Introduction to the Standard
GB/T 197-2018 specifies tolerances for general purpose metric screw threads, ensuring interchangeability and performance in mechanical applications. This standard defines fundamental deviations, diameter tolerances, engagement lengths, and preferred zones for internal and external threads, applicable to industries like automotive, aerospace, and machinery.
Tolerances are categorized by grades (3 to 9), with lower numbers indicating higher precision. Fundamental deviations (EI/es) position the tolerance field, while tolerances (T) define its width. The standard supports three engagement length groups: short (S), normal (N), and long (L), guiding fit types from clearance to interference.
- Internal threads use positions G and H.
- External threads use a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h.
- Preferred zones like 6H/6g ensure reliable fits.
This guide provides practical insights for selecting tolerances, optimizing designs for manufacturability and functionality.
Fundamental Deviations for Internal and External Threads
Table 1 lists fundamental deviations (EI for internal, es for external) in μm, by pitch (P). These position the tolerance zone relative to the basic profile, crucial for fit control.
| Pitch P (mm) | Fundamental Deviation (μm) | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Threads | External Threads | |||||||||
| G EI | H EI | a es | b es | c es | d es | e es | f es | g es | h es | |
| 0.2 | 17 | 0 | – | – | – | – | – | – | -17 | 0 |
| 0.25 | 18 | 0 | – | – | – | – | – | – | -18 | 0 |
| 0.3 | 18 | 0 | – | – | – | – | – | – | -18 | 0 |
| 0.35 | 19 | 0 | – | – | – | – | – | -34 | -19 | 0 |
| 0.4 | 19 | 0 | – | – | – | – | – | -34 | -19 | 0 |
| 0.45 | 20 | 0 | – | – | – | – | – | -35 | -20 | 0 |
| 0.5 | 20 | 0 | – | – | – | – | -50 | -36 | -20 | 0 |
| 0.6 | 21 | 0 | – | – | – | – | -53 | -36 | -21 | 0 |
| 0.7 | 22 | 0 | – | – | – | – | -56 | -38 | -22 | 0 |
| 0.75 | 22 | 0 | – | – | – | – | -56 | -38 | -22 | 0 |
| 0.8 | 24 | 0 | – | – | – | – | -60 | -38 | -24 | 0 |
| 1 | 26 | 0 | -290 | -200 | -130 | -85 | -60 | -40 | -26 | 0 |
| 1.25 | 28 | 0 | -295 | -205 | -135 | -90 | -63 | -42 | -28 | 0 |
| 1.5 | 32 | 0 | -300 | -212 | -140 | -95 | -67 | -45 | -32 | 0 |
| 1.75 | 34 | 0 | -310 | -220 | -145 | -100 | -71 | -48 | -34 | 0 |
| 2 | 38 | 0 | -315 | -225 | -150 | -105 | -71 | -52 | -38 | 0 |
| 2.5 | 42 | 0 | -325 | -235 | -160 | -110 | -80 | -58 | -42 | 0 |
| 3 | 48 | 0 | -335 | -245 | -170 | -115 | -85 | -63 | -48 | 0 |
| 3.5 | 53 | 0 | -345 | -255 | -180 | -125 | -90 | -70 | -53 | 0 |
| 4 | 60 | 0 | -355 | -265 | -190 | -130 | -95 | -75 | -60 | 0 |
| 4.5 | 63 | 0 | -365 | -280 | -200 | -135 | -100 | -80 | -63 | 0 |
| 5 | 71 | 0 | -375 | -290 | -212 | -140 | -106 | -85 | -71 | 0 |
| 5.5 | 75 | 0 | -385 | -300 | -224 | -150 | -112 | -90 | -75 | 0 |
| 6 | 80 | 0 | -395 | -310 | -236 | -155 | -118 | -95 | -80 | 0 |
| 8 | 100 | 0 | -425 | -340 | -265 | -180 | -140 | -118 | -100 | 0 |
Use deviations to determine fit: positive for clearance in internal, negative for external to achieve desired interference or clearance.
