The document outlines basic definitions and guidelines for dimensioning in engineering drawings, including the use of dimension lines, extension lines, leaders, and notes to effectively communicate size and specifications. It emphasizes the importance of good dimensioning technique, proper placement, and unit measurements, while providing specific examples of commonly used dimensions and features. Additionally, it covers rules for dual dimensioning, angular units, and dimensioning circular features and repetitive dimensions.

1. BASIC
DIMENSIONING

2. DEFINITIONS
• Dimensions are given on drawings by extension lines, dimension lines,
leaders, arrowheads, figures, notes and symbols
– Length
– Diameter
– Angle
– Location
– NOT duplicated
• Dimension lines are used to determine the extent and direction of
dimensions
– Terminated by uniform arrows
– Arrows: 3:1 length/width recommended
– Center lines never used for dimension lines
– Avoid dimensioning to hidden lines
– Avoid crossing dimension lines
– Place dimension lines outside extension lines when space is tight

3. DEFINITIONS CONTINUED…
• Extension lines are used to indicate the point or line on the
drawing to which the dimension applies
– Gap between extension line and visible object line
– Perpendicular to dimension lines
– Center lines may be used as extension lines
• Leaders are used to direct notes, dimensions, symbols, item
numbers, or part numbers to features on a drawing
– Arrowheads terminate on a line; dots within the outline of the object
– Leaders do not cross each other
– Leaders are pointed to the center of circles or arcs
• Notes are used to simplify or complement dimensioning by
giving information on a drawing in condensed and systematic
manner
– General notes placed in a central portion below the view which they apply
– Local notes are connected by a leader to the point to which they apply

4. • Overview:
–Dimensions and notes define the
size, finish, and other requirements
to fully define what you want
manufactured.
–Drawings for products must be
dimensioned so that production
personnel all over the world can
make mating parts that will fit
properly when assembled or when
used to replace parts.

5. GOOD DIMENSIONING
• 3 Aspects of Good Dimensioning
– Technique:
• Good appearance of lines, spacing and arrows to
allow others to read the drawing.
– Placement:
• Logical placement according to standard
practices, so they are legible and east to find.
– Choice:
• Dimension for function and best manufacturing
practices.
• Tolerance
– The total amount that the feature on the actual
part can vary from the drawing or model.

6. DIMENSION AND
EXTENSION LINES

8. PLACEMENT OF DIMENSIONS
INCORRECT

9. PLACEMENT OF DIMENSIONS
INCORRECT

10. PLACEMENT OF DIMENSIONS
INCORRECT

11. PLACEMENT OF DIMENSIONS
CORRECT

12. UNITS OF MEASUREMENT
 Decimal-Inch parts are designed in basic decimal increments,
preferably .02 in, and expressed with a minimum of two figures to the
right of the decimal point
◦ Whole dimensions: 24.00 NOT 24
◦ Decimal dimensions: .44 NOT 0.44 (no zero before the decimal point)
 Fractional-Inch is not ANSI recommended. 1/64 inch. “ not used
 Foot-and-Inch All dimensions 12 inches and greater are specified in
feet and inches
◦ 24 inches 2’-0 (inch marks “ not shown)
◦ 27 inches 2’-3
 SI Metric Units mm or m (micrometer)
◦ Whole numbers 2 NOT 02 or 2.0 (numbers 1-9 shown without zero to left of decimal)
◦ Decimal 0.2 NOT .2 or .20 (numbers <1 shown with a zero)
◦ Large numbers 32545 (no comma or spaces to separate digits)
◦ General note like: unless otherwise specified dimensions are in millimeters

13. DIMENSIONING UNITS
DECIMAL INCH

14. DIMENSIONING UNITS
FEET AND INCHES

15. WORTH MENTIONING
• Dual Dimensioning specify both English/SI
units but not generally used anymore
• Angular Units decimal degree is preferred
over degrees, minutes, seconds
–60.5° instead of 60°30’

16. DUAL DIMENSIONING AND
COMBINATION UNITS
Dual dimensioning is used to show metric and decimal-inch dimensions on the same
drawing. Two methods of displaying the dual dimensions are:
1. Position Method
2. Bracket Method DIMENSIONS IN () ARE MILLIMETERS

17. UNIDIRECTIONAL
DIMENSIONING: READ FROM
THE BOTTOM OF THE DRAWING
• Rules for Basic Dimensioning
• Symmetrical Outlines
• Reference dimensions placed in parentheses
• Not to scale underlined with a straight thick
line

18. DIMENSION SYMBOLS
Dimensioning symbols are used to replace traditional terms or abbreviations.

19. NECESSARY VIEWS
One-View Drawing
Two-View Drawing
Three-View Drawing
What are the absolute minimum views
required to completely define an object?

20. BASIC RULES FOR DIMENSIONING
UNIDIRECTIONAL
USED ON ENGINEERING DRAWINGS

21. BASIC RULES FOR DIMENSIONING
ALIGNED
USED ON ARCHITECTURAL AND STRUCTURAL DRAWINGS

22. BASIC RULES FOR DIMENSIONING
PLACE DIMENSIONS BETWEEN VIEWS

23. BASIC RULES FOR DIMENSIONING
PLACE SMALLEST DIMENSIONS NEAREST
THE VIEW BEING DIMENSIONED

24. DIMENSIONING CIRCULAR
FEATURES
 Diameters
◦ One view drawing-longitudinal view
◦ End view drawing
◦ Radii-circular arc
◦ Passes through radius center and terminates with arrow
touching arc
◦ R precedes the numerical value
◦ Cross at center of radius
◦ Simple fillets and rounds dimensioned with a general note
 Cylindrical Holes-leader usually used
 Multiple Holes – example 4 X ф8.4

25. COUNTERSINK,
COUNTERBORE, SPOTFACE
 Countersink is an angular-sided recess that
accommodates the head of flathead screws, rivets,
and similar items [ф.40ф.80x82°]
 Counterbore is a flat-bottomed, cylindrical recess
that permits the head of a fastening device, such as
a bolt, to lie recessed into the part[ф.38v ф .75x.25]
 Spotface is an area in which the surface is machined
just enough to provide smooth, level seating for a
bolt head, nut, or washer [ф.38 v ф.75]

26. DIMENSIONING COMMON
FEATURES
 Repetitive features and dimensions use an X in conjunction with
the numeral to indicate the “number of times”
 Chamfering is the process of cutting away the inside or outside
piece
◦ Dimensioned normally by their angle and linear length
◦ Example: 45°X.10
 Slopes and tapers
◦ Slope is the slant of a line
◦ A taper is the ratio of the difference in the diameters of two sections
 Knurls is specified in terms of type, pitch, diameter before and
after knurling Types include: Straight, Diagonal, Spiral, Convex,
Raised Diamond
 Undercutting or necking is the operation of cutting a recess in a
diameter that is done to permit two parts to come together