Dimensions in the construction industry
A dimension is a derived unit used to measure a physical quantity such as length, width, height, distance, area, volume, mass and time.
Some of these units, such as area, can be obtained by the multiplication of two other dimensions, so for example (a x b) gives the area ab. Other measurements such as volume can be established by combining three linear measurements. The volume of say, a cylinder may be given by multiplying the area by the height (a x b x h).
A straight line has one dimension; an area has two dimensions and a volume has three.
Measuring velocity requires combining dimensions of length and time. Measuring force also requires combining various dimensions.
In construction, the dimensions most used are those concerning length to provide other dimensions of height, distance, area and volume. Measuring time is also important in construction, as is mass.
Dimensions are critical for co-ordinating building components and ensuring each fits correctly in its allocated place in a construction. Dimensionally co-ordinated products allow designers to select items which they can be confident will fit together (co-ordinate) dimensionally with the structure and other components to accepted tolerances.
Measurements are often included on drawings to give an overall understanding of size, or by wave of instruction to help workers setting out a project or manufacturing components.
The Geospatial Glossary, published by the Geospatial Commission, and accessed on 17 September 2022, defines the dimension of a mathematical space (or object) as: ‘…the minimum number of coordinates needed to specify any point within it.’ eg 1D, 2D, 3D etc.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Conversion of material volumes.
- Cubic metre.
- Floor area ratio.
- Gross external area.
- Gross internal area.
- How to take off construction works.
- International Property Measurement Standards.
- Land.
- Measurement.
- Measurement of existing buildings.
- Metric system.
- Net internal area.
- Place.
- Region.
- Space.
- Types of land.
- Units.
- Volume.
Featured articles and news
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard V1 published
Free-to-access technical standard to enable robust proof of a decarbonising built environment.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Why talking about prostate cancer matters in construction.
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch up for free, subscribe and share with your network.
The Association of Consultant Architects recap
A reintroduction and recap of ACA President; Patrick Inglis' Autumn update.
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.