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GD&T Symbols, ISO G&T Symbols 1101 Definitions
Engineering Design Manufactuirng Definitions and Terms
The following are definitions commonly used throughout industry when discussing GD&T or
composing engineering drawing notes. Many of the definitions are not official ASME, ANSI or ISO
terminology.
Accept where noted, definitions are applicable to ASME &14.5M1994 and ASME ASME Y14.52009.
** ISO 1101 exclusively associated definitionsare noted as such.
Symbol

Definition
Actual Size Actual size is the measured size of the produced feature.
Angularity Angularity is the condition of a surface, axis, or center plane, which is
at a specified angle other than 0, 90, 180 or 270 deg. from a datum plane or
axis. Symbol:
All Around Indicates that a tolerance applies to surfaces profile all around the
part outline.
All Over Indicated that indicated geometric or other specification applies all
surface elements or features.
Arc Length
Basic Dimension A basic dimension is a theoretically exact value used to
describe the exact size, profile, orientation or location of a feature. A basic
dimension should always associated with a feature control frame or datum
target. Block tolerance does not apply and the applicable tolerance will be given
within the feature control frame. Basic dimensions are enclosed within a box.
Symbol:
Between to indicate that a profile tolerance applies to several contiguous

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features, letters may designate where the profile tolerance begins and ends.
These letters are referenced using the between symbol since 1994 or the word
between on drawings made to earlier versions of the Standard.
Bilateral Tolerance A bilateral tolerance is a tolerance in which variation is
permitted in both directions from a specified nominal size or dimension
example .005.
Center Plane Center plane is the middle or median plane of a feature of size.
Circularity Circularity, also called "Roundness" describes the condition on a
surface of revolution cylinder, cone, or sphere where all points of the surface

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intersected by any plane are; 1 perpendicular to a common axis cylinder, cone,

