Method
Equation
N = Σ niTworst = Σ |ti|TRSS = √Σ(ti²)Tolerances
Tolerance Stack-up Calculator — Worst Case & RSS
Choose an axial-clearance, total-length or remaining-space setup. Enter the drawing dimensions and ± tolerances; Dimvo shows the nominal closure, worst-case range, RSS estimate and pass/fail margin.
Decimal points and decimal commas are accepted.
Start with
Design check
Fails worst case
0.13 mm shortfall
Nominal result
0.5 mm
Possible range
0.27 to 0.73 mm
Worst-case tolerance
± 0.23 mm
RSS estimate
± 0.137 mm
Result = + Available space − Part A − Part B
Worst case is the default design check. RSS is only a statistical estimate when contributors are independent, centred and supported by process evidence.
Quick use
How to use this calculator
- Choose the quick setup closest to the assembly question.
- Enter each dimension and whether it adds or uses space.
- Optionally enter the required result range; Dimvo uses worst case for pass/fail.
Limits
Assumptions
- One-dimensional linear chain
- Worst case is the default design check
- RSS contributors must be independent and centred
Provenance
Independent calculation
Generated from the displayed equation and user inputs. This page does not reproduce a standard or third-party table.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
What is worst-case tolerance stacking?
Worst case adds the absolute tolerance of every contributor. It checks the most extreme combination and does not assume variation is random or centred.
When can I use RSS?
RSS is suitable only when contributors are statistically independent and reasonably centred. It should not replace worst-case checks without process evidence.