Chapter

Dimensioning
Fundamentals

Agenda
Terms and definitions used in dimensioning
Learn to dimension basic shapes
Understand principles of good dimensioning

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
3

How are Objects Dimensioned?

Objects are dimensioned based on two criteria:
Basic size of the object and size and locations
of its features
Details of construction for manufacturing
Defined Standards from ANSI (American National
Standards Institute) exist

Scaling vs. Dimensioning

Drawings can be different scales, but dimensions are
ALWAYS at FULL scale

Units of Measure
Length

Angle Dimensions

English - Inches, unless

otherwise stated
Up to 72 inches feet and
inches over
SI millimeter, mm

Angle
degrees, minutes, seconds

Dimensioning Terminology

Dimensioning:

Text Height and Standard Configurations

.25 in

.375 in

Dimensioning Basic Shapes -Assumptions

Perpendicularity

Symmetry

Dimensioning Basic Shapes

Rectangular Prism

10

Dimensioning Basic Shapes

Cylinders
Positive (solid)

Negative (hole)

Avoid dimensioning to a
hidden line
11

Dimensioning Basic Shapes:

Simple Shapes

Cone
Do not
over-dimension

12

Dimensioning Basic Shapes:

Simple Shapes

Frustum

13

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)
14

Principles of Good Dimensioning

(Section 6.13 of Textbook )

The overriding principle of dimensioning is

CLARITY
Principles not an infallible rule set, need to
apply good judgment.

15

Some General Guidelines:

Clarity is the Goal
Place Dimension in view that most clearly describes
feature
A view where a feature is hidden is NOT generally the
most descriptive so,
AVOID dimensioning to hidden lines.

Preferred

Avoid

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Some General Guidelines:

Clarity is the Goal
Dimension Outside of View
Avoid

Good Practice

17

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

18

Example Dimensioning
Step 1. Dimension basic
outside dimensions :

1.00

HEIGHT
WIDTH
2.00

DEPTH

1.25

19

Example Dimensioning

1.00

Step 2. Location and Size of

Removed Features (Notch)
LOCATION OF THE NOTCH
SIZE OF THE NOTCH

2.00

.500

.500

1.25

.250

.325
20

Practice Problem 1
Size:
Height 2 inches, Width 2 inches
Depth 1.5 inches
Hole Diameter 1 inch

21

Practice Problem 1
(Solution)

1.0

22

Principles of Good Dimensioning

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

23

Principles of Good Dimensioning

Attach dimensions to most descriptive view

24

Principles of Good Dimensioning

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

25

Principles of Good Dimensioning

Dimension lines aligned and grouped to promote
uniform appearance

26

Principles of Good Dimensioning

Correct

Incorrect

Dimension and Extension Lines Outside the Body

Do not have Extension Lines cross Dimension lines.

27

Principles of Good Dimensioning

Dimension lines should be unbroken except for
the number between the arrowheads
Space (at least)
3/8 in. from object to 1st line
1/4 in. from line to next line

28

Principles of Good Dimensioning

Gap object to
extension line = 1/16
in.
Extension lines 1/8
in. beyond dimension
line
Extension lines broken
for crossing
29

Principles of Good Dimensioning

Leader lines used to dimension circles and arcs
should be radial
1.50

Correct

1.50

Incorrect
30

Principles of Good Dimensioning

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

31

Principles of Good Dimensioning

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

32

Principles of Good Dimensioning

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

33

Extension Lines Practices

34

Dimensioning Basic Shapes

Cylinders
Positive (solid)

Negative (hole)

Avoid dimensioning to a hidden

line
35

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

SIZE OF THE NOTCH

.325

1.25
36

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 un-dimensioned
features have the same dimension
37

Dimension Repetitive Features Use the Symbol X

38

Dimensioning Circular Center Lines

Circular Pattern Centerlines (Bolt Circles)

39

Special Surface Features

Countersink
Counterbore
Spotface
Boss

40

Symbols for Drilling Operations

41