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BRITISH STANDARD BS 1806:1989

Incorporating
Amendment No. 1

Specification for

Dimensions of toroidal
sealing rings
(“O”-rings) and their
housings (inch series)

UDC 62 – 762.84:678.074(083.3)
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BS 1806:1989

Committees responsible for this

British Standard

The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted by the Machinery and
Components Standards Policy Committee (MCE/-) to Technical Committee
MCE/11, upon which the following bodies were represented:

British Compressed Air Society

British Fluid Power Association
British Hydromechanics Research Association
British Industrial Truck Association
British Rubber Manufacturers’ Association
Engineering Equipment and Materials Users’ Association
Ministry of Defence
Society of British Aerospace Companies Limited
Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Limited

This British Standard, having

been prepared under the
direction of the Machinery
and Components Standards
Policy Committee, was
published under the authority
of the Board of BSI and
comes into effect on
28 April 1989

© BSI 07-1999
Amendments issued since publication
First published December 1951
First revision December 1962
Second revision April 1989 Amd. No. Date of issue Comments

6953 May 1992 Indicated by a sideline in the margin

The following BSI references
relate to the work on this
standard:
Committee reference MCE/11
Draft for comment 87/72482 DC

ISBN 0 580 17221 X

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BS 1806:1989

Contents

Page
Committees responsible Inside front cover
Foreword ii
1 Scope 1
2 “O”-rings 1
3 Housing grooves 1
Figure 1 — “O”-ring 13
Figure 2 — Housing grooves 13
Figure 3 — Face sealing 14
Figure 4 — Triangular housings 15
Table 1 — Dimensions of “O”-rings of nominal cross
section 1/16 in and less 2
Table 2 — Dimensions of “O”-rings of nominal cross section 3/32 in 3
Table 3 — Dimensions of “O”-rings of nominal cross section 1/8 in 5
Table 4 — Dimensions of “O”-rings of nominal cross section 3/16 in 8
Table 5 — Dimensions of “O”-rings of nominal cross section 1/4 in 11
Table 6 — Dimensions of housings for diametral sealing 14
Table 7 — Dimensions of housings for static face sealing 15
Table 8 — Dimensions of triangular housings for static face sealings 15
Publications referred to Inside back cover

© BSI 07-1999 i
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BS 1806:1989

Foreword

This revised British Standard has been prepared under the direction of the
Machinery and Components Standards Policy Committee. It revises and
supersedes BS 1806:1962 which is now withdrawn.
In view of the continued strong demand for an inch series of “O”-rings it has been
decided to revise this standard rather than prepare an extensive amendment of
the 1962 edition. Inch dimensions have been retained throughout and metric
conversions should be based on BS 350.
In this revision the range of “O”-rings has been extended to embrace all the seals
listed in British Standard M 48 and also a majority of the sizes listed in SAE
Aerospace Standard AS 568A:19841). The dimensional tolerances on the internal
diameter B have in many cases also been increased to reflect current
manufacturing practice.
It is stressed that the dimensions specified in this standard, although providing
the necessary basis for standardization in the manufacture and application of
“O”-rings, should not be regarded as providing all the information required for
design purposes. Attention is drawn to the desirability of consultation between
users and manufacturers of “O”-rings, when a particular application of this type
of seal is being considered.
A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i and ii,
pages 1 to 16, an inside back cover and a back cover.
This standard has been updated (see copyright date) and may have had
amendments incorporated. This will be indicated in the amendment table on
the inside front cover.

1)
Aerospace size standard for “O”-rings, published by the Society of Automotive Engineers,
Inc., 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096, USA.

