INTERNATIONAL ISO

STANDARD 965-1

Fourth edition
2013-09-15

ISO general purpose metric screw

threads — Tolerances —
Part 1:
Principles and basic data
Filetages métriques ISO pour usages généraux — Tolérances —
Partie 1: Principes et données fondamentales

Reference number
ISO 965-1:2013(E)

© ISO 2013
ISO 965-1:2013(E)


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 ISO 965-1:2013(E)


Contents Page

Foreword......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... iv
1 Scope.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 1
2 Normative references....................................................................................................................................................................................... 1
3 Terms, definitions and symbols............................................................................................................................................................. 1
3.1 Terms and definitions........................................................................................................................................................................ 1
3.2 Symbols.......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 1
4 Tolerance system................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
5 Tolerance positions............................................................................................................................................................................................ 2
6 Tolerance grades................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
7 Lengths of thread engagement............................................................................................................................................................... 9
8 Recommended tolerance classes.......................................................................................................................................................10
8.1 General......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10
8.2 Tolerance quality................................................................................................................................................................................. 10
8.3 Preference order.................................................................................................................................................................................. 11
8.4 Combination of internal threads and external threads...................................................................................... 11
8.5 Coated threads...................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
9 Multiple-start threads...................................................................................................................................................................................12
10 Formulae..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
10.1 General......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
10.2 Fundamental deviations............................................................................................................................................................... 12
10.3 Crest diameter tolerances........................................................................................................................................................... 13
10.4 Pitch diameter tolerances............................................................................................................................................................ 14
10.5 Length of thread engagement.................................................................................................................................................. 15
11 Root contours.........................................................................................................................................................................................................15
12 Designation..............................................................................................................................................................................................................17
12.1 General......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 17
12.2 Designation of single-start screw threads..................................................................................................................... 17
12.3 Designation of multiple-start screw threads.............................................................................................................. 19
12.4 Designation of left-hand threads........................................................................................................................................... 19
Bibliography.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 20

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Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2. www.iso.org/directives
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received. www.iso.org/patents
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
The committee responsible for this document is ISO/TC ISO 965-1 was prepared by Technical Committee
ISO/TC 1, Screw Threads.
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition (ISO 965-1:1998), which has been technically
revised. It also incorporates the Technical Corrigendum ISO 965-1:1998/Cor.1:2009.
ISO 965 consists of the following parts, under the general title ISO general purpose metric screw
threads — Tolerances:
— Part 1: Principles and basic data
— Part 2: Limits of sizes for general purpose external and internal screw threads — Medium quality
— Part 3: Deviations for constructional screw threads
— Part 4: Limits of sizes for hot-dip galvanized external threads to mate with internal screw threads
tapped with tolerance position H or G after galvanizing
— Part 5: Limits of sizes for internal screw threads to mate with hot-dip galvanized external screw threads
with maximum size of tolerance position h before galvanizing

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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 965-1:2013(E)

ISO general purpose metric screw threads — Tolerances —

Part 1:
Principles and basic data

1 Scope
This part of ISO 965 specifies a tolerance system for ISO general purpose metric screw threads (M)
according to ISO 261.
The tolerance system refers to the basic profile according to ISO 68-1.

2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 68-1, ISO general purpose screw threads — Basic profile — Part 1: Metric screw threads
ISO 261, ISO general purpose metric screw threads — General plan
ISO 1502, ISO general-purpose metric screw threads — Gauges and gauging
ISO 5408, Screw threads — Vocabulary

3 Terms, definitions and symbols

3.1 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 5408 apply.

