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DRAW-113
ENGINEERING
DRAWINGS &
PLANS

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 LINES, SYMBOLS, AND
DIMENSIONING

Bachelor of science in Civil Engineering

First Semester, S.Y. 2020-2021

Prepared by:
Engr. Zosimo p. de los santos, jr.

June 2020
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 module overview
purpose of this module
this module is purposely created first, to orient the students
with different kinds of drawing instruments and their uses. second,
this will help students to develop their drawing skills with the aid
of drawing instruments and finally, this module will orient students
with the basics of actual engineering drawing output/plans
Engineering drawing
This module will include topics on lines, symbols and
dimensioning.
Module guide
The students had to engage with this self-directed module as
an independent learner and to follow the instructions given.
module outcome
at the end of this module, you will be able to develop skill(s) in
drawing with the aid of drawing instruments and will be able to draw
different figures and parts of engineering plans
module requirements
before you start with any activity on this module, answer
honestly the activity provided on the Pre-test. at the end of this
module you need to submit drawing output(s) specified on the post-
assessment activity.

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pre-test
1. What are the two systems of placing dimensions on a drawing?
Illustrate your answer with sketches on the space provided
below

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 Types of Lines
1. Outlines (A): Lines drawn to represent visible edges and surface boundaries of objects are called
outlines or principal lines. They are continuous thick or wide lines (fig. 3-2).
2. Margin lines (A): They are continuous thick or wide lines along which the prints are trimmed.
3. Dimension Lines (B): These lines are continuous thin lines. They are terminated at the outer
ends by pointed arrowheads touching the outlines, extension lines or center lines (fig. 3-2).
4. Extension or projection lines (B): These lines also are continuous thin lines. They extend by
about 3 mm beyond the dimension lines (fig. 3-2).
5. Construction lines (B): These lines are drawn for constructing figures. They are shown in
geometrical drawings only. They are continuous thin light lines.
6. Hatching or section lines (B): These lines are drawn to make the section evident. They are
continuous thin lines and are drawn generally at an angle of 45° to the main outline of the section.
They are uniformly spaced about 1 mm to 2 mm apart (fig. 3-2).
7. Leader or pointer lines (B): Leader line is drawn to connect a note with the feature to which it
applies. It is a continuous thin line (fig. 3-2).
8. Border lines (B): Perfectly rectangular working space is determined by drawing the border lines.
They are continuous thin lines.
9. Short-break lines (C): These lines are continuous, thin and wavy. They are drawn freehand and
are used to show a short break, or irregular boundaries (fig. 3-3).
10. Long-break lines (D): These lines are thin ruled lines with short zigzags within them. They are
drawn to show long breaks (fig. 3-3).
11. Hidden or dotted lines (E or F): Interior or hidden edges and surfaces are shown by hidden
lines. They are also called dotted lines. They are of medium thickness and made up of short
dashes of approximately equal lengths of about 2 mm spaced at equal distances of about 1 mm.
When a hidden line meets or intersects another hidden line or an outline, their point of
intersection or meeting should be clearly shown (fig. 3-2).
12. Center lines (G): Center lines are drawn to indicate the axes of cylindrical, conical or spherical
objects or details, and also to show the centers of circles and arcs. They are thin, long, chain
lines composed of alternately long and dot spaced approximately 1 mm apart. The long dashes
are about 9 to 12 mm. Center lines should extend for a short distance beyond the outlines to
which they refer. For the purpose of dimensioning or to correlate the views they may be
extended as required. The point of intersection between two center lines must always be
indicated. Locus lines, extreme positions of movable parts and pitch circles are also shown by
this type of line (fig. 3-2 and fig. 3-3).

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13. Cutting-plane lines (H): The location of a cutting plane is shown by this line. It is a long, thin,
chain line, thick at ends only (fig. 3-2).
14. Chain thick (J): These lines are used to indicate special treatment on the surface.
15. Chain thick double-dots (K): This is chain thin double-dot line.

Table 3.1 Conventional Lines and Their Usage

SL Name of line type Line appearance Usage
No.

