Ask the Expert

Question: What do the letters at the beginning of an ASTM standard signify?

Answer: Every ASTM standard is identified by a unique designation. It includes a capital letter (A – H), followed by a serial number ranging from one to four digits, a dash, and finally the year of issue. For example, a common bolt specification is A449 – 07a, although when specified the standard’s year designation is usually not included.

The alphabetical letters represent general classifications. Outlined under each classification are a number of standards for a variety of products, materials, testing processes, and many other topics.

General ASTM Classifications

1. Ferrous Metals
2. Nonferrous Metals
3. Cementitious, Ceramic, Concrete, and Masonry Materials
4. Miscellaneous Materials
5. Miscellaneous Subjects
6. Materials for Specific Applications
7. Corrosion, Deterioration, and Degradation of Materials
8. Joint Committee and District Recipients

ASTM Letter Designations

Thanks to Leslie who posted a comment to our “Ask a Question” and actually answered this question.

Posted on Wednesday, March 19th, 2008 by Admin. Filed under ASTM. Comments may be followed using the RSS 2.0 feed.

---