Tolerances for Minor Diameter of Internal Threads (T_{D1})
Table 2 specifies T_{D1} in μm by pitch, for grades 4 to 8. These ensure proper root clearance, preventing interference.
| Pitch P (mm) | Tolerance Grade | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |
| 0.2 | 38 | – | – | – | – |
| 0.25 | 45 | 56 | – | – | – |
| 0.3 | 53 | 67 | 85 | – | – |
| 0.35 | 63 | 80 | 100 | – | – |
| 0.4 | 71 | 90 | 112 | – | – |
| 0.45 | 80 | 100 | 125 | – | – |
| 0.5 | 90 | 112 | 140 | 180 | – |
| 0.6 | 100 | 125 | 160 | 200 | – |
| 0.7 | 112 | 140 | 180 | 224 | – |
| 0.75 | 118 | 150 | 190 | 236 | – |
| 0.8 | 125 | 160 | 200 | 250 | 315 |
| 1 | 150 | 190 | 236 | 300 | 375 |
| 1.25 | 170 | 212 | 265 | 335 | 425 |
| 1.5 | 190 | 236 | 300 | 375 | 475 |
| 1.75 | 212 | 265 | 335 | 425 | 530 |
| 2 | 236 | 300 | 375 | 475 | 600 |
| 2.5 | 280 | 355 | 450 | 560 | 710 |
| 3 | 315 | 400 | 500 | 630 | 800 |
| 3.5 | 355 | 450 | 560 | 710 | 900 |
| 4 | 375 | 475 | 600 | 750 | 950 |
| 4.5 | 425 | 530 | 670 | 850 | 1060 |
| 5 | 450 | 560 | 710 | 900 | 1120 |
| 5.5 | 475 | 600 | 750 | 950 | 1180 |
| 6 | 500 | 630 | 800 | 1000 | 1250 |
| 8 | 630 | 800 | 1000 | 1250 | 1600 |
Higher grades provide tighter tolerances, suitable for precision fits in small pitches.
Tolerances for Major Diameter of External Threads (T_d)
Table 3 defines T_d in μm by pitch, for grades 4, 6, 8. These control crest clearance, influencing thread strength.
| Pitch P (mm) | Tolerance Grade | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 6 | 8 | |
| 0.2 | 36 | 56 | – |
| 0.25 | 42 | 67 | – |
| 0.3 | 48 | 75 | – |
| 0.35 | 53 | 85 | – |
| 0.4 | 60 | 95 | – |
| 0.45 | 63 | 100 | – |
| 0.5 | 67 | 106 | – |
| 0.6 | 80 | 125 | – |
| 0.7 | 90 | 140 | – |
| 0.75 | 90 | 140 | – |
| 0.8 | 95 | 150 | 236 |
| 1 | 112 | 180 | 280 |
| 1.25 | 132 | 212 | 335 |
| 1.5 | 150 | 236 | 375 |
| 1.75 | 170 | 265 | 425 |
| 2 | 180 | 280 | 450 |
| 2.5 | 212 | 335 | 530 |
| 3 | 236 | 375 | 600 |
| 3.5 | 265 | 425 | 670 |
| 4 | 300 | 475 | 750 |
| 4.5 | 315 | 500 | 800 |
| 5 | 335 | 530 | 850 |
| 5.5 | 355 | 560 | 900 |
| 6 | 375 | 600 | 950 |
| 8 | 450 | 710 | 1180 |
Grades 4 and 6 are for precision, 8 for loose fits in larger pitches.
Tolerances for Pitch Diameter of Internal Threads (T_{D2})
Table 4 provides T_{D2} in μm, segmented by major diameter (D) and pitch, for grades 4 to 8. Pitch diameter tolerances are critical for load-bearing capacity.