ii © BSI 07-1999
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1 Scope
This British Standard specifies the dimensions of
elastomeric “O”-rings which are toroidal in shape
and are used for sealing components against ingress
or egress of fluids under dynamic and static
conditions.
The standard also specifies the shape and
dimensions of five types of associated housing
grooves for the rings when used at pressures not
normally exceeding 1 500 lbf/in2 (100 bar2)). Limits
for imperfections are not specified in this standard
but information is given in the note to clause 2.
NOTE 1 At pressures exceeding 1 500 lbf/in2, or when the
diametral clearances of the grooves are in excess of those
specified in this standard, it is recommended that “O”-rings
should be used in conjunction with anti-extrusion back-up rings.
NOTE 2 The titles of the publications referred to in this
standard are listed on the inside back cover.
2 “O”-rings
NOTE Surface imperfections. It is important that “O”-ring
surface imperfections should be such that they do not affect the
sealing properties. Acceptable limits of defined and assessed
imperfections on elastomeric toroidal sealing rings are specified
in BS 6442.
2.1 Dimensions
The dimensions and the tolerances of the “O”-rings
shall be in accordance with Table 1 to Table 5.
2.2 Material
“O”-rings shall be manufactured from elastomeric
materials that are compatible with the fluid
contained by the seal, i.e. that the properties of the
material are not altered by chemical interaction.
NOTE 1 Means of assessing the compatibility of hydraulic
fluids with elastomeric materials are specified in BS 4832.
NOTE 2 “O”-rings are normally supplied in nitrile rubber but
may also be produced in other elastomers, e.g. silicone,
fluorocarbon.
2.3 Seal size number
“O”-rings shall be identified by the seal size
numbers given in Table 1 to Table 5.
2)
1 bar = 105 N/m2 = 102 kPa.
3)
BS 5242-1 specifies tolerances and classes of surface texture for the surfaces of tubular steel cylinder barrels.
© BSI 07-1999
BS 1806:1989
3 Housing grooves
3.1 General
The profiles, dimensions and tolerances of the
housing grooves shall be according to the type of
sealing application as follows:
a) diametral sealing, Figure 2(a) and Figure 2(b)
and Table 6;
b) static face sealing, Figure 3 and Table 7;
c) triangular housing of static face sealing,
Figure 4 and Table 8.
3.2 Tolerances of nominal housing diameter
The tolerances associated with diameter C or D3)
shall be calculated with respect to the tolerance
specified for radial depth F given in Table 6 and an
achievable tolerance for the groove diameters c and
d, in accordance with Figure 2(a) and Figure 2(b).
3.3 Extrusion gap
To maintain an acceptable extrusion gap, the
tolerances of the diameter of the mating parts shall
be selected with respect to the following:
a) tolerance of the nominal diameter, C or D3),
calculated in accordance with 3.2;
b) the maximum total diametral clearance G
(see Table 6), in accordance with Figure 2(a) and
Figure 2(b).
3.4 Lead-in chamfer
To facilitate assembly and to prevent damage to
“O”-rings, components over which the “O”-ring
passes during fitting shall incorporate a smooth
lead-in chamfer. All associated corners shall be
radiused.
NOTE Details are shown in Figure 2(a) and Figure 2(b) and
dimensions are given in Table 6.
3.5 Surface texture
The surface texture of the housing groove and
associated surfaces, in accordance with BS 1134-1,
shall not exceed the following values:
a) dynamic sealing surfaces 0.4 4m Ra
b) static sealing surfaces 0.8 4m Ra
c) non-sealing surfaces 1.6 4m Ra
1
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BS 1806:1989

Table 1 — Dimensions of “O”-rings of nominal cross section 1/16 in and less

“O”-ring size Actual diametersa Nominal diameters
no.
Cross section, Internal, B Cb Dc
A ± 0.003
in in in in
001 0.040 0.029 d d
 d d
002 0.050 0.042  ± 0.004
003 0.060 0.056  d d

5/
004 0.070 0.070 64
13 /64
005 0.070 0.101  7/
64
15 /64
006 0.070 0.114  1/
8
1/4
007 0.070 0.145  5/ 9/32
 3/
32
008 0.070 0.176  16
5/
16
7/ 11
009 0.070 0.208  ± 0.005 32 /32
010 0.070 0.239  1/
4
3/
8
011 0.070 0.301  5/
16
7/
16
012 0.070 0.364  3/
8
1/
2
013 0.070 0.426  7/ 9/
 16 16
014 0.070 0.489 1/
2
5/
8
015 0.070 0.551 ± 0.007 9/
16
11/
32

016 0.070 0.614 5/ 3/

017 0.070 0.676  11/

8
13/
4

018 0.070 0.739  3/

16
7/
16

019 0.070 0.801  ± 0.009 13/

4
15/
8

020 0.070 0.864  7/

16
1
16


8
021 0.070 0.926 15/
16 11/16
022 0.070 0.989  1 11/8
023 0.070 1.051  ± 0.010 11/6 13/16
024 0.070 1.114  11/8 11/4
025 0.070 1.176  13/16 15/16
026 0.070 1.239  ± 0.011 11/4 13/8
027 0.070 1.301  15/16 17/16
028 0.070 1.364  13/8 11/2
029 0.070 1.489  ± 0.013 11/2 15/8
030 0.070 1.614  15/8 13/4
031 0.070 1.739  13/4 17/8
032 0.070 1.864  ± 0.015 17/8 2

