How to Override Decimals and Fractions in SOLIDWORKS Drawing Dimensions

SOLIDWORKS Drawings allow you to set document standards that determine if dimensions are read as fractions or decimals. Have you ever had a drawing in decimals, but really needed one dimension to be shown as a fraction? This could be to show a gauge in a part or reference a part/tool size when making drawings are being sent for production. Not only is this possible, but it is also quick and easy!

Getting the Fractions Override Setup

For this example, I will change the .80 dimension to a fraction (4/5) on the cup drawing pictured below. The process of changing a fraction to a decimal will follow the same process.

SOLIDWORKS Drawing showing dimensions of a cup in decimal places.

With my drawing open and the dimension, we want to change selected we will turn to the Dimensions menu on the left side of the screen. We will be able to change the format in the dimension menu on the left-hand side, by switching to the “Other” tab.

Location of “Other” tab in SOLIDWORKS

After clicking on the “Other” tab, the first section you will see is the Override Units option. This is where we will be changing our decimal to fraction. Enable the Override Units option and click the down arrow to open the menu. Once enabled there is an option to change the units and an option to toggle between Decimal and Fractions.

Override units menu

For this dimension, I will enable Fractions by clicking on the Fractions option. You will need to set the denominator value (I chose 5), and in most cases check Round to the nearest fraction.

Note: Depending on the number of decimal places shown, a dimension may show .80 but have a value of .8007 which will remain a decimal showing .80 even with the fractions overridden, if Rounded to Nearest Fraction is not turned on.

SOLIDWORKS fractions options

Once set up as desired, click on the green check mark to confirm changes. You will then see the dimension has been updated to a fraction, as seen below.

Updating drawing dimensions

What To Do if the Fraction and Decimal options are not Visible

If you do not see the Decimal and Fraction options in the Override Units menu, check your Document Properties > Units so that the standard you are using is not greyed out in the fractions or decimal columns. If it is greyed out, you may consider making a custom standard.

Units menu in document properties

Pro Tip: Create a Dimension Style for the Override

If the unit override is something you will use regularly, consider creating a Style for the override: Dimensioning in Style (with SOLIDWORKS Dimension Styles) (javelin-tech.com)

It is not necessary to replace a dimension with a note, just to change the format. This override will allow dimensions to remain linked (if desired) and show in the desired format of fractions or decimals with just a few clicks.

Happy Drawing!