2 passing through a common center sphere are equidistant from the center.
Symbol:
Circular Runout Circular runout is the composite deviation from the desired
form of a part surface of revolution through one full rotation 360 deg of the
part on a datum axis. Circular runout is most often specified on an engineering
drawing where the referenced rotates relative to the specified datum feature.
Clearance Fit A clearance fit is one having limits of size defined such that a
clearance exists between mating parts when assembled.
Concentricity Concentricity describes a condition in which two or more features
cylinders, cones, spheres, etc. in any combination have a common axis.
Measurement requirements for concentricity involves the complex task of
mapping the referenced feature by way of opposed point measurements. A
through understanding of the measurement process should be investigated
before defining feature relationships using concentricity.
Coaxial Coaxial describes a condition where two or more features have the
same axis or centerline.
Coaxiality ISO 1101
Coordinate Dimension 1 Either of two coordinates that locate a point on a
plane and measured its distance from either of two intersecting straightline axes
along a line parallel to the other axis. 2 Any of three coordinates that locate a
point in space and measure its distance from any of three intersecting coordinate
planes measured to that one of three straightline axes that is the intersection of
the other two planes. Often the application of dimension origin is refered to as a
coordinate dimension.
Continuous Feature Indicates that associated features are to be dimensionally
controlled as a single contiuous feature.
Controlled Radius The asmanufactured controlled radius surface must be a fair
curve without having sharp
corners and reversals.
Coplanar Coplanar describes a condition of two or more surfaces having all
elements in the same plane.
Cylindricity Cylindricity describes a condition of a surface of revolution in which
all points of a surface are equidistant from a common axis. Symbol: . Cylindricity
controls a cylindricals features element such that the total variations are
minimized during manufacturing.
Datum Datum's are points, lines, planes, cylinders, axes, etc., from which the
location or geometric relationship of other features may be established or
related.
Datum Axis the datum axis is the theoretically exact centerline of the datum
cylinder as established by the extremities or contacting points of the actual
datum feature cylindrical surface or the axis formed at the intersection of two
datum planes.
Datum Feature A datum feature is the actual surface component used to
establish a datum. The datum feature is specified on an engineering drawing
using accepted methods nad is used and establish specific originfeature
relationships.
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Datum Line A datum line is that which has length but no breadth or depth,
such as, an intersection line of two planes, centerline or axis of holes or cylinders
and/or reference line for functional tooling or gauging purposes.
Datum Point A datum point is that which has position, but no extent; such as,
the apex of a pyramid or cone, center point of a sphere or reference point on a
surface for functional tooling or gauging purposes.
Datum Reference A datum reference is a datum feature. ISO 1101
Datum Reference Plane is a set of three mutually perpendicular datum planes
or axis established from the simulated datum in contact with datum surfaces or
features and used as a basis for dimensions for designs, manufacture, and
inspection measurement.
Datum Simulator A datum simulator is a surface of adequate precision oriented
to the high points of a designated datum from which the simulated datum is
established. Examples: gage pin, block, surface of granite block.
Diameter Symbol the diameter symbol indicates a circular feature when used
on the field of a drawing or indicates that a defined tolerance is diametrical when
used in a feature control frame.
Dimension A dimension is a numerical value expressed in appropriate units of
measure and indicated on a drawing.
Extracted Integral Feature An approximated representation of the real feature
integral, obtained by extracting a finite number of points from the real feature
integral. This extraction is performed in accordance with specified conventions.
Definition Per. ISO 11012004 E
Feature Features are specific component portions of a part and may include
one or more surfaces, such, as holes, screw threads, profiles, faces or slots.
Features may be individual or interrelated.
Feature of Size One cylindrical or spherical surface, or a set of two plane parallel
surfaces, each of which is associated with a size dimension.
Feature Control Frame The feature control frame is a rectangular box
containing the geometric characteristics symbol, spcified tolerance and datums
references as required.
Fit Fit is a general term used to signify the range of tightness or looseness
which may result from the application of a specific combination of allowances
and tolerance in the design of mating part features. Fits are of four general types:
interference, transition, line and clearance.
Flatness Flatness is the condition of a surface having all elements in one plane.
Form Tolerance A form tolerance states how far an actual surface is permitted
to vary from desired geometric form. Expressions of these tolerances refer to
limits of size, flatness, straightness, parallelism, perpendicularly, angularity,
roundness, cylindricity, profile of a surface and profile of a line.
Free State Free state is the variation of form to describe the distortion of a part
after removal of forces which restrain the part during manufacturing processes.
Free State Variations Free state variation is a term used to describe the
distortion of a part after removal of forces applied during manufacture or
assembly.
Full Indicator Movement FIM The total movement of an dial or digital indicator
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where appropriately applied to a surface feature while measuring surface

variations. See TIR Total Indicator Reading.
Geometric Characteristics Geometric characteristics refer to the basic elements
or building blocks which form the language of geometric dimensioning and
tolerancing. Generally, the term refers to all the symbols used in form, runout,
profile and locational tolerancing.
Geometrical Characteristics Geometrical characteristics refer to the basic
elements or building blocks, which form the language of geometric
dimensioning and tolerancing. Generally, the term refers to all the symbols used
in form, runout, and locational tolerancing. Definition Per. ISO 1101
Geometric Tolerance The general term applied to the category of tolerances
used to control form, profile, orientation, location, and runout.
Geometric Tolerance The general term applied to the category of tolerances
used to control form, profile, orientation, location, and runout. Definition Per. ISO
1101
Independency This symbol invokes "Principle of Independency" This principle
sets no limits to the number of errors of form possessed by individual features of
a work piece. International designer, except the USA, use this principle.
Interference Fit An interference fit is one having limits of size so prescribed that
an interference will occurs when mating parts are assembled.
Least Material Boundary LMB This term implies that the condition of a datum
feature of size wherein it contains the least minimum amount of material for
the stated limits of size; examples, largest hole size and smallest shaft size. It is
the opposite materiasl condition to maximum material condition MMB.