033 0.070 1.989 2 21/8

034 0.070 2.114  21/8 21/4
035 0.070 2.239  ± 0.018 21/4 23/8
036 0.070 2.364  23/8 21/2
037 0.070 2.489  21/2 25/8
038 0.070 2.614 25/8 23/4
039 0.070 2.739
 23/4 27/8
 ± 0.020
040 0.070 2.864  27/8 3
041 0.070 2.989  3 31/8
042 0.070 3.239  ± 0.024 31/4 33/8
043 0.070 3.489  31/2 35/8
044 0.070 3.739 33/4 37/8

045 0.070 3.989  ± 0.027 4 41/8

046 0.070 4.239 41/4 43/8
047 0.070 4.489
 41/2 45/8
 ± 0.030
048 0.070 4.739  43/4 47/8
049 0.070 4.989 5 51/8

050 0.070 5.239  ± 0.037 51/4 53/8

NOTE 1 The full range of sizes given are suitable for static sealing.
NOTE 2 For dynamic sealing select only “O”-ring size nos. 004 to 012.
a See Figure 1.
b See Figure 2(b), Figure 3 and Figure 4.
c See Figure 2(a) and Figure 3.
d Since “O”-ring sizes nos. 001,002 and 003 are extremely small special care should be taken in the selection of
housing sizes to achieve an adequate squeeze.

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BS 1806:1989

Table 2 — Dimensions of “O” -rings of nominal cross section 3/32 in

“O”-ring Actual diametersa Nominal diameters
size no.
Cross section, Internal, B Cb Dc
A ± 0.003
in in in in
102 0.103 0.049 
1
/16 1
/4
3/ 9/
103 0.103 0.081  32 32
104 0.103 0.112  1
/8 5
/16
 5 11
105 0.103 0.143  /32 /32
106 0.103 0.174  3
/16 3
/8
 7 13
107 0.103 0.206  ± 0.005 /32 /32
108 0.103 0.237  1/
4
7/
16
 5/ 1/
109 0.103 0.299  16 2
110 0.103 0.362  3
/8 9
/16
 7 5
111 0.103 0.424  /16 /8
112 0.103 0.487  1
/2 11
/16
3/
113 0.103 0.549 ± 0.007 9
/16 4
114 0.103 0.612 
5
/8 13
/16
7/
115 0.103 0.674  ± 0.009 11
/16 8
116 0.103 0.737  3 15/
/4 16

117 0.103 0.799  13/

16 1
118 0.103 0.862  7
/8 11/16

119 0.103 0.924  15/
16 11/8
 ± 0.010
120 0.103 0.987  1 13/16
121 0.103 1.049  11/16 11/4

122 0.103 1.112  11/8 15/16
123 0.103 1.174  13/16 13/8

124 0.103 1.237  11/4 17/16
 11/2
125 0.103 1.299  ± 0.012 15/16
126 0.103 1.362  13/8 19/16
 15/8
127 0.103 1.424  17/16
128 0.103 1.487  11/2 111/16

129 0.103 1.549  19/16 13/4

130 0.103 1.612  15/8 113/16

131 0.103 1.674  ± 0.015 111/16 17/8
132 0.103 1.737  13/4 115/16

133 0.103 1.799  113/16 2

134 0.103 1.862  17/8 21/16

135 0.103 1.925  115/16 21/8
136 0.103 1.987  2
 23/16
137 0.103 2.050  ± 0.017 21/16 21/4
138 0.103 2.112  21/8
 25/16
139 0.103 2.175  23/16 23/8
140 0.103 2.237  21/4 27/16
NOTE 1 The full range of sizes given are suitable for static sealing.
NOTE 2 For dynamic sealing select only “O”-ring size nos. 102 to 116.
a See Figure 1.
b See Figure 2(b), Figure 3 and Figure 4.
c See Figure 2(a) and Figure 3.

