Which term refers to a tolerance that permits variation in both directions from the nominal size?

Which term refers to a tolerance that permits variation in both directions from the nominal size?

• A. Limit Dimensions
• B. Nominal Size
• C. Aligned Dimension
• D. Bilateral Tolerance

Answer: (D)

Tolerances describe how much a manufactured size can vary from its target. A bilateral tolerance means the allowed variation exists on both sides of the nominal size, forming a symmetric range around the target. For example, if the nominal size is 10.00 mm with a bilateral tolerance of ±0.05 mm, the acceptable range is 9.95 to 10.05 mm. This symmetry around the nominal is what makes it a bilateral tolerance. Other terms describe different ideas: limit dimensions specify the exact minimum and maximum values allowed, nominal size is just the target dimension, and aligned dimension refers to how a dimension is measured or related to features, not the direction of allowable variation.

Tolerances describe how much a manufactured size can vary from its target. A bilateral tolerance means the allowed variation exists on both sides of the nominal size, forming a symmetric range around the target. For example, if the nominal size is 10.00 mm with a bilateral tolerance of ±0.05 mm, the acceptable range is 9.95 to 10.05 mm. This symmetry around the nominal is what makes it a bilateral tolerance. Other terms describe different ideas: limit dimensions specify the exact minimum and maximum values allowed, nominal size is just the target dimension, and aligned dimension refers to how a dimension is measured or related to features, not the direction of allowable variation.