Overview

Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) is used to define the nominal (theoretically
perfect) geometry of parts and assemblies, to define the allowable variation in form and possibly
size of individual features, and to define the allowable variation between features. Dimensioning
and tolerancing and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing specifications are used as follows:

 Dimensioning specifications define the nominal, as-modeled or as-intended geometry.

One example is a basic dimension.
 Tolerancing specifications define the allowable variation for the form and possibly the
size of individual features, and the allowable variation in orientation and location
between features. Two examples are linear dimensions and feature control frames using a
datum reference (both shown above).

There are several standards available worldwide that describe the symbols and define the rules
used in GD&T. One such standard is American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Y14.5M-1994. This article is based on that standard, but other standards, such as those from the
International Organization for Standardization (ISO), may vary slightly. The Y14.5M standard
has the advantage of providing a fairly complete set of standards for GD&T in one document.
The ISO standards, in comparison, typically only address a single topic at a time. There are
separate standards that provide the details for each of the major symbols and topics below (e.g.
position, flatness, profile, etc.).

Dimensioning and tolerancing philosophy

According to the ASME Y14.5M-1994 standard, the purpose of geometric dimensioning and
tolerancing (GD&T) is to describe the engineering intent of parts and assemblies. This is not a
completely correct explanation of the purpose of GD&T or dimensioning and tolerancing in
general.

The purpose of GD&T is more accurately defined as describing the geometric requirements for
part and assembly geometry. Proper application of GD&T will ensure that the allowable part and
assembly geometry defined on the drawing leads to parts that have the desired form and fit
(within limits) and function as intended.

There are some fundamental rules that need to be applied (these can be found on page 4 of the
1994 edition of the standard):








 
 All dimensions must have a tolerance. Every feature on every manufactured part is
subject to variation, therefore, the limits of allowable variation must be specified. Plus
and minus tolerances may be applied directly to dimensions or applied from a general
tolerance block or general note. For basic dimensions, geometric tolerances are indirectly
applied in a related Feature Control Frame. The only exceptions are for dimensions
marked as minimum, maximum, stock or reference.
 Dimensioning and tolerancing shall completely define the nominal geometry and
allowable variation. Measurement and scaling of the drawing is not allowed except in
certain cases.
 Engineering drawings define the requirements of finished (complete) parts. Every
dimension and tolerance required to define the finished part shall be shown on the
drawing. If additional dimensions would be helpful, but are not required, they may be
marked as reference.
 Dimensions should be applied to features and arranged in such a way as to represent the
function of the features.
 Descriptions of manufacturing methods should be avoided. The geometry should be
described without explicitly defining the method of manufacture.
 If certain sizes are required during manufacturing but are not required in the final
geometry (due to shrinkage or other causes) they should be marked as non-mandatory.
 All dimensioning and tolerancing should be arranged for maximum readability and
should be applied to visible lines in true profiles.
 When geometry is normally controlled by gage sizes or by code (e.g. stock materials), the
dimension(s) shall be included with the gage or code number in parentheses following or
below the dimension.
 Angles of 90° are assumed when lines (including center lines) are shown at right angles,
but no angular dimension is explicitly shown. (This also applies to other orthogonal
angles of 0°, 180°, 270°, etc.)
 Dimensions and tolerances are valid at 20 °C unless stated otherwise.
 Unless explicitly stated, all dimensions and tolerances are valid when the item is in a free
state.
 Dimensions and tolerances apply to the full length, width, and depth of a feature.
 Dimensions and tolerances only apply at the level of the drawing where they are
specified. It is not mandatory that they apply at other drawing levels, unless the
specifications are repeated on the higher level drawing(s).

(Note: The rules above are not the exact rules stated in the ASME Y14.5M-1994 standard.)
Symbols
Geometric tolerancing reference chart
Per ANSI Y14.5 M-1982
Symbo
Type of tolerance Geom etric characteristics
l
Form Straightness
Form Flatness
Form Circularity
Form Cylindricity
Profile Profile of a line
Profile Profile of a surface
Orientation Perpendicularity
Orientation Angularity
Orientation Parallelism
Location Symmetry
Location Positional tolerance
Location Concentricity
Runout Circular runout
Runout Total runout

Notes:

1. When applied to a feature-of-size

2. Can also be used as a form control without a datum reference
3. When a datum feature-of-size is referenced with the MMC modifier
4. When an MMC modifier is used
5. Automatic per rule #3
6. The symmetry symbol's characteristics were not included in the version of the chart that
this chart is derived from. The symmetry symbol was dropped from the Y14.5M standard
around 1988 and re-added around 1994. (It's been speculated that it will be re-dropped the next
time the standard is revised.)

Symbol Modifier
 Free state
Least material condition (LMC)
Maximum material condition (MMC)
Projected tolerance zone
Regardless of feature size (RFS) (note 1)
Tangent plane
Unilateral (note 2)

Notes:

1. The symbol is not part of the 1994 version. See para. A5, bullet 3. Also para. D3.
Also, Figure 3-8.
2. The symbol appears in the 2009 version of the standard, and refers to unequal profile
distribution.
3. All the symbols above are used in a feature control frame to specify a feature's
description, tolerance, modifier and datum references.

Datums and Datum References

A datum is a theoretical ideal plane, line, or point. A datum feature is a physical feature of the
part identified by a datum feature symbol and corresponding data feature triangle, e.g.,

These are then referred to by one or more datum feature reference which indicate
measurements should be made with respect to the corresponding datum feature and may be
found in a datum reference frame.

GD&T data exchange