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BS 1806:1989

Table 2 — Dimensions of “O” -rings of nominal cross section 3/32 in

“O”-ring Actual diametersa Nominal diameters
size no.
Cross section, Internal, B Cb Dc
A ± 0.003
in in in in
141 0.103 2.300  25/16 21/2
142 0.103 2.362  23/8 29/16

143 0.103 2.425  27/16 25/8
144 0.103 2.487  ± 0.020 21/2 211/16

145 0.103 2.550  29/16 23/4

146 0.103 2.612  25/8 213/16
147 0.103 2.675  211/16 27/8
148 0.103 2.737  23/4 215/16
 ± 0.022
149 0.103 2.800  213/16 3
150 0.103 2.862  27/8 31/16
151 0.103 2.987  3 33/16
152 0.103 3.237  ± 0.024 31/4 37/16
153 0.103 3.487  31/2 311/16
154 0.103 3.737  33/4 315/16
 ± 0.028
155 0.103 3.987  4 43/16
156 0.103 4.237  41/4 47/16
157 0.103 4.487  ± 0.030 41/2 411/16
158 0.103 4.737  43/4 415/16
159 0.103 4.987  5 53/16
160 0.103 5.237  51/4 57/16

161 0.103 5.487  ± 0.035 51/2 511/16
162 0.103 5.737  53/4 515/16

163 0.103 5.987  6 63/16
164 0.103 6.237  61/4 67/16
165 0.103 6.487  61/2 611/16
166 0.103 6.737  ± 0.040 63/4 615/16

167 0.103 6.987  7 73/16
168 0.103 7.237  71/4 77/16
169 0.103 7.487  71/2 711/16
170 0.103 7.737  ± 0.045 73/4 715/16

171 0.103 7.987  8 83/16
172 0.103 8.237  81/4 87/16
173 0.103 8.487  81/2 811/16
 ± 0.050
174 0.103 8.737  83/4 815/16
175 0.103 8.987  9 93/16
176 0.103 9.237  91/4 97/16
177 0.103 9.487  ± 0.055 91/2 911/16
178 0.103 9.737  93/4 915/16
NOTE 1 The full range of sizes given are suitable for static sealing.
NOTE 2 For dynamic sealing select only “O”-ring size nos. 102 to 116.
a See Figure 1.
b See Figure 2(b), Figure 3 and Figure 4.
c See Figure 2(a) and Figure 3.

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BS 1806:1989

Table 3 — Dimensions of “O”-rings of nominal cross section 1/8 in

“O”-ring Actual diametersa Nominal diameters
size no.
Cross section, Internal, B Cb Dc
A ± 0.004
in in in in
201 0.139 0.171 
3
/16 7
/16
202 0.139 0.234  1
/4 1
/2
 5
203 0.139 0.296  /16 9
/16
204 0.139 0.359  ± 0.005 3/
8 5/
 7
8
205 0.139 0.421  /16 11
/16
 1
206 0.139 0.484  /2 3
/4
207 0.139 0.546 ± 0.007 9
/16 13
/16
208 0.139 0.609 
5
/8 7
/8
 ± 0.009 11 15
209 0.139 0.671  /16 /16
210 0.139 0.734 
3/
4 1
211 0.139 0.796  13
/16 11/16
 7/
212 0.139 0.859  8 11/8
213 0.139 0.921  ± 0.010 15
/16 13/16

214 0.139 0.984  1 11/4
 11/16
215 0.139 1.046  15/16
216 0.139 1.109  11/8 13/8
217 0.139 1.171  13/16 17/16

218 0.139 1.234  11/4 11/2
219 0.139 1.296  ± 0.012 15/16 19/16

220 0.139 1.359  13/8 15/8

221 0.139 1.421  17/16 111/16
222 0.139 1.484  11/2 13/4
223 0.139 1.609  ± 0.015 15/8 17/8
224 0.139 1.734  13/4 2
225 0.139 1.859  17/8 21/8
226 0.139 1.984  ± 0.018 2 21/4
227 0.139 2.109  21/8 23/8
228 0.139 2.234 
21/4 21/2
229 0.139 2.359  23/8 25/8
230 0.139 2.484  ± 0.020 21/2 23/4

231 0.139 2.609  25/8 27/8
232 0.139 2.734 
23/4 3
233 0.139 2.859  27/8 31/8
234 0.139 2.984  3 31/4

235 0.139 3.109  ± 0.024 31/8 33/8
236 0.139 3.234  31/4 31/2

237 0 139 3.359  33/8 35/8
238 0.139 3.484  31/2 33/4
NOTE 1 The full range of sizes given are suitable for static sealing.
NOTE 2 For dynamic sealing select only “O”-ring size nos. 201 to 222.
a See Figure 1.
b See Figure 2(b), Figure 3 and Figure 4.
c See Figure 2(a) and Figure 3.