Least Material Condition LMC This term implies that the condition of a feature
of size wherein it contains the least minimum amount of material for the stated
limits of size; examples, largest hole size and smallest shaft size. It is the opposite
materiasl condition to maximum material condition MMC.

Least Material Requirement LMR This term implies that condition of a part
feature of size wherein it contains the least minimum amount of material,
examples, largest hole size and smallest shaft size. It is opposite to maximum
material requirement MMR. Definition Per. ISO 1101
Least Material Size LMS Condition a feature of size where the least amount of
material is present for stated limits of size. Part would weight the least amount
when feature is manufactured at this size. Definition Per. ISO 1101
Least Material Virtual Size LMVS Size generated by the cumulative effect of LMS
and applicable geometrical tolerance. For shafts external feature of size LMVS =
LMS Geometrical Tolerance For hole internal feature of size LMVS = LMS +
Geometrical Tolerance.
Limit Dimensions In limit dimensioning only the maximum and minimum
dimensions are specified. When used with dimension lines, the high limit is
placed over the low limit. When used with a leader line or note, the low limit
precedes the high limit.
Limits of Size The specified maximum and minimum size of a given feature.
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Limits of Size Concept The limits of size concept calls for perfect form at
maximum material condition. Also called Rule #1.
Line to Line Fit A line fit is one having limits of size so prescribed that surface
contact or clearance may result when mating parts as assembled.
Location Tolerance A location tolerance states how far or near a feature may
vary from the perfect location implied by the drawing as related to datum's or
other features. Expressions of these tolerances refer to the category of geometric
characteristics containing position, concentricity, and symmetry.
Maximum Material Boundary: MMB Maximum material condition is that
condition of a part datum feature wherein it contains the maximum amount of
material within the stated limits of size. That is: minimum hole size and maximum
shaft size.
Maximum Material Condition: MMC Maximum material condition is that
condition of a part feature wherein it contains the maximum amount of material
within the stated limits of size. That is: minimum hole size and maximum shaft
size.
Maximum Material Requirement MMR Maximum material requirement is that
condition of a part feature wherein it contains the maximum amount of material
within the stated limits of size. That is: minimum hole size and maximum shaft
size. Definition Per. ISO 1101
Maximum Material Size MMS Condition of a feature of size where the
maximum amount of material is present for stated limits of size. Part would
weight the most when feature is manufactured at this size. Definition Per. ISO
1101
Maximum Material Virtual Condition MMVC Maximum materials virtual size is
generated by the cumulative effect of MMS and applicable geometrical
tolerance. For shafts external feature of size MMVS = MMS + Geometrical
Tolerance For hole internal feature of size MMVS = MMS ??? Geometrical
Tolerance. Definition Per. ISO 1101
Maximum Material Virtual Size MMVS Maximum material virtual size is
generated by the cumulative effect of MMS and applicable geometrical
tolerance. For shafts external feature of size MMVS = MMS + Geometrical
Tolerance For hole internal feature of size MMVS = MMS ??? Geometrical
Tolerance. Definition Per. ISO 1101
Modifier A modifier is the term used to describe the application of MMC, LMC
Free State, Projected Tolerance Zone, or Common Feature modifiers to an
applied tolerance or datum feature. A modifier alters the applicability of the
specified datum or featureby restricting the application to a specific condition
and allowing a variable toleranceboundary under specific conditions
Nominal Size The nominal size is the stated designation which is used for the
purpose of general identification, examples: 1.400, .050 . The term is used in a
general conversation aboutthe materials or often to indicate the target as
manufactured size of a feature of size.
Parallelism Parallelism is the condition of a surface, line, or axis which is
equidistant at all points from a datum plane or axis. Pallalleism tolerance may be
applied to any combination of features axis t surface, surface to axis, axis to axis
et cetera.
Perpendicularity Perpendicularity is the condition of a surface, axis, or line,
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which is 90 deg. from a datum plane or a datum axis. Often, industry individuals
use the terminology "Squareness" as a substitute for perpendicularity.
Position Tolerance Position tolerance defines a zone within which the axis or
center plane of a feature is permitted to vary from true theoretically exact
position. Symbol:
Principle of Independency This principle sets no limits to the number of errors
of form possessed by individual features of a work piece.
Profile Any Line Profile any line is the condition permitting a uniform amount of
profile variation, ether unilaterally or bilaterally, along a line element of a feature.
Definition Per. ISO 1101

