Definitions of thread terminology

Fundamental triangle

The fundamental triangle is the basic triangle that creates the thread form. For both parallel and taper thread, the tip angle of the fundamental triangle is symmetrical across a line that is perpendicular to the axis of thread. The fundamental triangle in parallel thread is an isosceles triangle (but not in taper thread).

Pitch

Pitch is the distance between two fundamental triangles of thread shape; it is measured along the axis of the thread. That is, if we turn the thread one round, it will travel a distance equal to one pitch.

For both parallel and taper threads, the definition of pitch is the same.

Threads Per Inch TPI

TPI stands for Threads Per Inch, a count of the number of fundamental triangles per inch measured along the axis of the thread.

According to the definition of pitch, pitch is the distance between two fundamental triangles; thus, one pitch is equal to one inch divided by TPI. We have the following formula for the relationship between pitch and TPI: Pitch = 1/TPI (in) = 25.4/TPI (mm).

Height of fundamental triangle

The height of a fundamental triangle is the distance from tip to bottom of the fundamental triangles; it is measured in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the thread. The height of the fundamental triangle determines the pitch diameter of the thread; the pitch diameter goes through the middle of the height of the fundamental triangle.

Height of thread

The height of a thread is the distance from top to bottom of the thread; it is measured in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the thread.

Pitch diameter

The pitch diameter of thread is the diameter of a circle with the axis of thread as the center, and the radius is the distance from the middle of the height of the fundamental triangle to the axis of thread. It is measured in the direction perpendicular to the axis of thread. That means the pitch diameter goes through the middle of the height of the fundamental triangle.

In taper thread, the pitch diameter is measured at the gauge plane. See the profile of the thread for details on gauge.

Major diameter

The major diameter of internal thread is the diameter of a circle with the axis of thread as the center, and the radius is the distance from the bottom of the thread to the axis of thread. It is measured in the direction perpendicular to the axis of thread.

The major diameter of external thread is the diameter of a circle with the axis of thread as the center, and the radius is the distance from the top of the thread to the axis of thread. It is measured in the direction perpendicular to the axis of thread.

In taper thread, the major diameter is measured at the gauge plane. See the profile of the thread for details on gauge.

Minor diameter

The minor diameter of internal thread is the diameter of a circle with the axis of thread as the center, and the radius is the distance from the top of the thread to the axis of thread. It is measured in the direction perpendicular to the axis of thread.

The minor diameter of external thread is the diameter of a circle with the axis of thread as the center, and the radius is the distance from the bottom of the thread to the axis of thread; it is measured in the direction perpendicular to the axis of thread.

In taper thread, the minor diameter is measured at the gauge plane. See the profile of the thread for details on gauge.

Tolerance, Upper deviation, Lower deviation

The upper deviation is the upper limit of the diameter of the thread. The lower deviation is the lower limit of the diameter of the thread. The difference between an upper and lower deviation is defined as tolerance. Upper deviation – Lower deviation = Tolerance

The diameter of a thread in the following form:

Tolerance on pitch diameter of external thread

Clearance on the crest

Clearance on the crest is the difference between the basic diameter and the design diameter of thread.

Clearance on the crest

Length of Thread Engagement

Length of thread engagement is measured by the length of interaction between the internal and external thread. In general, the length of engagement of mating threads is selected to utilize full tensile strength of a bolt prior to shearing of nut threads. Other applications may require internal thread shear prior to failure of the externally threaded part.

Length of Thread Engagement