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Licensed Copy: Northumbria ATHENS, University of Northumbria at-, 20/05/2009 09:08, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI
BS 1806:1989

Table 3 — Dimensions of “O”-rings of nominal cross section 1/8 in

“O”-ring Actual diametersa Nominal diameters
size no.
Cross section, Internal, B Cb Dc
A ± 0.004

in in in in

239 0.139 3.609  35/8 37/8

240 0.139 3.734  33/4 4

241 0.139 3.859 .  ± 0.028 37/8 41/8
242 0.139 3.984  4 41/4

243 0.139 4.109  41/8 43/8
244 0.139 4.234  41/4 41/2
245 0.139 4.359  43/8 45/8

246 0.139 4.484  ± 0.030 41/2 43/4
247 0.139 4.609  45/8 47/8

248 0.139 4.734  43/4 5
249 0.139 4.859 47/8 51/8

250 0.139 4.984  5 51/4
251 0.139 5.109  51/8 53/8

252 0.139 5.234  51/4 51/2
253 0.139 5.359  53/8 55/8
254 0.139 5.484  ± 0.035 51/2 53/4

255 0.139 5.609  55/8 57/8
256 0.139 5.734  53/4 6

257 0.139 5.859  57/8 61/8
258 0.139 5.984  6 61/4
259 0.139 6.234 
61/4 61/2
260 0.139 6.484  61/2 63/4
261 0.139 6.734  ± 0.040 63/4 7

262 0.139 6.984  7 71/4
263 0.139 7.234  71/4 71/2
264 0.139 7.484  71/2 73/4
265 0.139 7.734  ± 0.045 73/4 8

266 0.139 7.984  8 81/4
267 0.139 8.234  81/4 81/2
268 0.139 8.484  81/2 83/4
269 0.139 8.734  ± 0.050 83/4 9

270 0.139 8.984  9 91/4
271 0.139 9.234  91/4 91/2
272 0.139 9.484  91/2 93/4

273 0.139 9.734  ± 0.055 93/4 10
274 0.139 9.984  10 101/4

275 0.139 10.484  101/2 103/4
NOTE 1 The full range of sizes given are suitable for static sealing.
NOTE 2 For dynamic sealing select only “O”-ring size nos. 201 to 222.
a
See Figure 1.
b See Figure 2(b), Figure 3 and Figure 4.
c
See Figure 2(a) and Figure 3.

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Licensed Copy: Northumbria ATHENS, University of Northumbria at-, 20/05/2009 09:08, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI
BS 1806:1989

Table 3 — Dimensions of “O”-rings of nominal cross section 1/8 in

“O”-ring Actual diametersa Nominal diameters
size no.
Cross section, Internal, B Cb Dc
A ± 0.004

in in in in

276 0.139 10.984  11 111/4

277 0.139 11.484  111/2 113/4

278 0.139 11.984  12 121/4
279 0.139 12.984  ± 0.065 13 131/4

280 0.139 13.984  14 141/4

281 0.139 14.984  15 151/4
NOTE 1 The full range of sizes given are suitable for static sealing.
NOTE 2 For dynamic sealing select only “O”-ring size nos. 201 to 222.
a
See Figure 1.
b
See Figure 2(b), Figure 3 and Figure 4.
c See Figure 2(a) and Figure 3.

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Licensed Copy: Northumbria ATHENS, University of Northumbria at-, 20/05/2009 09:08, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI
BS 1806:1989

Table 4 — Dimensions of “O”-rings of nominal cross section 3/16 in

“O”-ring Actual diametersa Nominal diameters
size no.
Cross section, Internal, B Cb Dc
A ± 0.005
in in in in
309 0.210 0.412 
7
/16 13
/16
 ± 0.005
310 0.210 0.475 
1
/2 7
/8
311 0.210 0.537 ± 0.007 9
/16 15
/16
312 0.210 0.600  5/
8 1
 ± 0.009
313 0.210 0.662 
11/
16 11/16
314 0.210 0.725 
3
/4 11/8
315 0.210 0.787  13/ 13/16
 16
316 0.210 0.850  7
/8 11/4
317 0.210 0.912  ± 0.010 15
/16 15/16

318 0.210 0.975  1 13/8

319 0.210 1.037  11/16 17/16
320 0.210 1.100  11/8 11/2
321 0.210 1.162  13/16 19/16

322 0.210 1.225  ± 0.012 11/4 15/8
323 0.210 1.287  15/16 111/16

324 0.210 1.350  13/8 13/4
325 0.210 1.475  11/2 17/8
326 0.210 1.600  15/8 2
327 0.210 1.725  ± 0.015 13/4 21/8