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01 Visible line/ To indicate all visible
Object line outlines/boundary of an
object. It shows the shape of
an object
02 Hidden line/ To represent hidden edge of
Dashed line an object. They should end
on both sides by touching
the visible lines and should
touch themselves at
intersection (if any).

03 Center line To show a line passing

through center of hole, pitch
line etc.

04 Extension line, To show dimension of an

Dimension line object
and leaders

05 Section line To indicate cut portion of an

object

06 Cutting plane To show imaginary cutting

line of an object.

07 ISO cutting
Plane line

08 Break lines To show break of an object

in order to shorten the view
of a long part.

SL Name of line type Line appearance Usage

No.

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09 Phantom line/ To show alternate position of
Repeat line an object or the position of an
adjacent part.

Conventional Symbols
A variety of symbols are used in engineering drawing to represent different elements,
properties, material types etc. Some geometric symbols are commonly used in almost every
types of drawing while there are some special symbols used in specific types (civil,
mechanical, electrical etc.) of drawing.

Common Symbols used in Civil Engineering Drawing

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Symbols for Materials

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 Typical Building Plan

Dimensioning
Every drawing, whether a scale drawing or a freehand drawing, besides showing the true shape of
an object, must supply its exact length, breadth, height, sizes and positions of holes, grooves etc.
and such other details relating to the manufacture of that object.
Providing this information on a drawing is called dimensioning. Lines, figures, numerals, symbols,
notes etc. are used for this purpose.

Purpose of Dimensioning
The purpose of dimensioning is to provide a clear and complete description of an object. A
complete set of dimensions will permit only one interpretation needed to construct the part.
In some cases, engineering drawing becomes meaningless without dimensioning.
Maintaining scale only does not make a drawing sufficient for manufacturer. By direct
measurement from drawing according to the scale is very laborious, time-consuming and
such a part cannot be manufactured accurately. In general dimensioning system provides
following information ü Sizes and locations of features
 Material’s type
 Number required
 Kind of surface finish
 Manufacturing process
 Size and geometric tolerance

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General Conditions for Dimensioning
 Accuracy: correct values must be given.
 Clearness: dimensions must be placed in appropriate positions.
 Completeness: nothing must be left out, and nothing duplicated.
 Readability: the appropriate line quality must be used for legibility.

Elements of Dimension System

 Extension lines
 Dimension lines
 Arrowheads
 Leaders
 Texts, numbers and symbols.

Dimensioning Elements

(1) Dimension line (fig. 3-11): Dimension line is a thin continuous line. It is terminated by
arrowheads touching the outlines, extension lines or center lines.
(2) Extension line (fig. 3-11): An extension line is also a thin continuous line drawn in extension
of an outline. (Formerly, the 8.1.S. had recommended that a gap of about 1 mm should be kept
between the extension line and an outline or object boundary.) It extends by about 3 mm beyond
the dimension line.
(3) Arrowhead (fig. 3-·11): An arrowhead is placed at each end of a dimension line. Its pointed
end touches an outline, an extension line or a center line. The size of an arrowhead should be
proportional to the thickness of the outlines. The length of the arrowhead should be about three
times its maximum width. It is drawn freehand with two strokes made in the direction of its pointed
end. The space between them is neatly filled up. Different types of arrow heads are shown in fig.
3-11 (a). Generally closed and filled arrowhead is widely used in engineering drawing.

Note (fig. 3-11 ): A note gives information regarding specific operation relating to a feature. It is
placed outside a view but adjacent to the feature concerned. It is so written that it may be read when
the drawing is viewed from the bottom edge.

(4) Leader (fig. 3-11): A leader or a pointer is a thin continuous line connecting a note or a
dimension figure with the feature to which it applies. One end of the leader terminates either in an
arrowhead or a dot. The arrowhead touches the outline, while the dot is placed within the outline of
the object [fig. 2-1 (a) and fig. 3-11 (b)].
The other end of the leader is terminated in a horizontal line at the bottom level of the first
or the last letter of the note. The leader is never drawn vertical or horizontal or curved. It is drawn
at a convenient angle of not less than 30° to the line to which it touches. When pointing to a circle
or an arc it is drawn radially. Use of common leaders for more than one feature should never be
made.

