What are the 5 main categories of GD&T symbols?

The five main categories of GD&T symbols according to ASME Y14.5 are: Form Tolerances (straightness, flatness, etc.), Profile Tolerances, Orientation Tolerances (parallelism, perpendicularity, etc.), Location Tolerances (position, concentricity, etc.), and Runout Tolerances.

What is the difference between orientation and location tolerances?

Orientation tolerances (like parallelism and perpendicularity) control the angle or tilt of a feature relative to a datum. Location tolerances (like position and concentricity) control the precise location or coaxiality of features in relation to a datum reference frame.

Are surface roughness symbols part of GD&T?

No, surface roughness symbols (like Ra and Rz) are not part of the core GD&T system defined by ASME Y14.5. They are a separate specification for surface texture and are typically controlled by other standards like ASME B46.1 or ISO 1302.

What is the most commonly used GD&T symbol?

The Position tolerance (⌖) is arguably the most widely used GD&T symbol. It provides excellent control over the location of features like holes and pins, and when used with MMC, it allows for bonus tolerance, making manufacturing more cost-effective.

Why are datums important in GD&T?

Datums establish the reference coordinate system from which all geometric tolerances are measured. They are crucial for ensuring that parts are manufactured and inspected consistently, which is fundamental to achieving part interchangeability and functional fit.

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GDT Symbol Chart

By Lucas Lo | Updated: Aug. 25, 2025

GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) is an internationally standardized engineering language, following standards such as ASME Y14.5 or ISO 1101.

Whether in China, Germany, or the United States, as long as individuals can understand GD&T drawings, they can manufacture and inspect parts based on the same document, ensuring consistency and interchangeability of parts produced globally.

As a member of the CNC industry, designers, programmers, machine operators, and QC inspectors must have a deep understanding of GD&T symbols in order to achieve precise, clear, and unambiguous communication.

Key Takeaways:

GD&T is an internationally standardized engineering language (following ASME Y14.5 or ISO 1101).

GDT’s primary purpose is to ensure consistency, interchangeability, and precise communication of parts globally by allowing manufacturers and inspectors to work from the same drawing.

GDT are classified into Form Tolerances, Profile Tolerances, Orientation Tolerances, Location Tolerances and Runout Tolerances.

1. GD&T Symbols Classification

The image above is the GD&T symbols Chart. According to functions and purposes, GD&T symbols are categorized as below.

1.1. Form Tolerances

These symbols are used to control the geometric shape of parts, including:

Straightness: Controls the straightness of a line.

Flatness: Controls the flatness of a surface or part.

Roundness: Controls the roundness of circular features.

Cylindricity: Controls the cylindricity of cylindrical features.

1.2. Profile Tolerances

These symbols are used to control the shape and location of curves or surfaces:

Profile of a Line: Controls the shape of a curve.

Profile of a Surface: Controls the shape and position of a surface in space.

1.3. Orientation Tolerances

These symbols are used to control the orientation of part features, including:

Parallelism: Controls the parallel relationship between two lines or surfaces.

Perpendicularity: Controls the perpendicular relationship between a line or surface and a datum.

Angularity: Controls the angular relationship between two lines or surfaces.

1.4. Location Tolerances

These symbols are used to control the position of part features, including:

Position: Controls the precise position of holes or other features relative to a datum.

Concentricity: Controls whether two circular features (e.g., holes and shafts) are coaxial.

Symmetry: Controls the symmetry of two features relative to a datum plane.

1.5. Runout Tolerances

These symbols are used to control the amount of runout (or wobble) of a part during rotation, ensuring the part’s rotational accuracy:

Total Runout: Controls the runout of the entire part or feature during rotation.

Circular Runout: Controls the local circular runout of a part or feature during rotation.

1.6. Surface Finish Symbols

These symbols are used to specify the surface roughness requirements of parts, including:

Ra (Arithmetic Average Roughness): A common surface roughness unit, indicating the microscopic unevenness of the surface.

Rz (Ten-Point Height Roughness): Represents the maximum height of the surface irregularities.

