Runout

GD&T Symbol:
Relative to Datum: Yes
MMC or LMC applicable: No
Drawing Callout:

Description:
Runout is how much one given reference feature or features vary with respect to another datum
when the part is rotated 360° around the datum axis. It is essentially a control of a circular
feature, and how much variation it has with the rotational axis. Runout can be called out on any
feature that is rotated about an axis. It is essentially how much “wobble” occurs in the one part
feature when referenced to another.

GD&T Tolerance Zone:

2-Dimensional circular tolerance zone that is defined by a datum axis where all points on the
called surface must fall into. The zone is a direct reference to the datum feature. Runout is the
total variation that the reference surface can have, when the part is rotated around the datum’s
true axis.

Gauging / Measurement:
Runout is measured using a simple height gauge on the reference surface. The datum axis is
controlled by fixing all datum points and rotating the central datum axis. The part is usually
constrained with V-blocks, or a spindle on each datum that is required to be controlled. The part
is then rotated around this axis and the variation is measured using the height gauge held
perpendicular to the part surface. As long as the gauge does not vary by more than the runout
tolerance, the part is in spec.
Relation to Other GD&T Symbols:
A great way to relate this symbol to others is through this equation:

Circular Runout = Concentricity (axis offset) + total Circularity (out of round)

Runout captures both of these in a single measurement when you are comparing the surface to
another datum.

Runout can also be constrained using a face as well as another circular surface. If this is the case
the perpendicularity of the datum face to the reference surface can add into the runout of the
surface as well, since if the part is tilted at an angle, the part would runout higher due to the
tilting of the part.

Runout is the 2D version of total runout. While it is measured in individual cross sections, total
runout takes the measurement around and across the surface of the entire part in a 3D tolerance
zone.
When Used:
Runout and its 3D component, Total runout, are very common symbols in GD&T due to the
control they have on a rotating part. They are used in any rotating components such as drills,
gears, shafts, axles and many machine tool parts. The automotive and industrial industry use this
GD&T symbol very often on any part that is rotated. Runout usually is put into place when
oscillations or vibrations need to be controlled on a fast rotating part, like an engine or
transmission. If the part rotates it probably requires runout.

Example:
A shaft that is rotated at very high speeds is prone to oscillations if the right edge of the shaft is
too far offset from the left side. To control how much wobble this part will have runout is used to
ensure that the smaller diameter surface is relatively controlled to datum surface A. To control
this without GD&T would be nearly impossible. The small amount of variation in the shaft,
straightness of the shaft, and roundness of the individual surfaces would be unrealistic to control.
With runout, you have your final rotational condition that you want controlled without
needing to specify unnecessary tight control on the entire part.

The best way to constrain this part is with GD&T

By constraining with runout as shown on the drawing you are ensuring that when the shaft
rotating, with datum A fixed in housing, the reference surface will not go outside of a perfect
central rotation by more than 30 microns. This will ensure that only a limited vibration is made
and that both parts will wear evenly. To ensure this condition is met, you must measure the parts
with a gauge.
B is now controlled in relation to A, ensuring a smooth, near-perfect rotational system. Note: this
runout must be controlled on any cross section along the reference surface. You must gauge each
cross section separately though (Gauging the entire cylinder at once would be total runout).

Final Notes to Remember:

Circular Name:

Runout as a GD&T symbol is often referred to as circular runout to differentiate it from total
runout.

Two similar versions

Runout is a relation of surface to datum surface or surface to datum axis. When the datum is a
surface, any out of round on the datum surface can impact the runout of the part, depending on if
the high and low spots on the datum correspond to the high and low spots on the reference
feature. (Remember relating the axis to a datum axis is Concentricity)

Regardless of Feature Size

Runout is always RFS (regardless of feature size) meaning that the boundary formed by the
dimension