Good Dimensioning Practices

Goals
Review the principles of good dimensioning
Introduce additional dimensioning
techniques

Dimensioning
Orthographic and Isometric Views define the

shape and general features of the object

Dimensioning adds information that specifies
Size of the object
Location of features (e.g. holes)
Characteristics of features (e.g. depth and
diameter of hole)

Dimensions also communicate the tolerance

(or accuracy) required

Some General Guidelines

Start by dimensioning basic outside
dimensions of the object.
Add dimension for location and size of
removed features
Add general and specific notes such as
tolerances

Dimensioning Basic Shapes Assumptions

Perpendicularity

Symmetry

Dimensioning Shows:
A) Size B) Location and Orientation

ALWAYS give DIAMETER

for full circles (360 degrees) and
RADIUS R for arcs (less than
360 degrees)

Dimensioning - Terminology

Principles of Good Dimensioning

The overriding principle of dimensioning is
CLARITY
Principles not an infallible rule set, need to
apply good judgment.

Principles of Good Dimensioning

Each feature
dimensioned once
and only once
Dimensions should
suit the function of
the object

Principles of Good Dimensioning

Attach dimensions to most descriptive view

Principles of Good Dimensioning

Angles as Right Angles Assumed 90o unless
otherwise noted
Dimensions outside of object whenever
possible

Principles of Good Dimensioning

Dimension lines aligned and grouped to
promote uniform appearance

Principles of Good Dimensioning

Correct
Incorrect
Dimension and Extension Lines Outside the Body
Do not have Extension Lines cross Dimension lines.

Principles of Good Dimensioning

Dimension lines should be unbroken except for
the number between the arrowheads
Space (at least)
1/2 in. from object to 1st line (absolute minimum 3/8)
3/8 in. from dimension line to the next demension line

Principles of Good Dimensioning

Gap object to
extension line =
1/16 in.
Extension lines
3/16 in. beyond
dimension line
Extension lines
broken for crossing

Principles of Good Dimensioning

Leader lines used to dimension circles and
arcs should be radial and if extended should
pass through the center mark
f 1.50

Correct

f 1.50

Incorrect

Principles of Good Dimensioning

Positive Cylinder in longitudinal view, Holes in
Circular View, n symbol before value

Principles of Good Dimensioning

Internal and external radii should be
dimensioned with numerical value preceded
by the symbol R (Note small cross for center.)

Principles of Good Dimensioning

Do a final check!
Every feature has been dimensioned once
and only once
Make sure the numerical values are correct

Extension Lines Practices

Dimensioning Basic Shapes

Cylinders
Positive (solid)

Negative (hole)

Avoid dimensioning to a
hidden line

Dimensioning
Example

Step 1.
Dimension
basic outside
dimensions
1.00

Step 2. Location and

Size of Removed
Features (Notch)

2.00

LOCATION OF THE NOTCH

.500

.500

.250

.325

SIZE OF THE NOTCH

1.25

General considerations in dimensioning

Fillets and rounds can be dimensioned in a

NOTE

e.g. ALL FILLETS AND ROUNDS R1.000 UNLESS

OTHERWISE NOTED

When there are multiple identical rounds or

holes, dimension one and include the number

of holes
e.g. 4 X R1.000 or 2 X 1.000 and so on.

NOTE: You may see older drawings with letters TYP after
the dimension. This indicates that all similar undimensioned features have the same dimension

Dimension Repetitive Features Use the Symbol X

The 4X tells how many holes

Dimensioning Circular Center Lines

Circular Pattern Centerlines (Bolt Circles)

Special Surface Features

Countersink
Counterbore
Spotface

Boss

Symbols for Drilling Operations