DC 774.43 :001.

4 DEUTSCHE NORM December 1992

Engineering drawing practice

Dimensioning
I DIN
406
Concepts and general principles Part i 0

Technische Zeichnungen: MaBeintragung; This standard supersedes April 1977 edition of

Begriffe, allgemeine Grundlagen DIN 406 Part 1 and, together with December 1992
edition of DIN 406 Parts 11 and 12, supersedes August 1981
edition of DIN 406 Part 2.

See Explanatory notes for connection with InternationalStandard I S 0 129: 1985 published by the International Organization
for Standardization (/SO).

Contents

Page Page
1 Scope and field of application . . . . . . . . . ..... 1 Standards referred to .............................. 5
2 Concepts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... 1 Other relevant standards ........................... 5
3 General principles .................... ..... 2
Previous editions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3.1 Dimensioning elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... 2
3.2 Symbols ............................ ..... 2 Amendments ...................................... 5
3.3 Dimensioning systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... 4
Explanatorynotes .................................. 5
3.4 Orientation of drawing and lettering ... ..... 4
3.5 Application ......................... ..... 4 Alphabetical index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

1 Scope and field of application 2.5 Functional dimension

This standard specifies concepts and general principies A functional dimension is a -+ dimension serving to define
relating to dimensioning on engineering drawings. The spec- the shape, size or orientation of features, or the spaces
ifications may be applied analogously to dimensioning on between them, which are essential to the function of a part
other technical documents. or group of parts.
Further details and practical examples are provided in other 2.6 Initial length
parts of the DIN 406 series of standards.
The initial length is the length of a part prior to its being
2 Concepts bent.
In the definitions given below, an arrow (+) precedes terms 2.7 Auxiliary dimension
which are themselves defined elsewhere in this clause.
2.1 Dimensioning from a common feature
-
An auxiliary dimension is a dimension given for information
purposes only and not essential to the geometrical defini-
Dimensioning from a common feature is a method in which tion of a part. It does not count as a dimensional specifica-
a number of features are dimensioned from a common fea- tion for contractual purposes.
ture (¡.e. where a number of dimensions of the same direc-
tion relate to a common origin). 2.8 Leader line
The dimensions are based on the theoretically exact shape A leader line used to indicate dimensions is a line connect-
+

of the common feature. ing the representation of an object and a dimensional value
and is generally drawn as a line extending obliquely out of
2.2 Datum the representation.
A datum is a dimension of a feature which refers to another
2.9 Informative dimension
given feature of the same object (datum feature).
2.3 Single dimensioning
-
An informativedimension is a dimension which is indicated
in tender, sales and advertising documentation and in other
In single dimensioning, the features are individually dimen- technical documents. It is generally not specifically identi-
sioned without reference to a common feature. fied as such, is not toleranced and only counts as a dimen-
sional specification for contractual purposes when this has
2.4 Finished dimension

object as an end product.

-
A finished dimension is a dimension which refers to the
been expressly agreed between the contracting parties.
NOTE: If, in a given document, informative dimen-
sions need to be distinguished from other dimen-
NOTE: The representation of the object as an end sions, they may be identified as such (e.g. by a
product may refer to the raw (e.g. as formed), inter- lower-case i in a circle being placed next to them).
mediate or finished state of the object, or even to a
surface treatment.
Continued on pages 2 to 6

puthwith
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2.10 Chain dimensioning assigned to one or more common datum features (also ter-
med ‘repetetive features’).
In chain dimensioning, single dimensions are indicated con-
secutively. 2.24 Theoretically exact dimension
2.11 Dimensioning by coordinates A theoretically exact dimension is a- dimension used to indi-
cate the geometrically ideal (theoretically exact) orientation
Dimensioning by coordinates is a form of dimensioning
+

or form of a dimensioned feature.

from a common feature within a system of (Cartesian or
polar) coordinates. 2.25 Pre-work dimension
2.12 Dimension A pre-work dimension is a dimension which defines an
+

