Tutorial on Dimensioning

Standard Grade and Higher

Graphic Communication
General Principles
A drawing should provide a complete set of sizes for making a component.

Dimensions provide information on a drawing such as -

Angles

Diameters

Lengths

Positions



Projection
Line
Dimension Line
G
C
F
E
D
C
B
A
2
6
40
British Standards - AutoCad
A - The drawing outline should be drawn with 0.7mm thickness.
B - Dimension and projection lines are thin continuous lines 0.35mm thick.
C - All dimension lines are clearly placed outside the outline of the drawing.
D - The projection lines should not touch the drawing but a small gap should be left.
E - The projection lines should continue past the dimension line.
F - Arrowheads should be triangular and of uniform size and shape and filled in.
G - Arrowheads must touch the projection line to which they refer.
Plan
End Elevation End Elevation Elevation
32
40
1
6
2
6
2
81
0
28
H
I
J
J
J
K
H - Begin by dimensioning the view which gives the clearest understanding of the
component shape.
K - Use a similar spacing between dimension lines to ensure a neat diagram.
I - Place dimensions outside the shape of the component wherever
possible.
J - Position the shortest dimension nearest to the component to prevent
dimension lines crossing.
Plan
End Elevation
End Elevation Elevation
32
40
1
6
2
6
2
81
0
28
P
N
O
M
L
L - Measure horizontal sizes from left to right and write the distance on top of the
dimension line. Angled sizes are shown in a similar manner to horizontal sizes.
M - Measure vertical sizes from bottom to top and write the distance vertically to the
left of the dimension line.
N - Small sizes are shown with the arrows placed outside.
O - Place the largest sizes on the outside of the dimensional grid.
P - Sizes from a datum line are logically set out.
Homework
Now add six
dimensions to one
of your drawings for
your teacher to
check. This kind of
question comes up
in the exam almost
every year.

8
0
80
80

8
0
Dimensioning Circles
Dimension circles as shown. Holes are always dimensioned as diameters.

106
4
5

106
1
4

Dimensioning Angles
Dimension angles as shown.