What is the purpose of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing?

Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) is a system of symbols used on engineering drawings to
communicate information from the designer to the manufacturer through engineering drawings. GD&T tells the
manufacturer the degree of accuracy and precision needed for each controlled feature of the part. GD&T is used
to define the nominal geometry of parts and assemblies and to define the allowable variation of features.
Common GD&T Symbols
Feature Datum
Geometric Bonus
Symbol Modifie Datums Modifie
Characteristic Tolerance
r r
✓ Only at
Straightness ✓ NA
MMC or LMC
Datums Not Allowed

Flatness X Form tolerances are NA X

Form defined to limit the
deviations of a
Circularity X geometric feature NA X
from its ideal form.

Cylndricity X NA X

Profile of a line X ✓ X
Datums sometimes
Profile
required
Profile of a
X ✓ X
Surface

✓ Only at
Angularity ✓ ✓
MMC or LMC

Orientation ✓ Only at
Perpendicularity ✓ ✓
MMC or LMC

✓ Only at
Parallelism ✓ ✓
MMC or LMC

Circular Runout X X X
Datums Required
Runout

Total Runout X X X

✓ Only at
Position ✓ ✓
MMC or LMC

Location Concentricity X X X

Symmetry X X X
Modifiers
If no modifier follows a datum feature size, the datum feature applies regardless
of material boundary.

Symbol Modifier Notes

Continuous This symbol is used to identify a group of features when there is a

Feature requirement that they be teated geometrically as a single feature.

Statistical Features identified as statistical toleranced should be produced

Tolerance with Statistical Process Control (SPC).
The upper value of a external feature defines a virtual cylinder that
Envelope
the entire feature has to fit inside. Likewise a internal features
requirement
minimum value defines a cylinder that has to fit inside the hole.

Free State Applies only when part is otherwise restrained.

This principle sets no limits to the number of errors of form

Independency possessed by individual features of a work piece. is the default for
requirement ISO tolerancing.
For ANSI/ASME tolerancing this has to be specified.
Least Material
Useful to maintain minimum wall thickness.
Condition (LMC)
Maximum
Material Provides bonus tolerance only for a feature of size.
Condition
Projected
Useful on threaded holes for long studs.
Tolerance Zone

Tangent Plane Useful for interfaces where form is not required.

Appears in the 2009 version of the standard, and refers to unequal

Unequal Bilateral
profile distribution.
Tolerance Zones
Specifies the type of zone applied to the tolerance.
Symbol Tolerance zone Notes
Creates a tolerance zone defined by two arcs that are tangential to
Controlled radius
the adjacent surfaces
Spherical diameter
Creates a spherical tolerance zone defined by a specified diameter
tolerance zone
Spherical radius Creates a tolerance zone defined by two spherical segments with
tolerance zone the minimum and maximum radii mentioned

This prefix can be used to signify that a tolerance zone exists of a

Diameter
diameter specified by the numerical value after this prefix.

Feature Control Frames

In GD&T (Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing), a feature control frame is required to describe
the conditions and tolerances of a geometric control on a part's feature. The feature control frame
includes four parts:
 GD&T symbol/control symbol
 Tolerance zone type and dimensions
 Tolerance zone modifiers - such as features of size
 Datum references (if required by the GD&T Symbol)

Combined, the feature control frame provides all the information you need to measure the geometric
tolerance of the features of the part and determine if the part is in spec.