3.2 Symbols
For the purposes of this document, the following symbols apply.

Symbol Meaning

D basic major diameter of internal thread

D1 basic minor diameter of internal thread

D2 basic pitch diameter of internal thread

d basic major diameter of external thread

d1 basic minor diameter of external thread

d2 basic pitch diameter of external thread

d3 minor diameter of external thread (see Figure 6)

P pitch

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Ph lead

H height of fundamental triangle

S designation for “short” thread engagement group

N designation for “normal” thread engagement group

L designation for “long” thread engagement group

T tolerance

T D1, T D2, Td, Td2 tolerances for D1, D2, d and d2

ei, EI lower limit deviations (see Figure 1)

es, ES upper limit deviations (see Figure 1)

R root radius of external thread (see Figure 6)

C root truncation of external thread (see Figure 6)

Figure 1 — Position of tolerances with respect to zero line (basic size)

4 Tolerance system
The tolerance system consists of tolerance grades and tolerance positions. The tolerance grades are
expressed by number, such as 4, 6 and 8. The tolerance positions are expressed by letter, such as H, G, h and g.
The tolerance class designation shall be the combination of the number and the letter, for example 6H and 6g.

5 Tolerance positions
The following tolerance positions are standardized:
— for internal threads:
— G with positive fundamental deviation (EI), shown in Figure 2;

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— H with zero fundamental deviation (EI), shown in Figure 3.

— for external threads:
— a, b, c, d, e, f and g with negative fundamental deviation (es), shown in Figure 4;
— h with zero fundamental deviation (es), shown in Figure 5.
The established tolerance positions comply with the needs of coating thickness and with the demands
of easy assembly.
The fundamental deviations for internal threads and external threads are given in Table 1.

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Key Key
1    basic profile 1    basic profile

Figure 2 — Internal threads Figure 3 — Internal threads

with tolerance position G with tolerance position H

Key Key
1    basic profile 1    basic profile
a  Application only in connection with minimum a  Application only in connection with minimum
material limits (d2 min); see Clause 11, Figure 6. material limits (d2 min); see Clause 11, Figure 6.

Figure 4 — External threads with tolerance Figure 5 — External threads

positions with tolerance position h
a, b, c, d, e, f and g

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Table 1 — Fundamental deviations for internal threads and external threads

Fundamental deviation
Pitch
Internal thread External thread
P
G H a b c d e f g h
EI EI es es es es es es es es
mm
μm μm μm μm μm μm μm μm μm μm
0,2 +17 0 – – – – – – −17 0
0,25 +18 0 – – – – – – −18 0
0,3 +18 0 – – – – – – −18 0
0,35 +19 0 – – – – – −34 −19 0
0,4 +19 0 – – – – – −34 −19 0
0,45 +20 0 – – – – – −35 −20 0
0,5 +20 0 – – – – −50 −36 −20 0
0,6 +21 0 – – – – −53 −36 −21 0
0,7 +22 0 – – – – −56 −38 −22 0
0,75 +22 0 – – – – −56 −38 −22 0
0,8 +24 0 – – – – −60 −38 −24 0
1 +26 0 −290 −200 −130 −85 −60 −40 −26 0
1,25 +28 0 −295 −205 −135 −90 −63 −42 −28 0
1,5 +32 0 −300 −212 −140 −95 −67 −45 −32 0
1,75 +34 0 −310 −220 −145 −100 −71 −48 −34 0
2 +38 0 −315 −225 −150 −105 −71 −52 −38 0
2,5 +42 0 −325 −235 −160 −110 −80 −58 −42 0
3 +48 0 −335 −245 −170 −115 −85 −63 −48 0
3,5 +53 0 −345 −255 −180 −125 −90 −70 −53 0
4 +60 0 −355 −265 −190 −130 −95 −75 −60 0
4,5 +63 0 −365 −280 −200 −135 −100 −80 −63 0
5 +71 0 −375 −290 −212 −140 −106 −85 −71 0
5,5 +75 0 -385 −300 −224 −150 −112 −90 −75 0
6 +80 0 −395 −310 −236 −155 −118 −95 −80 0
8 +100 0 −425 −340 −265 −180 −140 −118 −100 0

6 Tolerance grades
The tolerance grades for the following screw thread diameters are standardized:
Tolerance grade

D1 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

d 4,     6,     8

D2 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

d2 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

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Clause 8 shows details of tolerance grades and combinations of tolerance grades for pitch and crest
diameters according to the tolerance quality and length of engagement group required, with the order
of preference.
In some grades, certain tolerance values for small pitches are not shown in tolerance tables because of
insufficient thread overlap or the requirement that the pitch diameter tolerance not exceed the crest
diameter tolerance.
The minor diameter tolerances of internal thread, T D1, are given in Table 2.

