Definition

Dimensions, Features
and Tolerances
Dimension
A numeric value expressed in appropriate units of measure
and used to define the size, location, geometric characteristic,
or surface texture of a part or part feature. (ASME Y14.5-1994, 1.3.8)
Feature
The general term applied to a physical portion of a part, such
as a surface, pin, tab, hole or slot. (ASME Y14.5M-1994, 1.3.12)
Feature of size
One cylindrical or spherical surface, or set of two opposed
elements or opposed parallel surfaces associated with a size
dimension. (ASME Y14.5M-1994, 1.3.17)
Tolerance
The total amount a specific dimension is permitted to vary. The
tolerance is the difference between the maximum and minimum
limits. (ASME Y14.5M-1994, 1.3.31)

Tolerance-Bilateral
A tolerance in which variation is permitted in both directions from
the specified dimension. (ASME Y14.5M-1994, 1.3.32)

Tolerance-Unilateral
A tolerance in which variation is permitted in one direction from
the specified dimension. (ASME Y14.5M-1994, 1.3.34)
 Definition
Basic Dimension

A numerical value used to describe the

theoretically exact size, profile, orientation or
location of a feature or datum target. It is the
basis from which permissible variations are
established by tolerances on other dimensions,
in notes or in feature control frames.
(ASME Y14.5M-1994, 1.3.9)

234.5 Basic Dimension

30 Basic Angle

24 Basic Diameter
 Definition
Datums, Datum Targets,
Datum Features and Simulators

Datum
A theoretically exact point, axis, or plane derived from the
true geometric counterpart of a specified datum feature. A
datum is the origin from which the location or geometric
characteristics of features of a part are established.
(ASME Y14.5M-1994, 1.3.3)

Datum Feature
An actual feature of a part that is used to establish a
datum. (ASME Y14.5M-1994, 1.3.4)

Datum Target
A specified point, line, or area on a part used to establish a
datum. (ASME Y14.5M-1994, 1.3.7)

Datum Feature Simulator

A surface of adequately precise form contacting the datum
feature(s) and used to establish the simulated datum(s).
(ASME Y14.5M-1994, 1.3.5)
 Definition
Virtual Condition

A constant boundary generated by the collective

LMC material condition and the geometric

tolerance for that material condition.
(ASME Y14.5M-1994, 1.3.37)

The calculated virtual condition boundary for a feature

is used to determine the worst case inner or outer
boundary for that feature. The virtual condition values
are used to evaluate assembly requirements for
mating parts and to establish sizes for functional
gaging elements.
 Virtual Condition Boundary
Internal Feature (MMC Concept)

15 +/- 0.5
1M X Y Z

X
Z
XX

XX
Y As Shown on Drawing
Virtual Condition
1 Positional
Inner Boundary

( )
Tolerance Zone at
Maximum Inscribed
MMC
Diameter

True (Basic)
Position of Hole

Other Possible
Extreme Locations
Boundary of MMC Hole
Shown at Extreme Limit True (Basic)
Position of Hole Axis Location of
MMC Hole Shown
Calculating Virtual Condition at Extreme Limit

14.5 MMC Size of Feature (Minimum Size)

1 Applicable Geometric Tolerance
13.5 Virtual Condition Boundary

THE VIRTUAL CONDITION BOUNDARY OF AN INTERNAL FEATURE, SUCH

AS A HOLE, REPRESENTS THE LARGEST PERFECTLY LOCATED PIN THAT
WILL FIT INTO THE SMALLEST DIAMETER HOLE (MMC) AT THE EXTREME
GEOMETRIC TOLERANCE LIMIT.
 Virtual Condition Boundary
External Feature (MMC Concept)

12 +/- 0.5
1M L M N

L
N
XX

XX
M As Shown on Drawing
1 Positional
Virtual Condition
Tolerance Zone at
Outer Boundary

( )
MMC
Minimum Circumscribed
Diameter

True (Basic)
Position of Feature

Other Possible
Extreme Locations
Boundary of MMC Feature
Shown at Extreme Limit True (Basic)
Position of Feature Axis Location of
MMC Feature Shown
at Extreme Limit
Calculating Virtual Condition
12.5 MMC Size of Feature (Maximum Size)
1 Applicable Geometric Tolerance
13.5 Virtual Condition Boundary

THE VIRTUAL CONDITION BOUNDARY OF AN EXTERNAL FEATURE, SUCH

AS A PIN, REPRESENTS THE SMALLEST PERFECTLY LOCATED HOLE THAT
WILL ACCEPT THE LARGEST DIAMETER PIN (MMC) AT THE EXTREME
GEOMETRIC TOLERANCE LIMIT.
Rules and Definitions Quiz
Questions #1-12 True or False

1. Tight tolerances ensure high quality and performance.

2. The use of GD&T improves productivity.

3. Size tolerances control both orientation and position.

4. Unless otherwise specified size tolerances control form.

5. A material modifier symbol is not required for RFS.

6. A material modifier symbol is not required for MMC.

7. Title block default tolerances apply to basic dimensions.

8. A surface on a part is considered a feature.

9. Bilateral tolerances allow variation in two directions.

10. A free state modifier can only be applied to a tolerance .

12. Virtual condition applies regardless of feature size.

Material Condition Quiz`
Fill in blanks

Internal Features MMC LMC

10.75 +0.25/- 0

23.45 +0.05/- 0.25

123. 50 +/- 0.1

.895
.890

External Features MMC LMC

10.75 +0/- 0.25

23.45 +0.05/- 0.25

123. 50 +/- 0.1

.890
.885

Calculate appropriate values

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 Datum
Function
and
Datum
Reference
Frames