Profile Any Surface Profile any surface is the condition permitting a uniform
amount of profile variation, ether unilaterally or bilaterally, on a surface.
Definition Per. ISO 1101

Profile of a Line Profile of a line is the condition permitting an amount of

surface element variation ether unilaterally or bilaterally along a line element of a
feature.
Profile of Surface Profile of a surface is the condition permitting an amount of
surface 3D variation ether unilaterally or bilaterally of a surface.
Projected Tolerance Zone A projected tolerance zone applies to a feature, such
as pin, stud, screw, or similar. The projected tolerance zone is a tolerance
boundary that extends above or beyond thesurface of the part within which the
controlling element of the feature must fall within axis of a hole for example.
Reference Dimension A dimension, usually without tolerance that is used for

.250

information purposes only. It does not govern production or inspection

operations. A reference dimension is a repeat of a dimension or is derived from
other values on the drawing or related drawings.
Regardless of Material Boundary RMB This is the condition where the stated
tolerance limits must be met irrespective of as built datum feature size or
location.
Regardless of Feature Size RFS This is the condition where the stated
tolerance limits must be met irrespective of as built feature size or location.
Roundness Roundness, also called circularity describes the condition on a
surface of revolution cylinder, cone, or sphere where all points of the surface
intersected by any plane are; 1 perpendicular to a common axis cylinder, cone,
2 passing through a common center sphere are equidistant from the center.
Runout Tolerance Runout tolerance states how far an actual surface of a feature
is permitted to deviate from the desired form implied by the drawing during one
full rotation of the part on a datum axis.
Size Tolerance A size tolerance states how far individual features may vary from
the desired size. Size tolerances are specified with ether unilateral, bilateral or
limit tolerance methods.

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Specified Datum A specified datum is a surface or feature identified with a

datum identification symbol or note.
Squareness Squareness is ageneral term to describe or define the variations in
angle between two surfaces or features oriented ninety degrees to eash other.
Squareness is roughly equivalent to Perpendicularity, however the perceived
definition may vary depending on ones industry and experience.
Statistical Tolerance Features identified as statisticall toleranced shall be
produced with statistical process controls.
Straightness Straightness describes a condition where a line element of a
surface, axis, or center plane is a straight line.
Spherical Diameter
Spherical Radius
Square Feature nominal size is square.
Symmetry Symmetry is a condition in which a feature or features are
symmetrically disposed about the center plane of a datum feature.
Tangent Plane Tangent plane is a simulated flat plane that contacts the high
points tangent of a surface for orientation of a datum or tolerance.
Transition Fit A transition fit is one having limits of size so prescribed that either
a clearance or an interference may result when mating parts as assembled.
Translation Modifier indicating that associated datum feature can "translate" or
move along a define axis.
Tolerance Control Frame The Tolerance Control Frame symbol is a rectangular
box containing the geometric characteristics symbol, and the form, runout or
location tolerance. If necessary, datum references and modifiers applicable to the
feature or the datum's are also contained in the box. Definition Per. ISO 1101
Total Runout Total runout is the simultaneous composite control of all
elements of a surface at all circular and profile measuring positions as the part is
rotated through 360. Symbol:
Unilateral Tolerance A unilateral tolerance is a tolerance in which variation is
permitted only in one direction from the specified dimension, example, 1.400
+.000/ .006."
Virtual Condition Size The boundary generated by the collective effects of
MMC, size limit of a feature and any associated geometric tolerance, virtual
condition must be considered in determining the fit between mating parts. The
term "virtual condition" is preferred over "virtual size."
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