Overview · ISO 286

ISO 286 Fit Selection Guide: Typical Fits

Choose a suitable ISO 286 fit: common hole and shaft fits for clearance, transition and interference with their character and typical applications.

ISO286
ISO 286

Example selection

FitTypeCharacterExample applicationsCalculator
H7/g6Clearance fitGuaranteed clearance between hole and shaft.Freely moving guides, sliding hubs, and removable moving components.Calculate →
H7/h6Close clearance fitVery close locational fit; minimum clearance can theoretically be zero.Accurately located, removable components without intended relative movement.Calculate →
H7/k6Transition fitDepending on the limit sizes, slight clearance or slight interference can result.Accurate location of gears, pulleys, or coupling hubs when the calculated limits are suitable.Calculate →
H7/p6Interference fitThe shaft is larger than the hole at the relevant limits.Pressed bushes, hubs, or rings for a fixed seat; verify assembly and load capacity separately.Calculate →
Inputs and method

Select a fit by function

Map motion, accuracy and assembly requirements to suitable ISO 286 fit classes.

Inputs

State whether the joint should slide, assemble easily, be backlash-free or remain permanently tight, and whether removal or temperature differences matter.

The answers translate function into a tolerance strategy: motion needs controlled clearance, locating needs low scatter, and interference creates joining pressure. Temperature and disassembly can rule out an otherwise suitable class.

Calculation

The answers narrow the choices to typical clearance, transition and interference fits. Check the nominal size and exact ISO fields in the fits calculator afterwards.

Example

For a serviceable sliding hub, H7/g6 is a sensible starting point; a force-transmitting interference fit needs a separate assembly-force and temperature check.

Sources and limits: ISO 286-1/-2 define tolerance zones and the fit system. The functional mapping is engineering guidance, not a joining or thermal approval.

Technical article

Select a fit by function in detail

Map motion, accuracy and assembly requirements to suitable ISO 286 fit classes.

What does this quantity describe?

A tolerance defines the permitted size range of a manufactured feature. Its position locates that range around the zero line, while the IT grade sets its width.

Formula and variables

The answers narrow the choices to typical clearance, transition and interference fits. Check the nominal size and exact ISO fields in the fits calculator afterwards.

Choose the inputs correctly

State whether the joint should slide, assemble easily, be backlash-free or remain permanently tight, and whether removal or temperature differences matter. The answers translate function into a tolerance strategy: motion needs controlled clearance, locating needs low scatter, and interference creates joining pressure. Temperature and disassembly can rule out an otherwise suitable class.

How to use the calculator

Answer the questions about the joint's intended function (sliding, easy to assemble, backlash-free or permanently tight) plus disassembly frequency and temperature influence. The assistant suggests suitable fit classes, to be checked with the actual nominal size in the fits calculator afterward.

Worked example

For a serviceable sliding hub, H7/g6 is a sensible starting point; a force-transmitting interference fit needs a separate assembly-force and temperature check.

Understand the result and units

The answers translate function into a tolerance strategy: motion needs controlled clearance, locating needs low scatter, and interference creates joining pressure. Temperature and disassembly can rule out an otherwise suitable class. Positive clearance means the hole remains larger than the shaft in the least favorable limits. A negative result is interference and needs separate assembly, temperature and joining checks.

No numeric units; the result is an ISO 286 field recommendation such as H7/g6.

Typical applications

A first orientation for engineers choosing a fit class who don't yet know the appropriate ISO 286 class, before checking actual limit sizes in the fits calculator.

Assumptions, limits and common mistakes

ISO 286-1/-2 define tolerance zones and the fit system. The functional mapping is engineering guidance, not a joining or thermal approval.

Common mistake: Don't adopt the suggested fit unchecked – it is a typical guideline for the described function, not an approval verified for the actual nominal-size range, material or operating temperature. For interference fits especially, check assembly force and thermal expansion separately.

Frequently asked questions

What do I do with the suggested tolerance field?

Check it for your actual nominal size in the fits calculator to obtain the real limit sizes and resulting clearance or interference.

Why is disassembly frequency asked about?

Joints disassembled often generally need a clearance or light transition fit, while permanently tight joints need an interference fit with corresponding assembly effort.

Does the assistant replace a qualified engineering review?

No, it gives a plausible orientation based on typical use cases; the final choice should be confirmed by a qualified person considering all boundary conditions.

Sources, method and review

  • ISO 286-1/-2 define tolerance zones and the fit system. The functional mapping is engineering guidance, not a joining or thermal approval.

Our method, source hierarchy and automated checks are documented on the methodology page. Read the methodology

Responsible
NormCalc-Redaktion
Last updated
2026-09-04
Standard basis and sources

Standard calculation and practice guidance remain separate

Fit types and limit deviations follow ISO 286. The listed applications are examples for practical orientation and do not replace drawing review or approval by a responsible engineer.