A dimension is a physical quantity defined by a numerical

value and a unit of measurement. The dimensions in this
-
intermediate state during the processing of a feature (e.g.
the dimension prior to grinding or coating).
standard are linear dimensions, which are indicated in units 2.26 Other concepts
of length, and angular dimensions, indicated in units of For definitions of ‘actual size’, ‘nominal size’, ‘tolerance’ and
angle. ‘fit‘, see IS0 286 Part 1.
2.13 Dimensioning by tables For definitions of ’datum’, ‘datum feature’ and ‘datum sys-
tem’, see IS0 5459 and for the definition of origins, see
In dimensioning by tables, the parts and/or features andior
ISOIDIS 10 209 Part 2.
dimensions are identified by digits or letters, which are
entered in tables together with the corresponding +
For definitions relating to drawings, see DIN 199 Part 1, and
dimensional values. for those associated with components, assembly units, etc.,
DIN 199 Part 2.
2.14 Projection line
3 General principles
A projection line is a line drawn to connect the feature to be
dimensioned to the associated dimension line.
+ 3.1 Dimensioningelements
2.15 Dimension line The elements used in dimensioning are:
- dimension lines;
two edges, between an edge and a -
A dimension line is a straight or curved line running between
projection line, or
between two .+projection lines. Where drawings andior
- projection lines;
- terminations;
dimensioning are simplified, the dimension line may - dimensional values;
terminate at only one of the features referred to. - dimensional values with symbol for tolerance class;
2.16 Termination
- dimensional values with limits of size;
- units of measurement;
A termination is a marker on a +dimension line that indicates - markers as specified in subclause 3.2;
where the line ends.
- leader lines.
2.17 Centre line Line widths shall be as specified in DIN 15 Parts 1 and 2.
A centre line is a line that defines the geometrical centre of 3.2 Symbols
features in drawings.
3.2.1 Arrowhead
2.18 Parallel dimensioning The arrowhead is a termination in the form of an isosceles
Parallel dimensioning is a form of dimensioning from a
+
triangle

--
common feature in which the features are individually - with an included angle of 15’ and a length of ten times
dimensioned by way of dimension lines drawn parallel or the width of the dimension line, or
concentric to each other. - with an included angle of 900 and a length of four
times the width of the dimension line.
2.19 Check dimension
A check dimension is a dimension designated as requiring
+

particular consideration when the scope or stringency of

inspection is specified.
t
2.20 Raw dimension
-
A raw dimension is a dimension which refers to the initial
geometry of an object.
Arrowheads are placed at the ends of the dimension or
leader lines with their tips ending on the associated projec-
tion line or outline.

2.21 Line of symmetry 3.2.2 Oblique stroke

The oblique stroke is a termination running from bottom left
A line of symmetry identifies the plane of symmetry which to top right at an angle of 45O to the lay of the drawing, with
divides an object notionally into two symmetrical halves. a length of 12 times the width of the dimension line. The
2.22 Superimposed running dimensioning centre of the oblique stroke passes through the intersection
of dimension line, projection line or feature outline 1).
Superimposed running dimensioning is a form of -dimension-
ing from a common feature in which each feature is dimen-
sioned from a common origin with the dimensional values
being given in ascending progression. The dimension lines
+

are generally placed as a superimposed series.

2.23 Repetition 1) The specifications ‘2.14‘ and ‘2.15 in this drawing and the
For the purposes of this standard, ‘repetition’ is the regular following drawings are references to the corresponding
recurrence of features at equal intervals or angles which are subclauses in clause 2.

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3.2.3 Dot [Link] For the graphical symbol used to indicate the fea-
The dot is a dimension line termination which has a diame- tures ‘cone’ and ‘taper’ (height of triangle: 16 times line
ter 5 times the width of the wider of the lines to which it is width of lettering; ratio of base to height: 1 : 2) (see figure 2
assigned. The centre of the dot shall be placed on the inter- in I S 0 3040).
section of dimension line and projection line or feature out- [Link] See figure 17 in IS07083 for graphical symbols
line. used to indicate datums.
3.2.6 Frames
[Link] A frame consisting of two parallel lines set a dis-
tance twice the height of the lettering apart and connected
at each end by semicircles is used to identify check dimen-
sions. The frame may, where necessary, be divided into
3.2.4 Circle fields by vertical lines.
[Link] The dot used as a dimension line termination may
also be drawn as a circle.