| Major Diameter D (mm) | Pitch P (mm) | Tolerance Grade | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| > | ≤ | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |
| 0.99 | 1.4 | 0.2 | 40 | – | – | – | – |
| 0.25 | 45 | 56 | – | – | – | ||
| 0.3 | 48 | 60 | 75 | – | – | ||
| 1.4 | 2.8 | 0.2 | 42 | – | – | – | – |
| 0.25 | 48 | 60 | – | – | – | ||
| 0.35 | 53 | 67 | 85 | – | – | ||
| 0.4 | 56 | 71 | 90 | – | – | ||
| 0.45 | 60 | 75 | 95 | – | – | ||
| 2.8 | 5.6 | 0.35 | 56 | 71 | 90 | – | – |
| 0.5 | 63 | 80 | 100 | 125 | – | ||
| 0.6 | 71 | 90 | 112 | 140 | – | ||
| 0.7 | 75 | 95 | 118 | 150 | – | ||
| 0.75 | 75 | 95 | 118 | 150 | – | ||
| 0.8 | 80 | 100 | 125 | 160 | 200 | ||
| 5.6 | 11.2 | 0.75 | 85 | 106 | 132 | 170 | – |
| 1 | 95 | 118 | 150 | 190 | 236 | ||
| 1.25 | 100 | 125 | 160 | 200 | 250 | ||
| 1.5 | 112 | 140 | 180 | 224 | 280 | ||
| 11.2 | 22.4 | 1 | 100 | 125 | 160 | 200 | 250 |
| 1.25 | 112 | 140 | 180 | 224 | 280 | ||
| 1.5 | 118 | 150 | 190 | 236 | 300 | ||
| 1.75 | 125 | 160 | 200 | 250 | 315 | ||
| 2 | 132 | 170 | 212 | 265 | 335 | ||
| 2.5 | 140 | 180 | 224 | 280 | 355 | ||
| 22.4 | 45 | 1 | 106 | 132 | 170 | 212 | – |
| 1.5 | 125 | 160 | 200 | 250 | 315 | ||
| 2 | 140 | 180 | 224 | 280 | 355 | ||
| 3 | 170 | 212 | 265 | 335 | 425 | ||
| 3.5 | 180 | 224 | 280 | 355 | 450 | ||
| 4 | 190 | 236 | 300 | 375 | 475 | ||
| 4.5 | 200 | 250 | 315 | 400 | 500 | ||
| 45 | 90 | 1.5 | 132 | 170 | 212 | 265 | 335 |
| 2 | 150 | 190 | 236 | 300 | 375 | ||
| 3 | 180 | 224 | 280 | 355 | 450 | ||
| 4 | 200 | 250 | 315 | 400 | 500 | ||
| 5 | 212 | 265 | 335 | 425 | 530 | ||
| 5.5 | 224 | 280 | 355 | 450 | 560 | ||
| 6 | 236 | 300 | 375 | 475 | 600 | ||
| 90 | 180 | 2 | 160 | 200 | 250 | 315 | 400 |
| 3 | 190 | 236 | 300 | 375 | 475 | ||
| 4 | 212 | 265 | 335 | 425 | 530 | ||
| 6 | 250 | 315 | 400 | 500 | 630 | ||
| 8 | 280 | 355 | 450 | 560 | 710 | ||
| 180 | 355 | 3 | 212 | 265 | 335 | 425 | 530 |
| 4 | 236 | 300 | 375 | 475 | 600 | ||
| 6 | 265 | 335 | 425 | 530 | 670 | ||
| 8 | 300 | 375 | 475 | 600 | 750 | ||
Tolerances increase with diameter and pitch, allowing for manufacturing variations in larger threads.
Tolerances for Pitch Diameter of External Threads (T_{d2})
Table 5 details T_{d2} in μm, by major diameter (d) and pitch, for grades 3 to 9. These are pivotal for thread engagement and load distribution.
