METRIC DESIGN GUIDE
Drawings
SI drawings preferably use only millimeters (mm) to avoid fractions and to eliminate the
repetitious suffix. The following note on drawings will avoid confusion: "ALL
DIMENSIONS ARE MILLIMETERS (mm) UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED."
Decimal mm (such as: 2 034.5) are not required on SI drawings unless a high precision
part or product thickness is being detailed. A whole number such as: 2 035 is adequate.
Dual dimensions should not be used.
Shop drawings or catalog data using the same dimensions as on contract documents will
avoid errors in translation.
Space Between Groups . A space separating groups of three digits on drawing dimensions
will allow faster and more accurate dimensional interpretation.
Example: A 20 meter dimension can be shown as 20 000.
Scales. American Institute of Architects (AIA) preferred metric scales, all multiples of 1,
2, or 5. See Graphic Standards for other scale information.
Metric
Current
1:2
1:2
1:5
3"-1'
1:10
-1/2"-1', 1"-1'
1:20
3/4"-1', 1/2"-1'
1:50
1/4"-1'
1:100
1/8"-1'
1:200
1/16"-1', 1"-20'
1:500
1/32"-1', 1"-40', 1"-50'
1:1 000
1"-80', 1"-100'
Sheet Sizes . While there are standard SI drawing sizes, any size may be used until new
ones are issued through the usual supply process.
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