1.7. Size Tolerances

These symbols are used to control the dimensional tolerances of parts, indicating the allowable dimensional variation:

Linear Dimension Tolerances: Defines the tolerances for linear dimensions such as length, width, and height of parts.

Geometrical Dimension Tolerances: Defines the tolerances for features like hole diameters and shaft diameters.

1.8. Datum Symbols

Datum symbols are used to mark the reference points, lines, or planes for processing and measurement of parts:

Datum: Represents the reference point, line, or surface used for processing or measurement.

1.9. Strength and Assembly Symbols

These symbols are used to indicate special requirements for parts during assembly:

Assembly Tolerances: Defines the tolerances for the relative position of parts during assembly.

Shear Strength: Indicates the strength requirements of the part.

1.10. Other Special Symbols

There are also special symbols used for other specific requirements, such as:

Welding Symbols: Indicate the welding process required for a part.

Heat Treatment Symbols: Indicate the heat treatment requirements for a part.

2. The Importance of GD&T Symbols

Understanding the GD&T Symbols is very important.

2.1. GD&T is the “Precise Instruction” for CNC Programming and Machining

CNC programmers need to write tool paths (G-codes) based on engineering drawings. GD&T provides much deeper information than simple dimensional tolerances.

GD&T drawings clearly specify datums (such as Datum A, B, C). Programmers must understand these datums to correctly set up the part coordinate system and plan the machining sequence.

2.2. GD&T Enables “First-Time-Right” CNC Machining, Maximizing Efficiency

Programmers and operators who don’t understand GD&T may resort to “over-machining” out of fear of exceeding tolerances.

A programmer familiar with GD&T understands that a ⌀0.2 position tolerance offers a larger allowable area than a ±0.1mm linear tolerance (round vs. square).

By fully utilizing this entire area in programming, they can select more aggressive and efficient machining parameters while ensuring the part is 100% compliant.

2.3. GD&T Ensures Part Functionality and Interchangeability

Many parts need to fit together (e.g., shafts and holes, gears and gears), slide, or rotate. GD&T allows you to directly define the geometric features affecting functionality (such as flatness, perpendicularity, and concentricity), rather than just size.

2.4. GD&T Provides Clear Inspection Guidelines for Quality Control

After CNC machining, parts need to be inspected. GD&T drawings are the “answer sheet” for the inspection department. CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine) operators must fully understand the GD&T symbols on the drawings to write accurate inspection programs.

2.5. Facilitates Efficient Communication Between Design and Manufacturing

CNC workshops often need to communicate with design engineers. Using GD&T as a shared language significantly reduces misunderstandings and disputes.

When CNC engineers see GD&T symbols on a drawing, they immediately understand the part’s functionality. For example, a surface with strict flatness requirements indicates the need for a good seal or fit.

A hole with a maximum material condition (M) symbol indicates the hole is allowed tolerance compensation when mated with a pin.

Manufacturing engineers familiar with GD&T can review drawings and offer constructive suggestions.

For instance, suggesting that a feature be controlled by a profile tolerance rather than separately marking angles and positions could maintain functionality while providing greater machining flexibility, reducing costs.

2.6. GD&T Reduces Scrap Rate and Saving Costs

Misunderstanding drawings is one of the main reasons for part scrapping. Understanding GD&T symbols reduces scrap rates, saves costs, and generates significant business benefits.

GD&T eliminates the ambiguity of traditional dimensional tolerances, ensuring that the definition of “conformance” is unique and clear throughout the entire process from design to machining to inspection.

Misunderstanding datum sequences or modifiers (such as M or L circles) could result in scrapping an entire batch of parts, causing substantial material and labor losses. Understanding GD&T is the most effective safeguard against such errors.

3. Learn Specific GD&T Symbols

To help readers better understand each GD&T symbol, click on the icons below to access detailed explanations of each symbol.

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Lucas

Lucas is a technical writer at ECOREPRAP. He has eight years of CNC programming and operating experience, including five-axis programming. He also spent three years in CNC engineering, quoting, design, and project management. Lucas holds an associate degree in mold design and has self-taught knowledge in materials science. He’s a lifelong learner who loves sharing his expertise.

Learn More about Lucas.