328 0.210 1.850  17/8 21/4
329 0.210 1.975  2 23/8
330 0.210 2.100  21/8 21/2
331 0.210 2.225  ± 0.018 21/4 25/8

332 0.210 2.350  23/8 23/4
333 0.210 2.475  21/2 27/8
334 0.210 2.600  25/8 3
335 0.210 2.725  ± 0.020 23/4 31/8

336 0.210 2.850  27/8 31/4
337 0.210 2.975  3 33/8
338 0.210 3.100  31/8 31/2

339 0.210 3.225  ± 0.024 31/4 35/8
340 0.210 3.350  33/8 33/4

341 0.210 3.475  31/2 37/8
342 0.210 3.600  35/8 4
343 0.210 3.725  33/4 41/8

344 0.210 3.850  ± 0.028 37/8 41/4
345 0.210 3.975  4 43/8

346 0.210 4.100  41/8 41/2
NOTE 1 The full range of sizes given are suitable for static sealing.
NOTE 2 For dynamic sealing select only “O”-ring size nos. 309 to 349.
a
See Figure 1.
b
See Figure 2(b), Figure 3 and Figure 4.
c
See Figure 2(a) and Figure 3.

8 © BSI 07-1999
Licensed Copy: Northumbria ATHENS, University of Northumbria at-, 20/05/2009 09:08, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI
BS 1806:1989

Table 4 — Dimensions of “O”-rings of nominal cross section 3/16 in

“O”-ring Actual diametersa Nominal diameters
size no.
Cross section, Internal, B Cb Dc
A ± 0.005
in in in in
347 0.210 4.225  41/4 45/8
348 0.210 4.350  43/8 43/4

349 0.210 4.475  41/2 47/8
350 0.210 4.600  ± 0.030 45/8 5

351 0.210 4.725  43/4 51/8

352 0.210 4.850  47/8 51/4

353 0.210 4.975  5 53/8

354 0.210 5.100  51/8 51/2

355 0.210 5.225  51/4 55/8
356 0.210 5.350  53/8 53/4

357 0.210 5.475  ± 0.037 51/2 57/8
358 0.210 5.600  55/8 6

359 0.210 5.725  53/4 61/8
360 0.210 5.850  57/8 61/4
361 0.210 5.975  6 63/8

362 0.210 6.225  61/4 65/8
363 0.210 6.475  61/2 67/8
364 0.210 6.725  ± 0.040 63/4 71/8

365 0.210 6.975  7 73/8
366 0.210 7.205  71/4 75/8
367 0.210 7.475  71/2 77/8
368 0.210 7.725  ± 0.045 73/4 81/8

369 0.210 7.975  8 83/8
370 0.210 8.225  81/4 85/8
371 0.210 8.475  81/2 87/8
372 0.210 8.725  ± 0.050 83/4 91/8

373 0.210 8.975  9 93/8
374 0.210 9.225  91/4 95/8
375 0.210 9.475  91/2 97/8
376 0.210 9.725  ± 0.055 93/4 101/8

377 0.210 9.975  10 103/8
378 0.210 10.475  101/2 107/8
 ± 0.060
379 0.210 10.975  11 113/8
380 0.210 11.475  111/2 117/8
381 0.210 11.975  ± 0.065 12 123/8
382 0.210 12.975  13 133/8
383 0.210 13.975  14 143/8
 ± 0.070
384 0.210 14.975  15 153/8
NOTE 1 The full range of sizes given are suitable for static sealing.
NOTE 2 For dynamic sealing select only “O”-ring size nos. 309 to 349.
a
See Figure 1.
b
See Figure 2(b), Figure 3 and Figure 4.
c
See Figure 2(a) and Figure 3.

© BSI 07-1999 9
Licensed Copy: Northumbria ATHENS, University of Northumbria at-, 20/05/2009 09:08, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI
BS 1806:1989

Table 4 — Dimensions of “O”-rings of nominal cross section 3/

16 in
“O”-ring b Nominal diameters
Actual diameters
size no.
Cross section, Internal, B Cb Dc
A ± 0.005
in in in in
385 0.210 15.955 ± 0.075 16 163/8
386 0.210 16.955 ± 0.080 17 173/8
387 0.210 17.955 ± 0.085 18 183/8
388 0.210 18.955 ± 0.090 19 193/8
389 0.210 19.955  20 203/8
 ± 0.095
390 0.210 20.955  21 213/8
391 0.210 21.955 ± 0.100 22 223/8
392 0.210 22.940 ± 0.105 23 233/8
393 0.210 23.940 ± 0.110 24 243/8
394 0.210 24.940 ± 0.115 25 253/8
395 0.210 25.940 ± 0.120 26 263/8
NOTE 1 The full range of sizes given are suitable for static sealing.
NOTE 2 For dynamic sealing select only “O”-ring size nos. 309 to 349.
a See Figure 1.
b See Figure 2(b), Figure 3 and Figure 4.
c See Figure 2(a) and Figure 3.