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The two systems of placing dimensions are:
(1) Aligned system and
(2) Unidirectional system.
(1) Aligned system (fig. 3-12): In the aligned system the dimension is placed perpendicular to the
dimension line in such a way that it may be read from the bottom edge or the right-hand edge of
the drawing sheet. The dimensions should be placed near the middle and above, but clear of the
dimension lines.

(2) Unidirectional system (figure 3-13): In unidirectional system all dimensions are so placed that
they can be read from the bottom edge of the drawing sheet. The dimension lines are broken near
the middle for inserting the dimensions. This system is mainly used on large drawings - as of
aircrafts, automobiles etc. where it is inconvenient to read dimensions from the right-hand side.

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Rules for Dimensioning

General Rules for Dimensioning

 Dimensioning should be given within the extent of the view in general.
 Dimensioning should be done so completely that further calculation or assumption of
any dimension, or direct measurement from the drawing is not necessary.
 Every dimension must be given, but none should be given more than once.
Dimensioning should not be duplicated in other view.
 No subtraction or addition should be required to define or locate a feature.
 Dimensioning should be inserted on relatively larger available view to make it clear.
 One system of dimensions either unidirectional or aligned has to be used throughout the
drawing.
 Dimensioning to the hidden lines should be avoided, in general.
 Dimensioning should be made on the view, which represents the shape of the part best.
 A zero must be placed before decimal point.
 Mutual crossing of dimension lines and dimensioning between hidden lines should be
avoided. Dimension lines should not cross any other line of the drawing.
 An outline or a center line should never be used as a dimension line. A center line may
be extended to serve as an extension line (fig. 3-13).
 Aligned system of dimensioning is recommended.

Rules of Extension Lines

Extension lines are the lines that indicate the point or line or space on the drawing to which
dimension is being applied. Following conditions should be maintained while inserting an extension
line:
 A gap of 1mm has to be kept between extension line and visible line.
 An extension line should be extended about 3mm from the outmost dimension line.
 Extension lines may cross each other without break.
 Center lines can be used as extension lines.
 Extension lines are drawn usually perpendicular to dimension lines. But for
overcrowded drawing they can be drawn at an oblique angle as well.

Correct Wrong
Fig. 5.2 Extension Lines in Proper Way

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Rules of Dimension Lines
Dimension lines are the lines that show the dimensions of a specific portion indicated by extension
lines.
Following conditions should be maintained while inserting a dimension line:
 Dimension line should be approximately 10mm away from visible line.
 Spacing between consecutive parallel dimension lines may also be kept as 10mm.
 Dimension lines are broken near the middle to allow space for dimensions.
 As far as possible dimension lines should be placed outside the view.
 Dimension lines should not cross each other.
 Center lines should never be used as dimension lines.
 If space between extension lines is very short for inserting arrows, the arrows may be
provided outside the extension lines.

Dimension and Extension lines Arrowhead

Rules of Arrowhead
Arrowheads are used at both ends of dimension lines and at the ends of leaders. They are usually
drawn freehand. Following conditions should be maintained while inserting an arrowhead:
 As far as possible all arrowheads should be identical in shape and size throughout the
drawing.
 An approximate ratio of the length to width of arrowhead as 3:1 should be maintained.
 Arrowheads must touch the line. It must not be either away from the line or cross the
line.
Rules of Leaders
Leaders are used in engineering drawing for dimensioning of arcs, circles etc. They are also used
to present note, symbols, item number or part number etc. Following conditions should be
maintained while inserting a leader:
 A leader should always be inclined at an angle of 600 preferably and 450 occasionally.
 The length of horizontal bar should be 3mm.
 A leader should be terminated by either an arrowhead or a small dot of about 1.5mm
diameter.
 Leaders should not be drawn bent unless necessary.
 Leaders should not cross each other, however, they may be drawn parallel to each
other with a common horizontal bar.
 To direct a circle or an arc the leader should be so drawn, if it is imagined to extend it
must pass through the center of the circle or the arc.
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  All notes, symbols and dimensions in a leader need to be provided in horizontal
direction.

