Architectural Symbols (2025)

PLUMBING SYMBOLS

WINDOW SYMBOLS

DOOR SYMBOLS

VARIOUS ARCHITECTURAL  SYMBOLS

BUILDING MATERIAL SYMBOLS

APPLIANCE AND FIXTURE SYMBOLS

DOOR SYMBOLS

SANITATION FACILITY SYMBOLS

FLOOR-PLAN DIMENSIONING

RULES FOR DIMENSIONING

  1. Architectural dimension lines are unbroken lines with dimensions placed above the line.
  2. In drawingplans, feet and inch marks may be omitted as a general rule, (Do not omit dash).
    1. Dimensions over 1′ are expressed in feet and inches.
    2. Dimensions less than 1′ are shown in inches.
  3. A slash is often used with fractional dimensions to conserve vertical space.
  4. Dimensions should be placed to read from the right or from the bottom of the drawing.
  5. You should place dimensions so that the drawingdoes not appear crowded.
    1. Space dimension fines a minimum of 3/8″ from the object and from each other.
    2. If there is room, it is preferred to start the first dimension line 1/2″ from the plan.
  6. Be consistent so that dimension lines are evenly spaced (regardless of distance chosen).
  7. Dimension lines terminate at the extension lines with dots, arrowheads, or slash marks.
  8. Dimension numerals are drawn 1/8″ high with the aid of guidelines.
  9. Line and arrowhead weights are the same as those used in dimensioning mechanical drawings.
  10. Overall buildingdimension are placed outside the other dimension Jines.
    1. The first line of dimensions on the plan is the smallest distance from the exterior wall the the center of windows, doors and partition (interior) walls.
    2. The second lines of dimensions generally gives the distance from the outside walls to the partition (interior) walls.
    3. The third line of dimensions is usually the overall distance between the two exterior walls.

DIMENSION LINE SPACING

  1. Room sizes may be shown by stating width and length.
  2. When an area to be dimensioned is too small for the numerals, they are placed outside the extension lines.
  3. Window and door sizes may be shown directly on the door or window symbol or may be indexed to a door or window schedule.
  4. Curved leaders are sometimes used to eliminate confusion with other dimension lines.
  5. When an area is too small for an arrowhead, dots may be used to indicate the dimension limits.
  6. When the space is small, arrowheads may be placed outside the extension lines.
  7. A dot with a leader refers to the large area noted.
  8. Dimensions that cannot be seen on the floor plan or those too small to place on the object are placed on leaders for easier reading.
  9. In dimensioning stairs, the number of risers is placed on a line with an arrow indicating the direction (up or down).
  10. Windows, doors, pilasters, beams and areaways are dimensioned to their centerlines.
  11. Use abbreviations when symbols do not show clearly what is intended.
  12. Sub-dimensions must add up to overall dimensions (14′-0″ + 12′-0″ = 26′-0″).
  13. Architectural dimensions always refer to the actual size of the building regardless of the scale of the drawing.
  14. Aligned dimensions are placed in alignment with an angled wall or feature.

COMMON SIZES OF ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES

  1. Base cabinets generally are not dimensioned as they are typically 24″ deep.
  2. Closet poles are generally 15″ from the back wall and are dashed lines.
  3. Closet shelves are solid lines 12″ from the back wall.
  4. Room components:
  5. Plumbing:
  6. Appliances:
  7. Doors:
    • Entry: 36″ x 6′-8″; 42″ x 8′-0″
    • Slider or French: 5′, 6′, 8′ (double); 9′, 1O’ (triple); 12′ {four panel)
    • Garage, utility, kitchen and bedrooms on custom houses: 2′-8″
    • Bedrooms and bathrooms of nice homes: 2′-6″
    • Bathroom closets: 2′-4″
    • Garage: 8′ x 7′, 9′ x 8′, 16′ x 7′ and 18′ x 7′
  8. Windows:
    • Living, family: 8′ – 1O’
    • Dining: 6′ – 8′
    • Bedrooms: 4′ – 6′
    • Kitchens: 3′ – 5′
    • Bathrooms: 2′ – 3′
    • Sliding: 4′, 5′ 6′ 8′ 10′ 12′
    • Single hung: 24″, 30″, 36″ 42″
    • Casement: same as sliding
    • Fixed awning: 24″, 30″, 36″ 42″, 48″
    • Fixed sliding: 24″, 30″, 36″ 42″, 48″
    • Picture: 4′, 5′, 6′, 8′
    • Bay: 8′ – 1O’ total; sides- 18-24″ wide

RULES FOR DRAWING SYMBOLS

  1. Always use drawing instruments. Never draw the symbols freehand on a working drawing. Use an architectural drawing template to increase the speed and clarity of the symbols (Fig. 4 ). Be certain that the template figures are the same scale as your drawing’s scale.
  2. The location of the symbol on the working drawing is closely approximated. If an exact location is required, dimensions must be added to the symbol on the drawing (Fig. 5 ).
  3. Symbols are not drawn to the exact size of the actual item. The general size of the architectural symbols will vary with the scale of the drawing. The symbol should be of convenient reading size. It should not be too small or large (Fig. 6 ).
  4. Material symbols need not cover the full surface as shown in figure 7. Repetitious drawing symbols need not be completely drawn.
  5. Have references for architectural symbols available.

Source Citation

“Architectural Symbols.” 2025.