10 © BSI 07-1999
Licensed Copy: Northumbria ATHENS, University of Northumbria at-, 20/05/2009 09:08, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI
BS 1806:1989

Table 5 — Dimensions of “O”-rings of nominal cross section 1/4 in

“O”-ring Actual diametersa Nominal diameters
size no.
Cross section, Internal, B Cb Dc
A ± 0.006
in in in in
425 0.275 4.475  41/2 5
426 0.275 4.600  45/8 51/8
427 0.275 4.725  ± 0.033 43/4 51/4

428 0.275 4.850  47/8 53/8
429 0.275 4.975  5 51/2
430 0.275 5.100  51/8 55/8

431 0.275 5.225  51/4 53/4
432 0.275 5.350  53/8 57/8

433 0.275 5.475  ± 0.037 51/2 6

434 0.275 5.600  55/8 61/8
435 0.275 5.725  53/4 61/4

436 0.275 5.850  57/8 63/8
437 0.275 5.975  6 61/2
438 0.275 6.225  61/4 63/4
439 0.275 6.475  61/2 7
 ± 0.040
440 0.275 6.725  63/4 71/4
441 0.275 6.975  7 71/2
442 0.275 7.225  71/4 73/4
443 0.275 7.475  71/2 8
 ± 0.045
444 0.275 7.725  73/4 81/4
445 0.275 7.975  8 81/2
445A 0.275 8.225  81/4 83/4
446 0.275 8.475  81/2 9
446A 0.275 8.725  83/4 91/4

447 0.275 8.975  9 91/2
447A 0.275 9.225  ± 0.055 91/4 93/4

448 0.275 9.475  91/2 10
448A 0.275 9.725  93/4 101/4

449 0.275 9.975  10 101/2
449A 0.275 10.225  101/4 103/4
450 0.275 10.475  101/2 11
450A 0.275 10.725  103/4 111/4

451 0.275 10.975  11 111/2
451A 0.275 11.225  111/4 113/4
 ± 0.060
452 0.275 11.475  111/2 12
452A 0.275 11.725  113/4 121/4

453 0.275 11.975  12 121/2
454 0.275 12.475  121/2 13

455 0.275 12.975 13 131/2
NOTE 1 The full range of sizes given are suitable for static sealing.
NOTE 2 For dynamic sealing select only “O”-ring size nos. 425 to 445.
a
See Figure 1.
b
See Figure 2(b), Figure 3 and Figure 4.
c
See Figure 2(a) and Figure 3.

© BSI 07-1999 11
Licensed Copy: Northumbria ATHENS, University of Northumbria at-, 20/05/2009 09:08, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI
BS 1806:1989

Table 5 — Dimensions of “O”-rings of nominal cross section 1/4 in

“O”-ring Actual diametersa Nominal diameters
size no.
Cross section, Internal, B Cb Dc
A ± 0.006
in in in in
456 0.275 13.475 
13 /2
1
14
457 0.275 13.975  14 141/2

458 0.275 14.475  ± 0.070 141/2 15
459 0.275 14.975  15 151/2

460 0.275 15.475  151/2 16
461 0.275 15.955  16 161/2
 ± 0.075
462 0.275 16.455  161/2 17
463 0.275 16.955 ± 0.080 17 171/2
464 0.275 17.455  171/2 18
465 0.275 17.955  ± 0.085 18 181/2
466 0.275 18.455  181/2 19
467 0.275 18.955  19 191/2
 ± 0.090
468 0.275 19.455  191/2 20
469 0.275 19.955  20 201/2
 ± 0.095
470 0.275 20.955  21 211/2
471 0.275 21.955 ± 0.100 22 221/2
472 0.275 22.940 ± 0.105 23 231/2
473 0.275 23.940 ± 0.11 24 241/2
474 0.275 24.940 ± 0.115 25 251/2
475 0.275 25.940 ± 0.120 26 261/2
NOTE 1 The full range of sizes given are suitable for static sealing.
NOTE 2 For dynamic sealing select only “O”-ring size nos. 425 to 445.
a See Figure 1.
b See Figure 2(b), Figure 3 and Figure 4.
c See Figure 2(a) and Figure 3.