Practical Hints on Dimensioning

1. Dimension lines should be drawn at least 8 mm away from the outlines
and from each other.
2. Dimensions in a series may be placed in any one of the following two
ways:
a. Continuous or chain dimensioning (fig. 3-14): Dimensions are
arranged in a straight line. An overall dimension is placed outside
the smaller dimensions. One of the smaller dimensions (the least
important) is generally omitted.
b. Progressive or parallel dimensioning (fig. 3-15): All dimensions
are shown from a common base line. Cumulative error is avoided
by this method. This method is preferable.
3. Smaller dimensions should be placed nearer the view and the larger
further away so that extension lines do not cross
dimension lines. Extension lines may cross each other
(fig. 3-16) or the outlines (fig. 3-13).
4. When a number of parallel dimension lines are to be
shown near each other, the dimensions should be
staggered (fig. 3-16).
5. Dimensions should be shown where the shape is easily
identified.
6. Arrowheads should ordinarily be drawn within the limits
of the dimensioned feature. But when the space is too
narrow, they may be placed outside (fig. 3-17). A dot may
also be used to replace an arrowhead. Due to lack of
space, the dimension figure may be written above the
extended portion of the dimension line, but preferably on
the right-hand side (fig. 3-17).
7. Dimensions of cylindrical parts should as far as possible
be placed in the views in which they are seen as rectangles
(fig. 3-18). The dimension indicating a diameter should
always be preceded by the symbol 0. Dimension of a
cylinder should not be given as a radius.
Fig. 3-19 shows various methods of dimensioning
different sizes of circles. Dimensions should be shown in
one view only; the same dimension must not be repeated
in other view.
Holes should be dimensioned in the view in which they appear as circles (fig. 3-20).
They should be located by their center lines.

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 As far as possible, all dimensions for one
particular operation, such as diameter and depth of a
drilled hole (fig. 3-18), or size and depth of a threaded
hole (fig. 3-29) should be given in one view only.
In case of a large-size bore or a pitch circle, the
dimension may be shown by a diagonal diameter (fig.
3-21). But (in aligned system) a dimension should not
be placed within 30° zone of the vertical center line as
shown by the shaded space in fig. 3-21. Holes on pitch
circles when equally spaced should be dimensioned as
shown in fig. 3-21. When holes are not equally or
uniformly spaced on the pitch circle, they should be
located by angles with one of the two main center lines
(fig. 3-22). Arcs of circles should be dimensioned by
their respective radii. Dimension line for the radius
should pass through the center of the arc. The
dimension figure must be preceded by the letter R. Fig. 3-23
shows different methods of showing the radii of arcs.

8. Letters SQ should precede the dimension for a rod of square cross-section (fig. 3-24). The
word SPHERE should be placed before the dimension (radius R or diameter 0) of a spherical
part (fig. 3-25).
9. Angular dimensions may be given by any one of the methods shown in fig. 3-26.
10. Fig. 3-27 shows a method of dimensioning a countersunk hole. The maximum diameter is
also sometimes given.

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 11. Methods of dimensioning a chamfer is shown in fig. 3-28.

12. Designation and size, along with the useful length must be given while dimensioning an
external screw thread (fig. 3-29). In case of internal screw thread, in addition to the size and
type, the depth of the drilled hole before tapping must also be given (fig. 3-30).
13. Left-hand thread and multiple-start thread should be dimensioned as shown in fig. 3-31 and
fig. 3-32 respectively.
14. A slope or taper is defined as unit alteration in a specified length. The specified length is
measured along the base line in case of flat pieces and along the axis in case of shafts.

15. Fig. 3-33 shows the method of indicating slope on a flat

piece. It is written parallel to the sloping line.
𝐻−ℎ 1
𝐹𝑙𝑎𝑡 𝑇𝑎𝑝𝑒𝑟 = 𝐿 = 20
16. The taper on a shaft is indicated along the center line and is
accompanied by one or both the diameters (fig. 3-34).
𝐷−𝑑 1
𝑇𝑎𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑛 𝐷𝑖𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 𝐿 = 10
17. Fig. 3-35 shows method of dimensioning for frustum. It is
drawn obliquely but parallel to each other.
18.

