DIMENSIONING

“Dimensioning” in engineering drawings are numerical values indicated graphically in a proper

unit of measurement on engineering drawing with lines, symbols, and notes. These are
indicated on the engineering drawing to define the size characteristics such as length, height,
breadth, diameter, radius, angle, etc. Dimensioning Drawing provides complete shape
description, furnish information regarding the size and description. These are provided through
the distances between the surfaces, location of holes, nature of surface finish, type of material,
etc. You can create dimensions for existing entities by selecting them, or you can create
dimensions by selecting points within a drawing.
Five Basic Types of Dimensioning in Engineering Drawing
1. Linear
2. Angular
3. Radial
4. Diametral
5. Ordinate
Dimension Classification
1. Functional dimension (F) ñ – A dimension that is essential to the function of the part.
2. Non-functional dimension (NF) ñ- A dimension that is not essential to the function of the
part.
3. Auxiliary dimension (AUX) ñ – A dimension given for information purpose only. It is
enclosed in parenthesis and no tolerance applies to it.
Elements of Dimensioning
The elements of dimensioning include the projection line, dimension line, leader line, dimension
line origin indication, its termination, notes, the dimension, etc.
Principles of Dimensioning
1. All dimensional information necessary to describe a component clearly and completely
shall be written directly on a drawing.
2. Each feature shall be dimensioned once only on a drawing, i.e., dimension marked in
one view need not be repeated in another view.
3. Dimension should be placed on the view where the shape is best seen.
4. As far as possible, dimensions should be expressed in one unit only preferably in
millimeters, without showing the unit symbol (mm).
5. As far as possible dimensions should be placed outside the view.
6. Dimensions should be taken from visible outlines rather than from hidden lines.
7. No gap should be left between the feature and the start of the extension line.
8. Crossing of centre lines should be done by a long dash and not a short dash.
Methods of Indicating Dimensions
1. Aligned method- Dimensions should be placed parallel to and above their dimension
lines and preferably at the middle, and clear of the line. Dimensions may be written so
that they can be read from the bottom or from the right side of the drawing.
2. Uni-directional method- Dimensions should be indicated so that they can be read from
the bottom of the drawing only. Non-horizontal dimension lines are interrupted,
preferably in the middle for insertion of the dimension. Horizontal dimensional lines are
not broken to place the dimension.