Table 2 — Minor diameter tolerances of internal thread (T D1)

Pitch Tolerance grade
P 4 5 6 7 8
mm μm μm μm μm μm
       0,2 38 – – – –
       0,25 45 56 – – –
       0,3 53 67 85 – –
       0,35 63 80 100 – –
       0,4 71 90 112 – –
       0,45 80 100 125 – –
       0,5 90 112 140 180 –
       0,6 100 125 160 200 –
       0,7 112 140 180 224 –
       0,75 118 150 190 236 –
       0,8 125 160 200 250 315
       1 150 190 236 300 375
       1,25 170 212 265 335 425
       1,5 190 236 300 375 475
       1,75 212 265 335 425 530
       2 236 300 375 475 600
       2,5 280 355 450 560 710
       3 315 400 500 630 800
       3,5 355 450 560 710 900
       4 375 475 600 750 950
       4,5 425 530 670 850 1 060
       5 450 560 710 900 1 120
       5,5 475 600 750 950 1 180
       6 500 630 800 1 000 1 250
       8 630 800 1 000 1 250 1 600

The major diameter tolerances of external thread, Td, are given in Table 3. The tolerance grades 5 and 7
do not exist for them.

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Table 3 — Major diameter tolerances of external thread (Td)

Pitch Tolerance grade
P 4 6 8
mm μm μm μm
       0,2 36 56 –
       0,25 42 67 –
       0,3 48 75 –
       0,35 53 85 –
       0,4 60 95 –
       0,45 63 100 –
       0,5 67 106 –
       0,6 80 125 –
       0,7 90 140 –
       0,75 90 140 –
       0,8 95 150 236
       1 112 180 280
       1,25 132 212 335
       1,5 150 236 375
       1,75 170 265 425
       2 180 280 450
       2,5 212 335 530
       3 236 375 600
       3,5 265 425 670
       4 300 475 750
       4,5 315 500 800
       5 335 530 850
       5,5 355 560 900
       6 375 600 950
       8 450 710 1 180

The pitch diameter tolerances of internal thread, T D2, are given in Table 4.
The pitch diameter tolerances of external thread, Td2, are given in Table 5.

Table 4 — Pitch diameter tolerances of internal thread (T D2)

Basic major diameter
Tolerance grade
D
Pitch
up to and P
over 4 5 6 7 8
including mm
mm μm μm μm μm μm
mm
0,2 40 – – – –
0,99 1,4 0,25 45 56 – – –
0,3 48 60 75 – –
0,2 42 – – – –
0,25 48 60 – – –
1,4 2,8 0,35 53 67 85 – –
0,4 56 71 90 – –
0,45 60 75 95 – –

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Table 4 (continued)
Basic major diameter
Tolerance grade
D
Pitch
up to and P
over 4 5 6 7 8
including mm
mm μm μm μm μm μm
mm
0,35 56 71 90 – –
0,5 63 80 100 125 –
0,6 71 90 112 140 –
2,8 5,6
0,7 75 95 118 150 –
0,75 75 95 118 150 –
0,8 80 100 125 160 200
0,75 85 106 132 170 –
1 95 118 150 190 236
5,6 11,2
1,25 100 125 160 200 250
1,5 112 140 180 224 280
1 100 125 160 200 250
1,25 112 140 180 224 280
1,5 118 150 190 236 300
11,2 22,4
1,75 125 160 200 250 315
2 132 170 212 265 335
2,5 140 180 224 280 355
1 106 132 170 212 –
1,5 125 160 200 250 315
2 140 180 224 280 355
22,4 45 3 170 212 265 335 425
3,5 180 224 280 355 450
4 190 236 300 375 475
4,5 200 250 315 400 500
1,5 132 170 212 265 335
2 150 190 236 300 375
3 180 224 280 355 450
45 90 4 200 250 315 400 500
5 212 265 335 425 530
5,5 224 280 355 450 560
6 236 300 375 475 600
2 160 200 250 315 400
3 190 236 300 375 475
90 180 4 212 265 335 425 530
6 250 315 400 500 630
8 280 355 450 560 710
3 212 265 335 425 530
4 236 300 375 475 600
180 355
6 265 335 425 530 670
8 300 375 475 600 750

