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Reference Chart

Tolerance Fit Chart

Find hole and shaft tolerances for clearance, transition, and interference fits. Covers RC, LC, LT, LN, and FN fit classes for nominal sizes 0.5" to 3.0".

Quick Answer: What Is a Tolerance Fit?

A tolerance fit is the amount of clearance or interference between a hole and a shaft of the same nominal size. The hole and shaft each get their own tolerance band, and the gap or overlap between them sets how the parts go together. Fits are used to size bearings, pins, bushings, dowels and shafts so they slide, locate or stay pressed in place.

This chart uses ANSI B4.1 preferred limits and fits to list: hole tolerance, shaft tolerance, minimum clearance or interference, and maximum clearance or interference. Inputs include nominal size (0.5″ to 3.0″) and fit class (RC, LC, LT, LN and FN).

Typical values at 1.0″: RC4 running ±0.0006–0.0020″ clearance | LC2 locational 0–0.0010″ clearance | LT1 transition −0.0002–0.0008″ | FN2 medium drive 0.0003–0.0013″ interference | FN4 force 0.0013–0.0023″ interference.

Showing 24 of 24 fits

Visual Boundary Scale

HOLE SHAFT
Select a fit to visualize shaft-to-hole sizing.

Select a Fit Class

Click any row in the table below to load its tolerance limits and fit visualization.

Hole Tolerance: -
Shaft Tolerance: -
Min Clearance / Interference: -
Max Clearance / Interference: -
Nominal Size (in) ▲Fit Type ▲Hole Tolerance ▲Shaft Tolerance ▲Min Clear./Interf. ▲Max Clear./Interf. ▲
0.5"RC1 (Close sliding)+0.0000 / +0.0004-0.0002 / -0.0004+0.0002+0.0008
0.5"RC4 (Running)+0.0000 / +0.0007-0.0005 / -0.0010+0.0005+0.0017
0.5"RC7 (Free running)+0.0000 / +0.0012-0.0010 / -0.0019+0.0010+0.0031
0.5"LC2 (Locational)+0.0000 / +0.0004-0.0000 / -0.0004+0.0000+0.0008
1.0"RC1 (Close sliding)+0.0000 / +0.0005-0.0003 / -0.0005+0.0003+0.0010
1.0"RC4 (Running)+0.0000 / +0.0008-0.0006 / -0.0012+0.0006+0.0020
1.0"RC7 (Free running)+0.0000 / +0.0014-0.0012 / -0.0023+0.0012+0.0037
1.0"LC2 (Locational)+0.0000 / +0.0005-0.0000 / -0.0005+0.0000+0.0010
2.0"RC1 (Close sliding)+0.0000 / +0.0006-0.0003 / -0.0006+0.0003+0.0012
2.0"RC4 (Running)+0.0000 / +0.0010-0.0007 / -0.0014+0.0007+0.0024
2.0"RC7 (Free running)+0.0000 / +0.0016-0.0014 / -0.0027+0.0014+0.0043
3.0"RC4 (Running)+0.0000 / +0.0012-0.0008 / -0.0016+0.0008+0.0028
0.5"LT1 (Locational trans.)+0.0000 / +0.0004+0.0002 / -0.0002-0.0002+0.0006
0.5"LT3 (Locational trans.)+0.0000 / +0.0006+0.0004 / -0.0002-0.0004+0.0008
1.0"LT1 (Locational trans.)+0.0000 / +0.0005+0.0002 / -0.0003-0.0002+0.0008
1.0"LT3 (Locational trans.)+0.0000 / +0.0007+0.0005 / -0.0002-0.0005+0.0009
2.0"LT1 (Locational trans.)+0.0000 / +0.0006+0.0003 / -0.0003-0.0003+0.0009
3.0"LT1 (Locational trans.)+0.0000 / +0.0007+0.0003 / -0.0004-0.0003+0.0011
0.5"LN2 (Locational interf.)+0.0000 / +0.0004+0.0006 / +0.0002-0.0006+0.0002
0.5"FN2 (Medium drive)+0.0000 / +0.0004+0.0010 / +0.0006-0.0010-0.0002
1.0"FN2 (Medium drive)+0.0000 / +0.0005+0.0013 / +0.0008-0.0013-0.0003
1.0"FN4 (Force fit)+0.0000 / +0.0005+0.0023 / +0.0018-0.0023-0.0013
2.0"FN2 (Medium drive)+0.0000 / +0.0006+0.0017 / +0.0011-0.0017-0.0005
3.0"FN2 (Medium drive)+0.0000 / +0.0007+0.0020 / +0.0013-0.0020-0.0006
No fits match your search. Try a different term or filter.

Notes on This Chart

  • Tolerances follow ANSI B4.1 standard for preferred limits and fits.
  • Positive clearance means the hole is larger. Negative means interference (shaft is larger).
  • RC = Running/Clearance. LC = Locational Clearance. LT = Locational Transition. LN = Locational Interference. FN = Force/Shrink.
  • Always verify fit calculations with your specific nominal size range in the full ANSI tables.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a clearance fit?

A clearance fit means the hole is always larger than the shaft. The parts slide or rotate freely. RC and LC are clearance fits. Use them for shafts that need to spin or slide.

What is a press fit?

A press fit means the shaft is larger than the hole. You need force to push them together. FN fits are press fits. The interference holds the parts in place without fasteners. Use them for bearings, pins, and permanent assemblies.

What is a transition fit?

A transition fit can result in slight clearance or slight interference. LT fits are transition fits. They give accurate location without a full press. Use them for alignment pins and locating features.

How do I choose the right fit class?

Start with the function. If parts must spin freely, use RC. If parts must stay put, use FN. If you need accurate location with easy assembly, use LC or LT. Tighter fits cost more to machine. Only use tight fits where the design requires them.

Fits & Tolerances Reference Series

Related references — jump to the one you need:

Press Fit CalculatorShrink Fit CalculatorFit CalculatorHole/Shaft ToleranceH7/g6 Fit ChartISO 2768 TolerancesBearing Fit ChartTolerance Stack-UpTolerance CostTolerance Guide

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