[Link] See figure 19 in IS0 7083 for the frame to be used

for theoretically exact dimensions.
[Link] See figures 22 and 23 in IS0 7083 for the frame to
[Link] l h e circle used to indicate the origin is a dimension be used for geometrical tolerances.
line termination which is 8 times the width of the wider of
3.2.7 Underlining
the two intersecting lines. The centre of the circle shall be
placed on the intersection of dimension line and the line of An underlining is a straight thin continuous line drawn
the datum feature. beneath the dimensional value. Unterlining is used to iden-
tify dimensional values which differ in scale from the scale
applying to the other dimensions in a drawing. This symbol
is not to be used in computer assisted drawings.
-
3.2.8 Round brackets 2 )
[Link] A circle from the bottom of which a tangent is
Round brackets are used to indicate auxiliary dimensions or
drawn horizontally, ending in an arrowhead, is a graphical
supplementary indications, e.g. supplementary indications
symbol that is used instead of the written indication ‘initial
near the title block.
length’ and is always placed before the dimensional value of
the initial length. This circle has a diameter equal to ten
times the line width of the lettering. The length of the line
with the arrowhead is equal to 1,5 times the diameter of the
o
circle (arrowhead: leg angle of 15O, length ten times the line
width of the lettering). 3.2.9 Square brackets 2)
Square brackets are used to indicate raw and pre-work
dimensions in drawings of assembly parts. They are also
used for dimensions on parts which must be preserved as
[Link] The circle used to indicate the origin signifies, finished dimensions for the next highest stage of manufac-
when combined with a datum indication (cf. IS0 5459),that ture (e.g. finished bush in welded assembly).
the specified datum is the origin of a dimensional system.
[ I
3.2.10 Curly brackets
Curly brackets are used to enclose groups of related indica-
tions.

3.2.5 Triangle
El
[Link] The right-angled triangle is a graphical symbol
3.2.11 Square 2 )
o
A square is a graphical symbol which is used together with
the dimensional value of the side length to indicate that the
which is used instead of the written indication ‘slope’. The feature concerned is a square of that size.
orientation of the triangle is determined by the shape of the
part at the point where it slopes (cf. figure 88 in DIN 406
Part 11, December 1992 edition).
o
The triangle is always placed before the dimensional value
of the slope and has a leg ratio of 1 : 2 (length: 16 times line 1) The specifications ‘2.14’ and ‘2.15’ in this drawing and the
width of lettering). following drawings are references to the corresponding
subclauses in clause 2.
2) See DIN 6776 Part 1 for size.

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3.2.12 Circle with oblique stroke 2 ) manufacturing and inspection conditions are not taken into
A circle with an oblique stroke is a graphical symbol used to account.
indicate a diameter. 3.3.2 Dimensioning for production
Dimensioning for production is characterized by the dimen-
sions directly required for production purposes being calcu-
lated from the functional dimensions, indicated in the draw-
ing and toleranced as a function of the functional dimen-
3.2.13 Letter R 2) sions so as to meet manufacturing requirements.
The dimensional values of radii are identified by a capital R Dimensioning for production is a function of the particular
being placed in front of them. production method.

R 3.3.3 Dimensioning for inspection

Dimensioning for inspection is characterized by the dimen-
sions and dimensional tolerances being indicated in the
3.2.14 Letter S 2 ) drawing to suit the requirements of the intended inspection.
The dimensional values of spherical features are additionally Dimensioning for inspection purposes is a function of the
identified by a capital S being placed in front of the diame- particular inspection procedure.
ter symbol or of the capital R.
3.4 Orientation of drawing and lettering
SR S@ 3.4.1 The orientation of the drawing shall correspond to
the reading direction of the title block.
3.4.2 All dimensions, graphical symbols and written speci-
3.2.15 Letters SW 2 ) fications shall preferably be so indicated that they can be
The dimensional values of widths across flats are identified read in the viewing direction of the drawing from below and
by the capitals letters S W being placed in front of them. from the right (main reading direction).

sw 3.5 Application
3.5.1 Drawings shall generally contain dimensions which
refer to the object as it is represented.
3.2.16 Semi-circle/curve symbol
3.5.2 All dimensional specifications which are necessary
The dimensional values of curve lengths are identified by a for a clear and complete description of an object shall be
semi-circle (diameter: 14 times line width of lettering) pre- indicated in the drawing.
ceding the dimensional value.
The drawing may refer to the raw state, an intermediate
n state or to the finished state of an object and may also
include an information on surface treatment.