Table 5 — Pitch diameter tolerances of external thread (Td2)

Basic major diameter
Tolerance grade
d
Pitch
up to and P
over 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
including mm
mm μm μm μm μm μm μm μm
mm
0,2 24 30 38 48 – – –
0,99 1,4 0,25 26 34 42 53 – – –
0,3 28 36 45 56 – – –
0,2 25 32 40 50 – – –
0,25 28 36 45 56 – – –
1,4 2,8 0,35 32 40 50 63 80 – –
0,4 34 42 53 67 85 – –
0,45 36 45 56 71 90 – –
0,35 34 42 53 67 85 – –
0,5 38 48 60 75 95 – –
0,6 42 53 67 85 106 – –
2,8 5,6
0,7 45 56 71 90 112 – –
0,75 45 56 71 90 112 – –
0,8 48 60 75 95 118 150 190

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Table 5 (continued)
Basic major diameter
Tolerance grade
d
Pitch
up to and P
over 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
including mm
mm μm μm μm μm μm μm μm
mm
0,75 50 63 80 100 125 – –
1 56 71 90 112 140 180 224
5,6 11,2
1,25 60 75 95 118 150 190 236
1,5 67 85 106 132 170 212 265
1 60 75 95 118 150 190 236
1,25 67 85 106 132 170 212 265
1,5 71 90 112 140 180 224 280
11,2 22,4
1,75 75 95 118 150 190 236 300
2 80 100 125 160 200 250 315
2,5 85 106 132 170 212 265 335
1 63 80 100 125 160 200 250
1,5 75 95 118 150 190 236 300
2 85 106 132 170 212 265 335
22,4 45 3 100 125 160 200 250 315 400
3,5 106 132 170 212 265 335 425
4 112 140 180 224 280 355 450
4,5 118 150 190 236 300 375 475
1,5 80 100 125 160 200 250 315
2 90 112 140 180 224 280 355
3 106 132 170 212 265 335 425
45 90 4 118 150 190 236 300 375 475
5 125 160 200 250 315 400 500
5,5 132 170 212 265 335 425 530
6 140 180 224 280 355 450 560
2 95 118 150 190 236 300 375
3 112 140 180 224 280 355 450
90 180 4 125 160 200 250 315 400 500
6 150 190 236 300 375 475 600
8 170 212 265 335 425 530 670
3 125 160 200 250 315 400 500
4 140 180 224 280 355 450 560
180 355
6 160 200 250 315 400 500 630
8 180 224 280 355 450 560 710

7 Lengths of thread engagement

The lengths of thread engagement are classified into one of three groups: short (S), normal (N) or long
(L), in accordance with Table 6.