| Major Diameter d (mm) | Pitch P (mm) | Tolerance Grade | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| > | ≤ | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | |
| 0.99 | 1.4 | 0.2 | 24 | 30 | 38 | 48 | – | – | – |
| 0.25 | 26 | 34 | 42 | 53 | – | – | – | ||
| 0.3 | 28 | 36 | 45 | 56 | – | – | – | ||
| 1.4 | 2.8 | 0.2 | 25 | 32 | 40 | 50 | – | – | – |
| 0.25 | 28 | 36 | 45 | 56 | – | – | – | ||
| 0.35 | 32 | 40 | 50 | 63 | 80 | – | – | ||
| 0.4 | 34 | 42 | 53 | 67 | 85 | – | – | ||
| 0.45 | 36 | 45 | 56 | 71 | 90 | – | – | ||
| 2.8 | 5.6 | 0.35 | 34 | 42 | 53 | 67 | 85 | – | – |
| 0.5 | 38 | 48 | 60 | 75 | 95 | – | – | ||
| 0.6 | 42 | 53 | 67 | 85 | 106 | – | – | ||
| 0.7 | 45 | 56 | 71 | 90 | 112 | – | – | ||
| 0.75 | 45 | 56 | 71 | 90 | 112 | – | – | ||
| 0.8 | 48 | 60 | 75 | 95 | 118 | 150 | 190 | ||
| 5.6 | 11.2 | 0.75 | 50 | 63 | 80 | 100 | 125 | – | – |
| 1 | 56 | 71 | 90 | 112 | 140 | 180 | 224 | ||
| 1.25 | 60 | 75 | 95 | 118 | 150 | 190 | 236 | ||
| 1.5 | 67 | 85 | 106 | 132 | 170 | 212 | 265 | ||
| 11.2 | 22.4 | 1 | 60 | 75 | 95 | 118 | 150 | 190 | 236 |
| 1.25 | 67 | 85 | 106 | 132 | 170 | 212 | 265 | ||
| 1.5 | 71 | 90 | 112 | 140 | 180 | 224 | 280 | ||
| 1.75 | 75 | 95 | 118 | 150 | 190 | 236 | 300 | ||
| 2 | 80 | 100 | 125 | 160 | 200 | 250 | 315 | ||
| 2.5 | 85 | 106 | 132 | 170 | 212 | 265 | 335 | ||
| 22.4 | 45 | 1 | 63 | 80 | 100 | 125 | 160 | 200 | 250 |
| 1.5 | 75 | 95 | 118 | 150 | 190 | 236 | 300 | ||
| 2 | 85 | 106 | 132 | 170 | 212 | 265 | 335 | ||
| 3 | 100 | 125 | 160 | 200 | 250 | 315 | 400 | ||
| 3.5 | 106 | 132 | 170 | 212 | 265 | 335 | 425 | ||
| 4 | 112 | 140 | 180 | 224 | 280 | 355 | 450 | ||
| 4.5 | 118 | 150 | 190 | 236 | 300 | 375 | 475 | ||
| 45 | 90 | 1.5 | 80 | 100 | 125 | 160 | 200 | 250 | 315 |
| 2 | 90 | 112 | 140 | 180 | 224 | 280 | 355 | ||
| 3 | 106 | 132 | 170 | 212 | 265 | 335 | 425 | ||
| 4 | 118 | 150 | 190 | 236 | 300 | 375 | 475 | ||
| 5 | 125 | 160 | 200 | 250 | 315 | 400 | 500 | ||
| 5.5 | 132 | 170 | 212 | 265 | 335 | 425 | 530 | ||
| 6 | 140 | 180 | 224 | 280 | 355 | 450 | 560 | ||
| 90 | 180 | 2 | 95 | 118 | 150 | 190 | 236 | 300 | 375 |
| 3 | 112 | 140 | 180 | 224 | 280 | 355 | 450 | ||
| 4 | 125 | 160 | 200 | 250 | 315 | 400 | 500 | ||
| 6 | 150 | 190 | 236 | 300 | 375 | 475 | 600 | ||
| 8 | 170 | 212 | 265 | 335 | 425 | 530 | 670 | ||
| 180 | 355 | 3 | 125 | 160 | 200 | 250 | 315 | 400 | 500 |
| 4 | 140 | 180 | 224 | 280 | 355 | 450 | 560 | ||
| 6 | 160 | 200 | 250 | 315 | 400 | 500 | 630 | ||
| 8 | 180 | 224 | 280 | 355 | 450 | 560 | 710 | ||
Grade 3 is for ultra-precision, up to 9 for coarse fits in large diameters.