-
Where the drawing is prepared manually, a modified curve Features of an object shall only be dimensioned once in a
symbol may be placed above the dimensional value of the drawing or set of drawings. Dimensions which are specified
curve length. in associated documents (e.g. standards, supplementary
drawings), shall not be repreated; they may, where appropri-
ate, be indicated as auxiliary dimensions.

3.2.17 Symmetry symbol 3.5.3 Dimensions shall be indicated in that part of the
representation in which the feature concerned is most
A symmetry symbol consists of two parallel thin continuous
clearly recognizable.
lines which are placed at right angles to, and axially on, the
ends of a line of symmetry, their minimum length being As a rule, linear dimensions are indicated without unit sym-
5 mm. bols. The unit symbol which is exclusively or predominantly
used shall be specified in the title block 3). Other unit sym-
il--- bols shall be specified in the title block in parentheses; they
shall also be indicated following the dimensional values con-
3.2.18 Other symbols cerned.
Other symbols (e.g. those specified in DIN 1302 or 3.5.4 In the case of dimensional values indicated in deci-
DIN 5473) may also be used. Such symbols shall be exe- mal notation, a comma shall be used as the decimal
cuted in accordance with the standardized rules of lettering marker 4).
and drawing.
3.5.5 See DIN 406 Part 12 for the indication of tolerances.
3.3 Dimensioning systems 3.5.6 Dimension lines shall normally be drawn without a
The objects represented may be dimensioned and toler- break from termination to termination.
anced with reference to their function, their production, or When all dimensions are indicated in the same direction of
to the criteria of inspection. reading, non-horizontal dimension lines may be interrupted
In a given drawing, more than one such system of dimen- to insert the dimensional values.
sioning may be used concurrently. If the arrowhead termination is placed outside the limits of
the dimension line, the dimension line shall be extended so
3.3.1 Dimensioning for function as to project to the required length beyond the arrowhead.
Dimensioning for function is characterized by the selection,
indication and tolerancing of dimensions being undertaken
2) See DIN 6776 Part 1 for size.
exclusively on the basis of design criteria aimed at ensuring
that the parts of a product will combine smoothly so as to 3) See DIN 6771 Part 1.
permit the product to fulfil its intended function. The 4) See DIN V 820 Part 2.

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In any given drawing, only one of the following combinations Dimension lines of radii shall be aligned on the centre of the
of terminations is permitted: radius.
- 15' arrowhead, dotlcircle, common origin circles, or
- SOo arrowhead, oblique stroke, origin (only for particular 3.5.7 Dimension lines and non-related projection lines
fields of engineering, e.g. in construction drawing practice). shall not cross.

Standards referred to
DIN 15 Part 1 Technical drawings: lines; basic principles
DIN 15 Part 2 Technical drawings; lines: general application
DIN 199 Part 1 Terminology associated with drawings and item lists; drawings
DIN 199 Part 2 Terminology associated with drawings and item lists: item lists O

DIN 406 Part 12 Engineering drawing practice; dimensioning; tolerancing of linear and angular dimensions
DIN V 820 Part 2 Standards work; presentation of standards
DIN 1302 General mathematical symbols and concepts
DIN 5473 Symbols and concepts in set theory; sets, relations and functions
DIN 6771 Part 1 Title blocks for drawings, plans and lists
DIN 6776 Part 1 Technical drawings: lettering: characters
I S 0 286-1 : 1988 I S 0 system of limits and fits: bases of tolerances, deviations and fits
I S 0 3040 : 1990 Technical drawings; dimensioning and tolerancing; cones
I S 0 5459 : 1981 Technical drawings; geometrical tolerances; datums and datumsystems for geometrical tolerancing
I S 0 7083 : 1983 Technical drawings; symbols for geometrical tolerancing; proportions and dimensions
ISOIDSI 10 209-2 Technical product documentation; concepts; concepts for projection methods

