Dimensioning

Guidelines
 Terminology
Dimensioning Dimension Amount

The process of
Extension Line
describing the size
of an object, and
locating important
features of the
object.

Dimension Line
 Terminology
Dimension Line Green Lines

A dimension line
is a thin line drawn
perpendicular to
extension lines with
arrowheads at
each end.
• indicates linear
distance between
object edges and
locates features
such as holes.
 Dimension Line Geometry
The first dimension lines should be placed 3/8”
from the object, with each successive dimension
line spaced ¼” apart.
Unidirectional Dimensions
All dimension values should be oriented parallel to the bottom edge of
the paper, and should read left-to-right (unidirectional).

Correct
 Unidirectional Dimensions
The example below is incorrect because the numbers are oriented
towards the right side of the page.

Incorrect
 Terminology
Extension Line
An extension line
Green
is a thin solid line Lines
that is drawn
perpendicular to a
dimension line.

• extends an object
line or centerline
• shows the extents of
a dimension
Extension Line Geometry
Extension lines start about 1/16” from the object,
and extend about 1/8” past the last dimension.

1
8

Object

1
16
Object Lines as Extension Lines
Object lines should never be used as an
extension line. Dimensions lines must terminate
on extension lines.

Incorrect
Dimension Placement
If properly placed, dimensions will appear to taper
from largest to smallest. The largest dimensions
should occur furthest away from the object.
Contour (Shape) Dimensioning
Dimensions should be placed on the view that
best illustrates the shape or contour of the
feature.

Incorrect
Contour (Shape) Dimensioning
Dimensions should be placed on the view that
best illustrates the shape or contour of the
feature.

Correct
 Centering Dimension Values
In most cases, dimension values should be
centered on their dimension lines or between their
extension lines.

Incorrect
Dimensioning Between Views
Whenever possible, dimensions should be placed in the
space between the front, right side, and top views.

Incorrect
Dimensioning Within an Object
Do NOT place dimensions within the object.
Always locate dimensions outside of the object.

Incorrect