Table 6 — Length groups of thread engagement

Dimensions in millimetres

Basic major diameter Length group of thread engagement

D, d Pitch S N L
P
up to and up to and up to and
over over over
including including including
0,2 0,5 0,5 1,4 1,4
0,99 1,4 0,25 0,6 0,6 1,7 1,7
0,3 0,7 0,7 2 2
0,2 0,5 0,5 1,5 1,5
0,25 0,6 0,6 1,9 1,9
1,4 2,8 0,35 0,8 0,8 2,6 2,6
0,4 1 1 3 3
0,45 1,3 1,3 3,8 3,8

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Table 6 (continued)

Basic major diameter Length group of thread engagement

D, d Pitch S N L
P
up to and up to and up to and
over over over
including including including
0,35 1 1 3 3
0,5 1,5 1,5 4,5 4,5
0,6 1,7 1,7 5 5
2,8 5,6
0,7 2 2 6 6
0,75 2,2 2,2 6,7 6,7
0,8 2,5 2,5 7,5 7,5
0,75 2,4 2,4 7,1 7,1
1 3 3 9 9
5,6 11,2
1,25 4 4 12 12
1,5 5 5 15 15
1 3,8 3,8 11 11
1,25 4,5 4,5 13 13
1,5 5,6 5,6 16 16
11,2 22,4
1,75 6 6 18 18
2 8 8 24 24
2,5 10 10 30 30
1 4 4 12 12
1,5 6,3 6,3 19 19
2 8,5 8,5 25 25
22,4 45 3 12 12 36 36
3,5 15 15 45 45
4 18 18 53 53
4,5 21 21 63 63
1,5 7,5 7,5 22 22
2 9,5 9,5 28 28
3 15 15 45 45
45 90 4 19 19 56 56
5 24 24 71 71
5,5 28 28 85 85
6 32 32 95 95
2 12 12 36 36
3 18 18 53 53
90 180 4 24 24 71 71
6 36 36 106 106
8 45 45 132 132
3 20 20 60 60
4 26 26 80 80
180 355
6 40 40 118 118
8 50 50 150 150

8 Recommended tolerance classes

8.1 General
In order to reduce the number of gauges and tools, the tolerance classes should preferably be chosen
from Tables 7 and 8.
The tolerance class should be selected according to the tolerance quality (fine, medium and coarse) and
the length group of thread engagement (S, N and L).
If the actual length of thread engagement is unknown (as in the manufacturing of standard bolts), group
N is recommended.

8.2 Tolerance quality

The following general rules can be formulated for the choice of tolerance quality:
— fine: for precision threads, where little variation of fit character is needed;

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— medium: for general use;

— coarse: for cases where manufacturing difficulties can arise, for example when threading hot-
rolled bars and long blind holes.

8.3 Preference order

Tolerance classes within broad frames shall be selected for commercial internal and external threads.
The tolerance classes given in Tables 7 and 8 in bold typeface, nomal typeface and parentheses shall be
the first, second and third choices, respectively.

Table 7 — Recommended tolerance classes for internal threads

Tolerance position G Tolerance position H

Tolerance
quality
S N L S N L

Fine – – – 4H 5H 6H

Medium (5G) 6G (7G) 5H 6H 7H

Coarse – (7G) (8G) – 7H 8H

Table 8 — Recommended tolerance classes for external threads

Tolerance
Tolerance position f Tolerance position g Tolerance position h
Tolerance position e
quality
S N L S N L S N L S N L

Fine – – – – – – – (4g) (5g4g) (3h4h) 4h (5h4h)

Medium – 6e (7e6e) – 6f – (5g6g) 6g (7g6g) (5h6h) 6h (7h6h)

Coarse – (8e) (9e8e) – – – – 8g (9g8g) – – –

8.4 Combination of internal threads and external threads

Any of the recommended tolerance classes for internal threads may be combined with any of the
recommended tolerance classes for external threads. However, in order to guarantee sufficient overlap,
the finished components should preferably be made to form the H/g, H/h or G/h fits. For thread sizes
M1,4 and smaller, the combinations 5H/6h, 4H/6h or finer shall be chosen.

8.5 Coated threads

For coated threads, the tolerances apply to the parts before coating, unless otherwise stated. After
coating, the actual thread profile shall not at any point transgress the maximum material limits for
positions H or h.

