DIN 7985 is the governing dimensional standard for cheese head screws. This page sets out the scope of the standard, reproduces the full size table it specifies, and lists the DIN/ISO/ASME cross-references commonly cited in datasheets and drawings.
DIN 7985 — Scope
DIN 7985 is "Cross recessed raised cheese head screws". Its ISO counterpart is ISO 7045 (pan head).
Material, property class, surface finish and packaging are governed by separate documents — ISO 898-1 and ISO 898-2 for mechanical property classes, ISO 4042 for electroplated finishes.
Tolerance & Product Grades
DIN 7985 does not divide cheese head screws into product grades. Tolerances are given as limits on the individual dimensions in the table.
Where a general-tolerance class is cited on the drawing instead, it applies to the dimensions not otherwise toleranced.
Dimensions Specified by DIN 7985
| Size | Pitch (mm) | Head diameter dk (mm) | Head height k (mm) | Cross recess | Reference standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M1.6 | 0.35 | 3.0 | 1.6 | PH0 | ISO 7048 / DIN 7985 (cross) / ISO 1207 (slotted) |
| M2 | 0.4 | 3.8 | 2.0 | PH1 | ISO 7048 / DIN 7985 (cross) / ISO 1207 (slotted) |
| M2.5 | 0.45 | 5.0 | 2.5 | PH1 | ISO 7048 / DIN 7985 (cross) / ISO 1207 (slotted) |
| M3 | 0.5 | 5.5 | 3.0 | PH1 | ISO 7048 / DIN 7985 (cross) / ISO 1207 (slotted) |
| M3.5 | 0.6 | 6.0 | 3.5 | PH2 | ISO 7048 / DIN 7985 (cross) / ISO 1207 (slotted) |
| M4 | 0.7 | 7.0 | 4.0 | PH2 | ISO 7048 / DIN 7985 (cross) / ISO 1207 (slotted) |
| M5 | 0.8 | 8.5 | 5.0 | PH2 | ISO 7048 / DIN 7985 (cross) / ISO 1207 (slotted) |
| M6 | 1.0 | 10.0 | 6.0 | PH3 | ISO 7048 / DIN 7985 (cross) / ISO 1207 (slotted) |
| M8 | 1.25 | 13.0 | 8.0 | PH3 | ISO 7048 / DIN 7985 (cross) / ISO 1207 (slotted) |
| M10 | 1.5 | 16.0 | 10.0 | PH4 | ISO 7048 / DIN 7985 (cross) / ISO 1207 (slotted) |
Companion Standards
DIN 7985 controls only the geometry of cheese head screws. The mechanical strength is set by ISO 898-1 (bolts, screws and studs) or ISO 898-2 (nuts); the surface finish is governed by separate finish standards such as ISO 4042 for electroplating. For corrosion testing, the relevant document is ISO 9227 (neutral salt spray).
When to Specify DIN 7985
DIN 7985 is still widely used in European mechanical engineering and as a cross-reference on legacy drawings; its ISO equivalent is preferred for new designs.
Custom manufacturing · Made to drawing
Need a screw to this standard in a non-standard size?
Parts built to DIN 7985 are already in the catalog, so a special is usually a variation on existing tooling rather than a new design — which is what keeps the cost down. Made by cold heading or warm forging.
Minimum order from 2,000 pieces; samples within 7 days of drawing approval.

