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Standard Drawing Symbols
Graphic symbols are used on construction drawings to reference other drawings within the set.
For example, elevation graphics are used on a floor plan to indicate which walls are shown as elevations. A detail graphic, which is a circle around an area of a drawing with an extension to a number, indicates that this area has been drawn to a larger scale to provide specific details.
In order for this system of symbols to work, each drawing within the set has its’ own unique number.
This is usually a combination of numbers. The number for the individual drawing as well as the page or sheet number on which the specific drawing appears. Individual drawings may be referenced many times throughout a set of construction drawings.
Graphic symbols are also used to list drawing notes, identify finishes and revisions.
The same graphic is used for one purpose. For example, the same symbol is used for every revision.
It is the number within the graphic that carries its’ own specific information.
The following are examples of typical drawing symbols.
Drawing Title
Each individual drawing throughout a set has its’ own number, title and scale.
The top number in the circle indicates the drawing number. In this case the eight means that this is the eighth drawing on the sheet.
The bottom number indicates the sheet number; here it is sheet number A-4.
The title indicates that the drawing is an elevation. The scale of the drawing is shown below.
Drawings on each sheet within the set are numbered in sequence.
The first drawing starts with number one. The second number two. This numbering continues to include the last drawing on that sheet. Drawing number one typically starts at the top left corner of the sheet.
The numbering for drawings on the next sheet will start in the same manner.
Elevation
The elevation graphic is typically used on a plan.
The drawing on which they appear, floor plan, furniture plan or partition plan, is determined by the company producing the drawings.
The arrow around the circle will point to the surface that is shown in elevation.
For example, the arrow will point to the specific wall.
Or the arrow will point to the front of a cabinet, another arrow (symbol) will point the side, and
so on.
Each elevation circle will have it’s own specific number.
The top number indicates the drawing number.
The bottom number indicates the sheet number.
The graphic shown above, references elevation number 8 on sheet
number A-3.
Section
The section symbol is used to show where a section is cut through the construction.
A section graphic is used horizontally or vertically, based on the intent of the information to be provided.
The arrow indicates the direction of the view of the section.
The top number indicates the drawing number. The bottom number indicates the sheet number.
In this case the section will be shown on sheet A-5.
It will be the second or number 2 drawing on that sheet.
Detail
The detail symbol is used to indicate where a portion of construction is drawn to a larger scale.
A circle, or rectangle is placed around this part on a drawing.
Details are typically placed on plan drawings. In some cases, they are also used on elevations or sections when it is necessary to enlarge an area to clearly explain the design and building method.
A detail number is connected to the circle or rectangle.
The top number indicates the drawing number. The bottom number indicates the sheet number.
In this case the detail will be shown on sheet A-7. It will be the number 6 drawing on that page.
Door Number
Door numbers are used to identify each door separately. Each door has its’ own number.
The door number mark is placed next to the door on a plan drawing. It is also used on elevations when doors are shown, as a cross-reference.
Within the construction drawing set, a door schedule is included. This lists each door by number. Detailed information about each door is provided next to each door number.
Revision
A revision graphic is used to indicate that a change was made to a drawing.
The area of a drawing, where a change was made, is enclosed with a bubble. The revision number is placed next to the bubbled area.
The number within the triangle indicates whether it is the first revision (1) made to the drawing, or the second (2), or the third (3) and so on.
The revision graphic is also placed within the drawing sheet border with a date and brief explanation about what the revision entails.
Key Notes
Key note symbols will vary from company to company.
Once a symbol is established for keynotes, it is consistent through out the entire set of drawings.
Key notes are commonly used on plan drawings, such as a partition plan or demolition plan.
Each mark has its’ own specific number. The notes are numbered in sequence.
Each note symbol is placed on the plan with an arrow pointing to the related area.
A specific note number may reference several areas on a drawing.
A legend is provided where each note number is listed along with specific information next to it.
Using key notes simplifies the drawing. The plan is not crowded with notes.
Changing the information on a note in a legend once, is easier than trying to change many notes within a plan.
Finishes
Finish symbols will vary from company to company.
Once a symbol for finishes is established, it is used consistently throughout the entire set of drawings.
A finish identification symbol is to show where various finishes are applied to surfaces.
Each finish used in the project has its’ own unique number, or combination of number and letter.
The symbols are used on plans, elevations, sections and details.
A finishes schedule is included in the set of drawings. Each symbol number is listed in the schedule with a description of the related material next to it.
Some of the typical finishes for a project are carpet (C-1), vinyl tile (VT-1), paint (PT-8) or (8), plastic laminate (PL-3) or (3).
The symbols shown above are typical to construction drawings.
For further information regarding construction drawings, click on the heading below.
From Symbols to Construction Drawings
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