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9 Multiple-start threads
With the same pitch, the tolerances for multiple-start threads are the same as for single-start threads,
with the exception of the pitch diameter tolerances which are enlarged.
For multiple-start threads, the tolerance values for pitch diameter (T D2 and Td2), specified in Tables 4
and 5, shall be multiplied by a factor according to Table 9.

Table 9 — Factors for multiple-start threads

Number of
2 3 4 5 and larger
starts
Factor 1,12 1,25 1,4 1,6

10 Formulae

10.1 General
The tolerance values given in this part of ISO 965 are based on experience. In order to obtain a consistent
system, mathematical formulae have been developed.
The values for pitch and crest diameter tolerances and for fundamental deviations have been calculated
from the formulae and then rounded off to the nearest value in the R40 series of preferred numbers.
However, when decimals appear, the value has been further rounded off to the nearest whole number.
In order to reproduce a smooth progression, the rules of rounding off are not always used.
When the tolerance values calculated from the formulae are different from the values specified by the
tolerance tables, the values in the tolerance tables shall be used.

10.2 Fundamental deviations

The fundamental deviations for threads are calculated as given by Formulae (1) to (10):

EI G = + (15 + 11P ) (1)

EI H = 0 (2)

es a = − ( 270 + 19P ) (3)

NOTE 1 This is not applicable to threads with P ≤ 0,8 mm.

es b = − (185 + 19P ) (4)

NOTE 2 This is not applicable to threads with P ≤ 0,8 mm.

es c = − (115 + 19P ) (5)

NOTE 3 This is not applicable to threads with P ≤ 0,8 mm.

es d = − ( 65 + 19P ) (6)

NOTE 4 This is not applicable to threads with P ≤ 0,8 mm.

es e = − (50 +11P ) (7)

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NOTE 5 This is not applicable to threads with P ≤ 0,45 mm.

es f = − (30 +11P ) (8)

NOTE 6 This is not applicable to threads with P ≤ 0,3 mm.

es g = − (15 +11P ) (9)

es h = 0 (10)

where
EI and es are expressed in micrometres;

P is expressed in millimetres.

10.3 Crest diameter tolerances

10.3.1 Tolerances for major diameter of external thread (Td)

The tolerances for grade 6 are calculated as given by Formula (11):

3 3, 15
Td (6) = 180 P 2 - (11)
P
where
Td is expressed in micrometres;

P is expressed in millimetres.

The tolerances for the other grades shall be obtained from the Td(6) values given in Table 10.

Table 10 — Td tolerances for the other grades

Tolerance grade
4 6 8
0,63 Td(6) Td(6) 1,6 Td(6)

10.3.2 Tolerances for minor diameter of internal thread (TD1)

The tolerances for grade 6 are calculated as given by Formulae (12) and (13):
a) Pitches 0,2 mm to 0,8 mm:

TD1 ( 6 ) = 433P − 190P 1,22 (12)

b) Pitches 1 mm and coarser:

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TD1 ( 6 ) = 230P 0,7 (13)

where
T D1 is expressed in micrometres;

P is expressed in millimetres.

The tolerances for the other grades shall be obtained from the T D1(6) values given in Table 11.

Table 11 — T D1 tolerances for the other grades

Tolerance grade
4 5 6 7 8
0,63 T D1(6) 0,8 T D1(6) T D1(6) 1,25 T D1(6) 1,6 T D1(6)

10.4 Pitch diameter tolerances

10.4.1 Tolerances for pitch diameter of external thread (Td2)

The tolerances for grade 6 are calculated as given by Formula (14):

Td2 ( 6 ) = 90P 0,4 d 0,1 (14)

where
Td2 is expressed in micrometres;

P and d are expressed in millimetres;

d is equal to the geometrical mean value of the diameter range limits.

The tolerances for the other grades shall be obtained from the Td2(6) values given in Table 12.