Technique of Dimensioning
There are two basic steps in dimensioning objects, regardless of the type of object.
 Step 1: Apply the size dimensions. These are dimensions which indicate the
overall size of the object and the various features which make up the object.
 Step 2: Apply the locational dimensions. Locational dimensions are
dimensions which locate various features of an object from some specified datum
or surface. Figure 9-29 gives examples of size and location dimensions.

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Dimensioning in Limited Space
If space between the extension lines is too small to insert the dimension digits, they may be provided at left or
right side of extension lines. Sometimes the space may be even too small to insert arrows, in such case dimensions
as well as arrows can be provided on outside of the extension lines as shown in Fig. 5.9.

Fig. 5.9 Dimensioning in Limited Space

If the space is very limited for inserting dimension lines, the portion to be dimensioned are
enlarged for clear dimensioning. Sometimes smaller circular dots are used in place of
arrowhead for space limitation. Fig. 5.10 shows such example.

Portion to be enlarged Enlarged view of A Use of small dot

Fig. 5. 10 Dimensioning in L imited Space

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Dimensioning of Angles
Angles are normally written in degrees, minutes, and seconds. The symbols used to depict
degrees, minutes, and seconds are also shown in this figure. Angular measurements may also
be stated in decimal form. This is particularly advantageous when they must be entered into
an electronic digital calculator. The key to converting angular measurements to decimal form
is in knowing that each degree contains 60 minutes, and each minute contains 60 seconds.

Fig. 5. 1 1 Dimensioning of A ngles

Dimensioning of Arcs
The dimension figure and the arrowhead should be inside the arc, where there is sufficient space.
If space is limited then leaders can be used comfortably.

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 Fig. 5. 12 Dimensioning of Arc

5.10 Dimensioning of Chord Length, Arc Length and Angle

Chords, arcs, and angles are dimensioned in a similar manner. The difference is:
When dimensioning a chord length, the dimension line should be perpendicular and the extension
lines parallel to the chord.
When dimensioning an arc length, the dimension line runs concurrent with the arc curve, but the
extension lines are either vertical or horizontal. An arc symbol is placed above the dimension.
When dimensioning an angle, the extension lines extend from the sides forming the angle, and the
dimension line forms an arc.

Fig. 5. 13 Difference among the Dimensioning Of Chord Length, Arc Length and Angle

Dimensioning of Round Holes

 Round holes are dimensioned in the view in which they appear as circles.
 Smaller holes may be dimensioned using a leader which points toward the center of
the hole in which the note gives the diameter, or extension lines may be drawn from the
circle with a dimension that also indicates the diameter.
 Larger circles are dimensioned with a dimension line drawn across the circle through
its center at an angle with the diameter dimension shown.
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  It is important when dimensioning holes to call off the diameter, not the radius.

Fig. 5. 14 Dimensioning of Circular H oles

5.12 Dimensioning of Blind Holes
It is usual practice to use leader line and local note to specify diameter and hole’s depth in the circular view.

Fig. 5. 15 Dimensioning of Blind Holes

5.13 Dimensioning of Chamfer

It is usual practice to use leader line and note to indicate linear distance and angle of the chamfer.

Fig. 5. 16 Dimensioning of a C hamfer

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5.14 Common Mistakes in Dimensioning

Correct
Wrong

Correct
Wrong

Wrong Correct

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Wrong
Correct

Wrong Correct

Wrong Correct
F

Fig. 5.17 Common Mistakes in Dimensioning (Contd.)

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 Wrong
Correct

Correct

Wrong

Fig. 5.17 Common Mistakes in D imensioning (Contd.)

