Lines, Lettering and Dimensioning 2.

19

mm has been revised by new values 100 mm ¥ 40 mm without redrawing. Not to scale
When such a situation occurs, then the dimension which is not to scale
should be underscored with a heavy straight line or marked NTS. 100

2.8 RULES OF DIMENSIONING

40
Following rules should be observed while dimensioning:
1. Dimensions should be clear and permit only one interpretation.
Numerals and letters should be large enough (about 3 to 5 mm Fig. 2.36 Not to scale dimen-
high for whole numbers and 6 mm high for fractions) to ensure sioning
easy reading.
2. In general, a circle is dimensioned by its diameter and an arc by its radius. The centre lines should
not extend from view to view.
3. Dimensions should be quoted in millimetres to the minimum number of significant figures. For ex-
ample, 12 and not 12.0.
4. The decimal point in a dimension should be bold and should be in line with the bottom line of the
figure. In case the dimension is less than unity, a zero should precede the decimal point such as 0.35.
5. Functional dimensions✝ should be shown directly on the drawing wherever possible, while non-func-
tional dimensions✝ should be placed in a way that is most convenient for production and inspection.
6. Projection lines should be drawn perpendicular to the feature being dimensioned. However, they may
be drawn obliquely and parallel to each other as shown in Fig. 2.6, if necessary.
7. Dimension values should be placed preferably near the middle. If unavoidable due to lack of space,
they may be placed above the extended portion of the dimension line beyond the arrowheads, prefer-
ably on right hand side (see Figs. 2.37(a) and (b)).

50 50
10
40

40

10

30 5 5 25
60 60

(a) (b)

Fig. 2.37 Placing dimension 5 and 10 (a) Correct method (b) Towards left not permitted

8. As far as possible, dimensions should be placed outside the views. In case it is not possible, they may
be placed within the view, as shown in Fig. 2.38. However, dimensions should not be placed within
a view unless drawing becomes clear by doing so.

✝
A dimension that is essential to the function of the part is called functional dimension such as a screw thread size. A dimension that is
not essential to the function of the part is called non-functional dimension, such as the depth of the tap hole for an internal screw thread.
 2.20 Engineering Drawing

30
30 30
35

35
25

25
30
15

15
80 80

(a) (b)
Fig. 2.38 Placing dimension (a) Correct method (b) Inside a view not permitted

9. Line of the drawing should never be used as a dimension line or coincide with a dimension line.
Dimension lines should be spaced uniformly throughout the drawing. They should be 8 mm to 10 mm
from the object outline and 6 mm to 10 mm from each other (see Fig. 2.39).
60
60
20

20
30

30
40

40

20
20
40
40
(a) (b)
Fig. 2.39 Placing dimension (a) Correct method (b) Too close not permitted

10. The dimensions should be staggered when number of parallel dimensions is more.
11. Dimensions shall be placed on the view that most clearly shows the corresponding features.
12. Dimensions indicated in one view need not be repeated in another view, except for purpose of iden-
tification, clarity or both (see Fig. 2.40).
Ø20 Ø20 15
40

40

40
20

20

25 25
70 70
15

15

70
(a) (b)
Fig. 2.40 Placing dimension (a) Correct method (b) Repetition not permitted
 Lines, Lettering and Dimensioning 2.21

13. Dimensions should be attached to the view where the contour shape is best shown.
14. Dimensions should be marked with reference to the visible outlines, rather than from the hidden lines.
Dimensions should be marked from a base line or centre line of a hole or cylindrical parts or finished
surfaces, etc, which may be readily established, based on design requirements and the relationship to
other parts as shown in Fig. 2.41(a) and not as shown in Fig. 2.41(b).

60
15 60

15

15
30

30
40

40
Ø15

10 20 15
15

15

10 20 Ø15
(a) (b)

Fig. 2.41 Placing dimension (a) Correct method (b) From hidden lines are not permitted

15. Dimensioning to a centre line should be avoided, except when the centre line passes through the centre
of a hole, or a cylindrical part (see Fig. 2.42).

60
60 30
30 15 15 15
15

15
30

30
60

60

20 20 20 10
(a) (b)

Fig. 2.42 Placing dimension (a) Correct method (b) From centre line not permitted
 2.22 Engineering Drawing

16. An axis or a contour line should never be used as a dimension line but may be used as a projection
lines (see Fig. 2.43).
3 HOLES, Ø10
40 3 HOLES, Ø10
25 20 25
40

20
Ø40
50

50
40

40

40
20

20
Ø

20
25

25
20

20
10

10
20 10 10
95 95
(a) (b)

Fig. 2.43 Placing dimension (a) Correct method (b) With contour lines not permitted

17. As far as possible, the intersection of dimension lines 80 40

should be avoided. However, if the intersection of two 80
dimension lines is unavoidable, the lines should not be
broken. It may be noted that in case of unidirectional

20
dimensioning, the dimension lines are broken for
inserting the dimension value.
18. When several dimensions are placed on the same 0
side of the drawing, position the shortest dimension Ø4

70
nearest to the component. This will avoid intersection

40
of dimension lines with projection lines. However, if
their intersection is unavoidable, neither line should
be shown with break (see Fig. 2.44). 160
19. Overall dimensions should be placed outside the Fig. 2.44 Intersection of projection and di-
intermediate dimensions. If an overall dimension is mension lines is unavoidable
shown, one of the intermediate dimensions is redun-
dant and should not be dimensioned (see Fig. 2.45).
15 5
95

15 5 25 20 75

95 55
30

(a) (b)

Fig. 2.45 Dimension (a) Correct method (b) Overall length inside the intermediate one, not permitted
 Lines, Lettering and Dimensioning 2.23

20. If the space for arrowhead termination is sufficient, it should be shown within the limit of dimension
lines. If the space is limited, the arrowhead termination may be shown outside the intended limits
of the dimension lines that are extended for that purpose. However, where space is too small for an
arrowhead, it may be replaced by oblique stroke or a dot (see Fig. 2.46).

15

15
30 15 10 15

10
30 15

Fig. 2.46 Methods for arrowhead termination

21. As far as possible, all dimensions in one particular drawing should be expressed in one unit only.
The recommended unit is being millimetre. There is no necessity to add the symbol for the unit, for
example, a dimension 35 means 35 mm, even though the symbol for the unit ‘mm’ is omitted.
22. If in a particular drawing it is not possible to express dimensions in millimetres but a different unit such
as metre, kilometre, etc., is used for all values, then also only the dimension value and at a prominent
place a footnote is added such as, “ALL DIMENSIONS IN METRES” or “ALL DIMENSIONS IN
KILOMETRES”, etc.
23. No more dimensions should be given than are necessary to describe the finished product.
24. A dimensional line should be shown unbroken where the feature to which it refers is shown broken
(see Fig. 2.47(a) and (b)).

400 400
(a) (b)

Fig. 2.47 (a) and (b) Feature is broken but dimension line is unbroken

25. When a dimension line cannot be completely drawn to its normal termination point, the free end should
be terminated in a double arrowhead as shown in Fig. 2.48.

R 200

Fig. 2.48 Free end is terminated with double arrowheads