Roymech engineering encyclopedia

Deep Groove Ball Bearing Designations, Series and ISO Codes


Deep Groove Ball Bearing Standard Designations (ISO)

Deep groove ball bearing dimensions and designation systems comply with ISO 15 rolling bearing boundary dimension standards and ISO 5753 internal clearance classifications.

Bearing Numbering System Overview

Typical rolling bearing designation structure showing the order of the main codes and suffixes. (Note: exact prefix/suffix sets vary by manufacturer.)

[ Prefix ] [ Basic Designation ] [ Suffixes ]
Prefix (optional)
Specials / variants
paired bearings, matched sets
factory features
Basic Designation
Type
e.g. 6 = deep groove ball
Series
dimension / diameter series
Bore
code → bore diameter (mm)
Basic designation identifies the bearing family and principal dimensions (boundary dimensions per ISO 15).
Suffixes (optional)
seals / shields (2RS, ZZ)
clearance (C3)
cage (M, TN9, etc.)
snap ring (NR)
tolerance / noise classes

Worked Example: 6205-2RS C3 (Deep Groove Ball Bearing)

6205-2RS C3
6
Bearing type
deep groove ball
2
Series
light (62xx)
05
Bore code
25 mm
2RS
Seals
both sides
C3
Internal clearance
increased

Meaning: deep groove ball bearing, 62 series, 25 mm bore, sealed both sides, C3 clearance.


Rule of thumb: the basic designation is usually enough to select size; suffixes refine the bearing’s features for speed, contamination, temperature, and mounting fits.

Bearing designation format:

[Type][Series][Bore] + [Suffixes]

Deep groove ball bearings are identified by a leading 6. The following tables show ISO dimension series, bore codes, and common suffix designations.

Series Example Description Typical Applications
60 6004 Extra light series High speed, light loads
62 6205 Light series Electric motors, general machinery
63 6306 Medium series Higher radial load capacity
64 6408 Heavy series Heavy-duty machinery
618 61805 Thin section Limited radial space
619 61905 Extra thin section Precision equipment
160 16005 Extra light metric series Small motors and compact assemblies

ISO Bore Code Designation

Bore Code Bore Diameter (mm) Notes
0010Special designation
0112Special designation
0215Special designation
0317Special designation
0420Bore = code × 5
0525
0630
0735
0840
0945
1050

Common Deep Groove Ball Bearing Suffixes

Suffix Meaning Description
ZShield one sideMetal shield fitted one side
2Z / ZZShields both sidesMetal shields both sides
RSSeal one sideRubber contact seal
2RSSeals both sidesRubber seals both sides
C3Greater clearanceUsed for higher speed or temperature
C4Extra clearanceHigh temperature operation
MBrass cageMachined brass cage
NRSnap ring grooveExternal retaining ring groove