bathrooms: 2' - 3'

-Sliding: 4', 5' 6' 8' 10' 12'

-Single hung: 24", 30", 36" 42"

-Casement: same as sliding

-Fixed awning: 24", 30", 36" 42", 48"

-Fixed sliding: 24", 30", 36" 42", 48"

-Picture: 4', 5', 6', 8'

-Bay: 8' - 10' total; sides- 18-24" wide

SOME METHODS OF DIMENSIONING FLOOR PLANS

,. Method B is preferred for this class (deviation will require teacher approval)

B·

*/n summary, a floor plan must be completely dimensioned to ensure that

the house will be constructed precisely as designed. Many construction
mistakes result from errors in architectural drawing, and most of those
errors are in dimensioning! One of the best ways to learn how
experienced drafters layout dimensions is to study and evaluate existing
plans.
 NAME _ ARCHITECTURAL DRAWING
WORKSHEET: MEASUREMENT

MEASURING A FLOOR PLAN

MAKE ALL MEASUREMENTS WITH SCALE: 1/4"= 1'-0".

SUB DIMENSIONS MUST TOTAL CORRECTLY.

~-~ - ~_:_-:_- -'- - - - -.- --1

-- -,......-+>---

I
L_

KITCHEN n
LJ
LIVING j
I

~ /\~ i- I

t
~L1N vc--- R

---~
I

---H.
. i

I
L--
(
-' L,
HALL
,s
/) 00 --+ '
~ I

-+----------+--1 ~ ~~ BAT H Q

--
COMPUTER/
OFFICE
BEDROOM
r 1
_~CL