Other relevant standards

DIN 30 Drawings; simplified representations
DIN 406 Part 4 Engineering drawing practice: dimensioning: dimensioning for machine programming
DIN 4895 Part 1 Orthogonal coordinate systems; general concepts
DIN 6771 Part 6 Preprinted forms for technical documentation; drawings
DIN 6774 Part 1 Technical drawings; rules of execution: drawings suitable for reproduction
DIN 6774 Part 10 Technical drawings; rules of execution; computer-assisted drawings
I S 0 1101 : 1983 Technical drawings; geometrical tolerancing; tolerancing of form, orientation, location and run-out;
generalities, definitions, symbols, indications on drawings
I S 0 1302 : 1978 Technical drawings; method of indicating surface texture on drawings
IS0 5455 : 1979 Technical drawings: scales
ISOlDIS 10 135-1 Technical drawings: indications for moulded parts; preforms

Previous editions
DIN 406 Part 1 to Part 3: 12.22; DIN 406 Part 4: 12.22, 05.37; DIN 406 Part 5: 11.24, 10.41; DIN 406 Part 6: 12.24, 01.26,
10.41; DIN 406: 09.49, 09.55, DIN406 Part 3: 07.75; DIN406 Part2: 06.68, 04.80, 08.81; DINV406 Partl: 10.70;
DIN 406 Part 1: 04.77.

Amendments
The following amendments have been made to DIN 406 Part 1, April 1977 edition and DIN 406 Part 2, August 1981 edition:
a) the organization of the content of the standard has been revised:
b) concepts, features and systems of dimensioning have been specified:
c) the definition of 'auxiliary dimension' has been revised (cf. Explanatory notes).

Explanatory notes
On the publication of I S 0 129 : 1985, Technical drawings; dimensioning: general principles, definitions, methods of execution
and special indications', the responsible committee of the Normenausschuß Zeichnungswesen (Drawing Practice Standards
Committee) had to decide, on the basis of a draft translation, in what form the rules specified in that standard were to be incor-
porated in German standards.
Owing to the large number of text passages and figures needing supplementary elucidation (clarification or qualification) it was
decided to revise DIN 406 Parts 1 to 3 on the basis of I S 0 129 in such a way that the revised versions may serve as proposals
for the next revision of IS0 129. In this respect, attention was also to be given to data (graphical and non-graphical) transfer in
numerically controlled systems (CAx).

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On the assumption that the standards of the DIN 406 series should give specifications of general validity, ¡.e. there should be no
distinction made in the standards between manual and machine drawing, the whole subject of the ‘indication of dimensions and
tolerances in engineering drawings’ will in future be organized as follows:
DIN 406 Part 10 Engineering drawing practice; dimensioning; concepts and general principles
DIN 406 Part 11 Engineering drawing practice; dimensioning; principles of application
DIN 406 Part 12 Engineering drawing practice; dimensioning; indication of tolerances for linear and angular dimensions
Greater clarity has been reached with respect to ‘auxiliary dimensions’ by omitting the term ‘auxiliary dimensions for construc-
tionlproduction’ previously included in the April 1977 edition of the standard. Auxiliary dimensions are, irrespective of their pur-
pose in the drawing, of no significance for the geometrical shape of a part or configuration and are accordingly not toleranced.
They serve only to provide (supplementary) information and do not apply to the manufacture or inspection of the parts.

English-German index of terms defined in this standard

Auxiliary dimension HilfsmaB, Infomationsmaß
Centre line Mittellinie
Chain dimensioning Kettenbemaßung
Check dimension Prüfmaß
Datum Bezugsmaß
Dimension Maß
Dimension line Maßlinie
Dimensioning by coordinates Koordinatenbemaßung
Dimensioning by tables Maßeintragung mit Hilfe von Tabellen
Dimensioning from a common feature BezugsbemaBung
Finished dimension Fertigrnaß
Functional dimension Funktionsmaß
Initial length gestreckte Länge
Leader line Hinweislinie
Line of symmetry Symmetrielinie
Parallel dimensioning ParallelbemaBung
Pre-work dimension Vorarbeitungsmaß
Projection line Maßhilfslinie
Raw dimension RohmaB
Repetition Teilung
Single dimensioning Einzelbemaßung
Superimposed running dimensions steigende Bernaßung
Termination Maßlinienbegrenzung
Theoretically exact dimension theoretisch genaues Ma6

International Patent Classification

G O1 B

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