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Summary:
 A variety of symbols are used in engineering drawing to represent different elements,
properties, material types etc. Some geometric symbols are commonly used in almost
every types of drawing while there are some special symbols used in specific types
(civil, mechanical, electrical etc.) of drawing.
 The purpose of dimensioning is to provide a clear and complete description of an
object. A complete set of dimensions will permit only one interpretation needed to
construct the part.
Suggested Readings:
 Engineering Drawing (Plane and Solid Geometry) Fiftieth Revised and Enlarged Edition:
2011 by N.D. Bhatt, et. al
 Textbook of Engineering Drawing (Second Edition) by K Venkata Reddy
 Engineering Drawing for Beginners (Lecture Notes on Basic Engineering Drawing) by Md
Roknuzzaman
 “Placing of Dimension Systems in Engineering Drawing” YouTube channel by 1st Year
Engineering Drawing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kf01kQthhVs
Post-Test
Fill-up the blanks in the following sentences by appropriate words
selected from the list of words given in the box below:

1. Two types of dimensions needed on a drawing are _________ and

__________ dimensions.
2. The two systems of placing dimensions are ________ and________.
3. In _________ system, the dimension is placed __________ to and near
the __________ but clear of dimension line.
4. In __________ system, all dimensions are so placed that they are
readable from the _________ edge of the drawing sheet. Dimension
lines are __________ near the middle for inserting dimensions.
5. As far as possible dimensions should be given in one unit,
preferably in _________.
6. Dimension lines should be drawn at least 8 mm away from the
_________ and from _________.
7. An __________ or _________ should never be used as a dimension
line.
8. Mutual __________ of dimension lines and dimensioning between
__________ should be avoided.
9. All dimensions are shown from a common base line in __________
dimensioning.
10. In _________ dimensioning, dimensions are arranged in a straight
line, and an __________ dimension is placed outside the small
dimensions.
11. When a number of parallel dimensions are to be shown near
each other, the dimensions should be __________.
12. The extension line should extend about 3 mm beyond the
_________.
13. The line connecting a view to a note is called a _________.
14. The dimension indicating a diameter should be _________ by the
symbol _________.
15. The symbol _________ should be _________ by the dimension
indicating a radius.

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16. Dimensions of cylindrical parts should as far as possible be
shown in the views in which they are seen as __________.
17. Dimension of a cylinder should never be given as a _________
18. The taper on a shaft is indicated along the __________.
19. The specified length for taper is measured along the _________ in
case of a flat piece and along the _________ in case of a shaft.
20. The section lines are continuous __________ lines and are drawn
at an _________ of __________ to the main outline of the section.

1. Thin 12. Each other 22. Progressive

2. Axis 13. Followed 23. Rectangles
3. Aligned 14. Location 24. Preceded
4. Broken 15. Middle 25. Leader
5. Base line 16.  26. Radius
6. Bottom 17. Millimeters 27. Angle
7. Center line 18. Overall 28. R
8. Continuous 19. Outlines 29. 45°
9. Crossing 20. Outline 30. Size
10. Dimension line 21. Perpendicular 31. Staggered
11. Dashed line 32. Unidirectional.

Culminating Activity:
Draw a floor plan of a house using a 1:100 scale and apply the basic
rules of dimensioning and lines. Floor area must not exceed 100
square meters. Strictly follow standard drawing sheet layout
attached in this module. Use A3 size bond paper (at least 70 gsm) on
all drawing plates (unless specified). All units should be in
Millimeters (mm). Submit each drawing plate on schedule to avoid
deductions. Each plates will have a duration of one (1) week.

References:
 Engineering Drawing (Plane and Solid Geometry) Fiftieth
Revised and Enlarged Edition: 2011 by N.D. Bhatt, et. al
 Textbook of Engineering Drawing (Second Edition) by K Venkata
Reddy

God bless you!

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 SAMPLE ONLY
10.00
3.00 2.00 1.30 3.70
2.00 1.00
1.75

1.10
3.00
1.30

4.00
3.20

8.00
4.00
2.40

1.75

5.00 5.00

PLATE NO. INSTITUTION: SUBMITTED BY: SUBMITTED TO: DATE: CHECKED: RATING:

BILIRAN PROVINCE STATE UNIVERSITY STARTED: MM/DD/YYYY

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING (NAME, COURSE, YEAR & SECTION) ENGR. ZOSIMO P. DE LOS SANTOS, JR.
FINISHED:.MM/DD/YYYY