12 © BSI 07-1999
Licensed Copy: Northumbria ATHENS, University of Northumbria at-, 20/05/2009 09:08, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

© BSI 07-1999
Figure 1 — “O”-ring

Figure 2 — Housing grooves

13
BS 1806:1989
Licensed Copy: Northumbria ATHENS, University of Northumbria at-, 20/05/2009 09:08, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI
BS 1806:1989

Table 6 — Dimensions of housings for diametral sealing

“O”-ring Diameter, C Diameter, D Groove Radial depth, F Minimum Maximum 2T
width, cross-sectional diametral
Size no. Cross E ± 0.005 Max. Min. squeeze of clearance,
section “O”-ringa G
diameter,
A

in in in in in in in

004 to 050 0.070 Equal to Equal to 0.094 0.062 0.060 0.005 0.005 0.170
102 to 178 0.103 nominal nominal 0.141 0.094 0.091 0.006 0.005 0.240
diameter C diameter D
201 to 281 0.139 0.188 0.125 0.122 0.010 0.006 0.320
of Table 1 to of Table 1 to
309 to 395 0.210 Table 5 Table 5 0.281 0.188 0.184 0.017 0.007 0.460
425 to 475 0.275 0.375 0.250 0.245 0.019 0.008 0.600
a This is included for reference purposes only.

Figure 3 — Face sealing

14 © BSI 07-1999
Licensed Copy: Northumbria ATHENS, University of Northumbria at-, 20/05/2009 09:08, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI
BS 1806:1989

Table 7 — Dimensions of housings for static face sealing

“O”-ring Diameter, Diameter, Groove depth, Minimum Minimum
C ± 0.010 D ± 0.010 H ± 0.005 recess width, cross-sectional
Size no. Cross section K squeeze of
diameter, A “O”-ringa

in in in in

004 to 050 0.070 Equal to Equal to 0.056 0.095 0.006

102 to 178 0.103 nominal nominal 0.086 0.140 0.009
diameter C diameter D
201 to 281 0.139 0.115 0.190 0.015
of Table 1 of Table 1
309 to 395 0.210 to Table 5 to Table 5 0.175 0.280 0.025
425 to 475 0.275 0.236 0.370 0.028
a
This is included for reference purposes only.

Figure 4 — Triangular housings

Table 8 — Dimensions of triangular housings for static face sealings

“O”-ring Diameter, Maximum Chamfer, M Maximum Minimum
C diametral +0.005 radius on spigot length,
Size no. Cross section clearance, –0 spigot, L
diameter, G R
A

in in in in in

004 to 050 0.070 Equal to 0.005 0.095 0.030 3

/16
102 to 178 0.103 nominal 0.005 0.145 0.040 1/
4
diameter C of
201 to 281 0.139 0.006 0.195 0.060 5/
Table 1 to 16
309 to 395 0.210 Table 5 0.007 0.295 0.090 7
/16
425 to 475 0.275 0.008 0.395 0.100 9
/16

© BSI 07-1999 15
Licensed Copy: Northumbria ATHENS, University of Northumbria at-, 20/05/2009 09:08, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

16
blank
Licensed Copy: Northumbria ATHENS, University of Northumbria at-, 20/05/2009 09:08, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI
BS 1806:1989

Publications referred to

BS 350, Conversion factors and tables4).

BS 1134, Method for the assessment of surface texture.
BS 1134-1, Method and instrumentation.
BS 4832, Specification for compatibility between elastomeric materials and hydraulic fluids.
BS 5242, Tubes for fluid power cylinder barrels.
BS 5242-1, Specification for steel tubes with specially finished surfaces.
BS 5242-2, Specification for non-ferrous metallic tubes with specially finished bores.
BS 6442, Specification for limits of surface imperfections on elastomeric toroidal sealing rings (“O”-rings).
British Standard BS M 48, Specification for dimensions of elastomeric toroidal sealing rings for aerospace
use — inch series4).
SAE Aerospace Standard AS 568A; 1984, Aerospace size standard for “O”-rings5).

4)
Referred to in the foreword only.
5)
Published by the Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc., 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096, USA.

© BSI 07-1999
Licensed Copy: Northumbria ATHENS, University of Northumbria at-, 20/05/2009 09:08, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI
BS 1806:1989

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