CALCULATORS / TOLERANCES, FITS AND METROLOGY

Worst-case tolerance stack calculator

Worst-case sum of three symmetric independent dimensional bounds.

tolerances-stackup.napkin / editable

SCENARIO COMPARISON

Compare the numbers.

This source describes an analytical model. Its quantities and checks are the view.

Scenario	nominalmm	boundmm	maximummm
	50	0.3	50.3
	46	0.3	46.3

All calculated quantities are listed with the inputs. Switch to Source to inspect the equations.

SCENARIOS / CALCULATED VALUESSAME SOURCE

Change an input to see the consequences.

maximum envelope50.30 mm✓ passes

BASELINE INPUTS

nominalA20 mmnominalB30 mmboundA0.1 mmboundB0.2 mm

CALCULATED

nominal50 mm

bound0.3 mm

maximum50.3 mm

Edits change the baseline source.

THE SOURCE

Edits below update the same model.

# Worst-case tolerance stack
# Scope: Worst-case sum of three symmetric independent dimensional bounds.
# Status: illustrative worked example; engineering review pending.
# Inputs are example values. Checks are editable example requirements, not standards.

nominalA = 20 mm
nominalB = 30 mm
boundA = 0.1 mm
boundB = 0.2 mm

nominal := nominalA+nominalB [mm]
bound := boundA+boundB [mm]
maximum := nominal+bound [mm]

check maximum envelope: maximum <= 51 mm

scenario alternative: nominalA = 16 mm

Calculated from your source · not saved

Baseline · Baseline

maximum envelope50.30 mm ✓ passes

alternative · alternative

maximum envelope46.30 mm ✓ passes

Illustrative first-order example. Checks are editable requirements, not design standards. The broader topic may require additional equations, data, and validation.

Formula and units

This example uses the following equations. Input names and units match the editable source above.

nominal: nominal = nominalA+nominalB [mm]
bound: bound = boundA+boundB [mm]
maximum: maximum = nominal+bound [mm]

Original worked example

These are the baseline values in the downloadable source. Edits above let you test your own values.

Given

nominal a: 20 mm
nominal b: 30 mm
bound a: 0.1 mm
bound b: 0.2 mm

Calculated

nominal: 50 mm
bound: 0.3 mm
maximum: 50.3 mm

Assumptions and limits

Worst-case sum of three symmetric independent dimensional bounds.

The requirement checks use the limits written in this example. Passing a check does not establish that the model covers every load, material behavior, or operating condition in a real design.

Download this .napkin example ↓

Take it further with your agent

Napkin keeps the inputs, equations, checks and assumptions together in one study. Your agent sets it up; you change the numbers.

Try with Claude ↗

codex 'Use Napkin (https://napkin.engineering/mcp, or the local Napkin plugin) to build a study: Worst-case tolerance stack. Inputs: nominal dimensions; limits; signs. Outputs: assembly minimum and maximum. Model scope: Separate manufacturing tolerances, uncertainty and numerical error. Read napkin_capabilities and the current snapshot. Ask me for the values that matter, label assumptions with units, author .napkin source, validate it and apply it with napkin_source using the current revision, then open the study. Add checks for the limits I supply. Keep unsupported analyses explicit.'

Claude needs the Napkin connector; Codex needs the Napkin plugin. Set up your agent ↗

The broader study

The topic brief below describes the broader scope. The worked example above states the particular calculation it implements.

Inputs: nominal dimensions, limits, signs
Outputs: assembly minimum and maximum
Modes: calculate, compare, sweep
Drawing: Tolerance interval diagram

EXECUTABLE WORKED EXAMPLE · FIRST-ORDER MODEL · CHECK THE SCOPE & ASSUMPTIONS