In a clearance fit, which statement is true?

• A. The hole is larger than the shaft.
• B. The shaft is larger than the hole.
• C. The hole and shaft are identical in size.
• D. There is no clearance between hole and shaft.

Answer: (A)

Clearance fit means there is always a positive gap between the mating parts when assembled. That happens because the hole is made larger than the shaft, so the shaft can slide into the hole with some space around it. This built‑in clearance makes assembly easy and tolerates small manufacturing variations or thermal expansion.

If the shaft were larger than the hole, you’d have an interference fit, where parts bind or require force to assemble. If the sizes were identical, there wouldn’t be a guaranteed gap, and depending on tolerances you might get a tight or loose fit, but not the intentional clearance described here. If there were no clearance at all, that would also contradict the idea of a clearance fit.