Table 12 — Td2 tolerances for the other grades

Tolerance grade
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
0,5 Td2(6) 0,63 Td2(6) 0,8 Td2(6) Td2(6) 1,25 Td2(6) 1,6 Td2(6) 2 Td2(6)

No Td2 values are given when values calculated according to the given formulae exceed the Td values in
the tolerance grades which are combined for recommended tolerance classes; see the dashes in Table 5.

10.4.2 Tolerances for pitch diameter of internal thread (TD2)

T D2 values shall be obtained from the Td2(6) values given in Table 13.

Table 13 — T D2 tolerances
Tolerance grade
4 5 6 7 8
0,85 Td2(6) 1,06 Td2(6) 1,32 Td2(6) 1,7 Td2(6) 2,12 Td2(6)

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No T D2 values are given when values calculated according to the given formulae exceed 0,25P; see the
dashes in Table 4.

10.5 Length of thread engagement

For the calculation of the limits of the normal length of thread engagement, lN, the following rule is applied.
For each pitch within a certain diameter range, d is set equal to the smallest diameter (within the range)
which appears in the general plan (conforming to ISO 261).

l N,min ≈ 2,24Pd 0,2 (15)

l N,max ≈ 6,7Pd 0,2 (16)

where lN, P and d are expressed in millimetres.

11 Root contours
For internal threads as well as external threads, the actual root contours shall not at any point transgress
the maximum material limit which is decided by the basic profile and the tolerance position. For the root
of external threads, see Figure 6.
For external threads on fasteners of property class 8.8 and higher (see ISO 898-1), the root profile shall
have a non-reversing curvature, no portion of which shall have a radius of less than 0,125P. The minimum
radius, Rmin, is given in Table 14.
In the maximum minor diameter position, d3max, the two radii Rmin = 0,125 P will go through the points
of intersection between the maximum material flanks and the minor diameter cylinder of the Go-gauges
in accordance with ISO 1502 and blend tangentially into the minimum material flanks.
The maximum truncation, Cmax, is calculated as given by Formula (17):

H  π  T    T
C max = - R min 1 - cos  - arc cos  1 - d2    + d2 (17)
4   3  4R min    2
It is, however, advisable to aspire to a truncation of H/6 (R = 0,144 34P) and to take H/6 as the basis for
stress calculation of the minor diameter, d3, of external threads (for corresponding values, see ISO 965-3).
The minimum truncation, Cmin, is calculated as given by Formula (18):
H
C min = 0,125P ≈ (18)
7
External threads on the fasteners of property classes below 8.8 should preferably conform to the
requirements stated above. This is particularly important for fasteners or other screwed connections
which are subjected to fatigue or impact. However, there are in principle no restrictions other than

© ISO 2013 – All rights reserved  15

ISO 965-1:2013(E)


that the maximum minor diameter, d3max, of the external thread shall be less than the minimum minor
diameter of the Go-gauges in accordance with ISO 1502.

Key Key
1    basic profile and Go-gauge profile 1    basic profile
2    Go-gauge profile

a)    Position h b)    Positions a, b, c, d, e, f, g

Figure 6 — External thread root profile

Table 14 — Minimum root radii

Pitch Pitch
Rmin Rmin
P P
μm μm
mm mm
0,2 25 1,5 188
0,25 31 1,75 219
0,3 38 2 250
0,35 44 2,5 313
0,4 50 3 375
0,45 56 3,5 438
0,5 63 4 500
0,6 75 4,5 563
0,7 88 5 625
0,75 94 5,5 688
0,8 100 6 750
1 125 8 1 000
1,25 156 – –

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 ISO 965-1:2013(E)


12 Designation

12.1 General
The complete designation for a screw thread comprises a designation for the thread system, the thread
size and a designation for the thread tolerance class followed by further individual items, if necessary.

