Basics of Engineering Drawing - Lettering

Writing of titles, dimensions, notes, and other important particulars on a drawing is called
lettering. Lettering is an important part of a drawing. However accurate and neat a drawing may
be drawn, its appearance is spoiled and sometimes, its usefulness is impaired by poor
lettering. Lettering should, therefore, be done properly in clear, legible and uniform style. It
should be in plain and simple style so that it could be done free hand and speedily.

Types of Lettering – Lettering may be drawn in various types. These are given below:

(a) According to the Height

(i) Lettering ‘A’

(ii) Lettering ‘B’

In lettering ‘A’ type, the height of the capital letter is divided into 14 parts, while in lettering ‘B’
type, it is divided into 10 parts. The height of letters and numerals for engineering drawing are
generally in the range of 2.5, 3.5, 5, 7, 10, 14 and 20 mm according to the size of drawing.

Table 1 Lettering ‘A’

Characteristics Ratio Dimensions (mm)

(Lettering Height)
Height of capitals h (14/14)h 2.5 3.5 5 7 10 14 20
Height of lower case c (10/14)h - 2.5 3.5 5 7 10 14
Spacing between a (2/14)h 0.35 0.5 0.7 1 1.4 2 2.8
characters
Min spacing of base b (20/14)h 3.5 5 7 10 14 20 28
lines
Min spacing bet e (6/14)h 1.05 1.5 2.1 3 4.2 6 8.4
words
Thickness of lines d (1/14)h 0.18 0.25 0.35 0.5 0.7 1 1.4

Prepared by: Engr. Arraiza A. Mancera

Table 2 Lettering ‘B’

Characteristics Ratio Dimensions (mm)

(Lettering Height)
Height of capitals h (10/10)h 2.5 3.5 5 7 10 14 20
Height of lower case c (7/10)h - 2.5 3.5 5 7 10 14
Spacing between a (2/10)h 0.5 0.7 1 1.4 2 2.8 4
characters
Min spacing of base b (14/10)h 3.5 5 7 10 14 20 28
lines
Min spacing bet e (6/10)h 1.5 2.1 3 4.2 6 8.4 12
words
Thickness of lines d (1/10)h 0.25 0.35 0.5 0.7 1 1.4 2

(b) According to the Proportion of Width and Height

(i) Normal Letters. Normal letters have usual height and width and are used for general purpose
written in usual space.
(ii) Compressed or Condensed Letters. Compressed or condensed letters are those which are
written narrow in their proportion of width to height, i.e. height of these letters is more than the
width. These are used when the space is limited.
(iii) Extended Letters. Extended letters are those which are written wide in their proportion of
width to height, i.e. height of these letters is less or equal to the width.

(c) According to the Stem Thickness. Letters also vary in the thickness of the stems or strokes.
Letters having very thin stems are called light face, while those having heavy stems are called
bold face.
LIGHT FACE
BOLD FACE

(d) According to the Stroke of Pencil

(i) Single Stroke Letters. The thickness of the lines of the single-stroke letters is obtained in one
stroke of the pencil. This is the reason why these are called single stroke letters. These letters
being simple are usually employed in most of the engineering drawings.

Single stroke letters are of two types: (i) vertical (ii) inclined. Both vertical and inclined letters
and numerals are suitable for general use. One can resort to any of these two, depending upon
convenience. The lines of the inclined letters are drawn at an approximate inclination of 75
degrees to the right.

Prepared by: Engr. Arraiza A. Mancera

(ii) Double Stroke Letters. The thickness of the lines of the double-stroke letters cannot be
obtained by a single stroke of pencil and hence, two strokes of the pencil are used. This is the
reason why these are called double stroke letters. The letters and numerals have uniform
thickness in this style. Generally, the height to width ratio of letters and numerals are
approximately 5:3

A good style of single stroke lettering should aim at:

(a) Uniformity of Thickness. Conical point pencil is used for uniformity. Pencil should not
be too sharp as it would pierce into the surface of the drawing paper.

(b) Uniformity of Size.The width of the stroke of the pencil or pen is to be same as the width
of the letter. Light guide lines for both top and bottom of letters should always be drawn
with a sharp pencil.

(c) Uniformity of Style.One of the two styles, vertical or inclined, should be used. Vertical
lettering is usually preferred. Both vertical and inclined letters are standard and the
technicians should use them according to their practice and convenience.

(d) Uniformity of Spacing. Uniformity in spacing of letters, whether they are vertical or
inclined, is a matter of equalizing the spaces between alphabets, words, lines, etc. The
background area between letters, not only the distance between them, should be
approximately equal.

(e) Uniformity of Shape. The shape of all the letters, irrespective of the styles or types used,
should be uniform. If inclined letters are used, all of them must have the same inclination
and should be inclined towards the right hand side.

Prepared by: Engr. Arraiza A. Mancera