Lengths of Thread Engagement
Table 6 defines engagement lengths in mm by major diameter and pitch, grouped as S (short), N (normal), L (long). These influence tolerance selection for load capacity.
| Major Diameter D/d (mm) | Pitch P (mm) | S ≤ | N | L > | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| > | ≤ | |||||
| > | ≤ | |||||
| 0.99 | 1.4 | 0.2 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 1.4 | 1.4 |
| 0.25 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 1.7 | 1.7 | ||
| 0.3 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 2 | 2 | ||
| 1.4 | 2.8 | 0.2 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| 0.25 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 1.9 | 1.9 | ||
| 0.35 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 2.6 | 2.6 | ||
| 0.4 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | ||
| 0.45 | 1.3 | 1.3 | 3.8 | 3.8 | ||
| 2.8 | 5.6 | 0.35 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| 0.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | ||
| 0.6 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 5 | 5 | ||
| 0.7 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 6 | ||
| 0.75 | 2.2 | 2.2 | 6.7 | 6.7 | ||
| 0.8 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 7.5 | 7.5 | ||
| 5.6 | 11.2 | 0.75 | 2.4 | 2.4 | 7.1 | 7.1 |
| 1 | 3 | 3 | 9 | 9 | ||
| 1.25 | 4 | 4 | 12 | 12 | ||
| 1.5 | 5 | 5 | 15 | 15 | ||
| 11.2 | 22.4 | 1 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 11 | 11 |
| 1.25 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 13 | 13 | ||
| 1.5 | 5.6 | 5.6 | 16 | 16 | ||
| 1.75 | 6 | 6 | 18 | 18 | ||
| 2 | 8 | 8 | 24 | 24 | ||
| 2.5 | 10 | 10 | 30 | 30 | ||
| 22.4 | 45 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 12 | 12 |
| 1.5 | 6.3 | 6.3 | 19 | 19 | ||
| 2 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 25 | 25 | ||
| 3 | 12 | 12 | 36 | 36 | ||
| 3.5 | 15 | 15 | 45 | 45 | ||
| 4 | 18 | 18 | 53 | 53 | ||
| 4.5 | 21 | 21 | 63 | 63 | ||
| 45 | 90 | 1.5 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 22 | 22 |
| 2 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 28 | 28 | ||
| 3 | 15 | 15 | 45 | 45 | ||
| 4 | 19 | 19 | 56 | 56 | ||
| 5 | 24 | 24 | 71 | 71 | ||
| 5.5 | 28 | 28 | 85 | 85 | ||
| 6 | 32 | 32 | 95 | 95 | ||
| 90 | 180 | 2 | 12 | 12 | 36 | 36 |
| 3 | 18 | 18 | 53 | 53 | ||
| 4 | 24 | 24 | 71 | 71 | ||
| 6 | 36 | 36 | 106 | 106 | ||
| 8 | 45 | 45 | 132 | 132 | ||
| 180 | 355 | 3 | 20 | 20 | 60 | 60 |
| 4 | 26 | 26 | 80 | 80 | ||
| 6 | 40 | 40 | 118 | 118 | ||
| 8 | 50 | 50 | 150 | 150 | ||
Choose group based on application: S for short engagements, L for high loads.
Preferred Tolerance Zones
Preferred zones combine deviation and tolerance for common fits. For internal threads: 4G, 5G, 6G, 4H, 5H, 6H, 7H, 8H. For external: 4h, 5g6g, 6e, 6f, 6g, 6h, 7g6g, 8g. Example: 6H/6g for medium precision clearance fit.
These zones facilitate standard selection, ensuring compatibility in global supply chains.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the role of fundamental deviations?
They position the tolerance zone, determining fit type: positive EI for internal clearance, negative es for external.
- What is the role of fundamental deviations?
- How to select engagement length group?
Choose S for short, N for normal, L for long based on load and vibration; L provides better strength but requires tighter tolerances.
- How to select engagement length group?
- Why are pitch diameter tolerances critical?
They control contact area, affecting load distribution and fatigue resistance; tighter grades prevent loosening.
- Why are pitch diameter tolerances critical?
- What is a preferred tolerance zone like 6H/6g?
It combines grade 6 with H/g deviations for medium precision clearance fit, widely used in general engineering.
- What is a preferred tolerance zone like 6H/6g?
- How do tolerances vary with pitch and diameter?
They increase with larger pitches and diameters to accommodate manufacturing challenges while maintaining functionality.
- How do tolerances vary with pitch and diameter?
- Can the standard apply to coated threads?
Yes, with adjustments; designate as e.g., 6g (before coating) for post-coating fit per annex guidelines.
- Can the standard apply to coated threads?