12.2 Designation of single-start screw threads

A screw thread complying with the requirements of the International Standards for ISO general purpose
metric screw threads in accordance with ISO 68-1, ISO 261 and this part of ISO 965 shall be designated
by the letter M followed by the value of the nominal diameter and of the pitch, expressed in millimetres,
and separated by the “×” symbol.
EXAMPLE 1 M8 × 1,25

For coarse pitch threads listed in ISO 261, the pitch may be omitted.
EXAMPLE 2 M8

The tolerances class designation comprises a class designation for the pitch diameter tolerance, followed
by a class designation for the crest diameter tolerance.
Each class designation consists of
— a figure indicating the tolerance grade;
— a letter indicating the tolerance position, upper case for internal threads, lower case for external threads.
If the two class designations for the pitch diameter and crest diameter (minor or major diameter for
internal and external threads, respectively) are the same, it is not necessary to repeat the symbols.
EXAMPLE 3 The following are examples:

© ISO 2013 – All rights reserved  17

ISO 965-1:2013(E)


External thread

M10×1 – 5g 6g

Thread with 10 mm nominal diameter and 1 mm pitch

Tolerance class for pitch diameter

Tolerance class for major diameter

M10 – 6g

Thread of 10 mm nominal diameter in the coarse pitch

series

Tolerance class for pitch and major

diameters

Internal thread

M10×1 – 5H 6H

Thread with 10 mm nominal diameter and 1 mm pitch

Tolerance class for pitch diameter

Tolerance class for minor diameter

M10 – 6H

Thread of 10 mm nominal diameter in the coarse pitch

series
Tolerance class for pitch and minor
diameters

A fit between threaded parts is indicated by the internal thread tolerance class, followed by the external
thread tolerance class separated by a forward slash/stroke.
EXAMPLE 4 M6 - 6H/6g

                              M20 × 2 - 6H/5g6g

When the “medium” tolerance quality with the following tolerance classes are specified, the tolerance
class designation may be omitted:
a) Internal threads:
— 5H for threads with nominal diameter up to and including 1,4 mm;
— 6H for threads with nominal diameter equal to 1,6 mm and larger.
NOTE Except for threads with pitch 0,2 mm for which tolerance grade 4 is defined only.

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 ISO 965-1:2013(E)


b) External threads:
— 6h for threads with nominal diameter up to and including 1,4 mm;
— 6g for threads with nominal diameter equal to 1,6 mm and larger.
The designation for the “short” S and “long” L length groups of thread engagement should be added
following the tolerance class designation separated by a dash.
EXAMPLE 5 M20 × 2 - 5H - S

                              M6 - 7H/7g6g - L

The absence of the designation for the length group of thread engagement means that the “normal” N
group is specified.

12.3 Designation of multiple-start screw threads

A multiple-start metric screw thread in accordance with this part of ISO 965 shall be designated by the
letter M followed by the value of the nominal diameter, the ‘’×’’ symbol, the letters Ph and the value of the
lead, the letter P and the value of the pitch, a dash and the tolerance class. Nominal diameter, lead and
pitch are expressed in millimetres.
EXAMPLE 6 M16 × Ph3P1,5 - 6H

The letters Ph may be omitted if there is no risk of misunderstanding.

EXAMPLE 7 M16 × 3P1,5 – 6H

For extra clarity, the number of starts, i.e. the value of Ph/P, may be added in verbal form and in parentheses.
EXAMPLE 8 M16 × Ph3P1,5 (two starts) - 6H

12.4 Designation of left-hand threads

When left-hand threads are specified the letters LH shall be added to the end of thread designation,
separated by a dash.
EXAMPLE 9 M8 × 1 - LH

                              M6 × 0,75 - 5h6h - S - LH

                              M14 × Ph6P2 - 7H - L – LH

                              M14 × Ph6P2 (three starts) - 7H - L - LH

© ISO 2013 – All rights reserved  19

ISO 965-1:2013(E)


Bibliography

[1] ISO 898-1, Mechanical properties of fasteners made of carbon steel and alloy steel — Part 1: Bolts,
screws and studs with specified property classes — Coarse thread and fine pitch thread

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ISO 965-1:2013(E)


ICS 21.040.10
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© ISO 2013 – All rights reserved