Form and Style for ASTM Standards - ASTM International

INTRODUCTION
This manual is the basic textbook for anyone writing an ASTM standard. A study of Parts A, B, C, or
E will show the proper form for the principal types of standards including a detailed explanation of how
to write each section, from the title to the appendixes. Within Parts A, B, C, and E, the first section lists
the preferred sequence of headings and indicates whether these sections are mandatory. The headings
identified as “mandatory” are required. Other headings shall be included when the subject matter is
pertinent to the document under development, in which case, all instructions and guidance for that
particular section shall be followed. For example, if the standard does not contain reference to any
standard documents within the text, it is not required to include a section on Referenced Documents. If,
however, specific hazards are cited throughout the text, then the section on Hazards shall be followed.
Included at appropriate places are examples and standard wording. Also included are examples of
correctly written complete manuscripts of various types of standards. Where standards are referenced
throughout the text of this manual, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, and refer to the standard’s
Document Summary page.
For easy reference purposes, each paragraph in an ASTM standard shall be numbered. The modified
decimal numbering system adopted is explained in Part D. Part E gives instructions for preparing
standard definitions and a format for specialized terminology standards. Special instruction concerning
patents, use of trademarks, open-end agreements, fire standards, and other legal issues are given in Part
F.
Part G is a detailed Style Manual that includes among other things information on abbreviations,
spellings, literature references, and preparation of illustrations.
ASTM policy is that SI units be included in all standards. Part H is included to aid the standards
writer to incorporate these units correctly. It is the technical committee’s decision whether SI or other
units are the preferred unit of measurement used in the committee’s document. When SI and non-SI units
of measurement are contained in a document, the order in which they appear is determined by that
committee.
For additional information about ASTM procedures, or available publications such as the
Regulations Governing ASTM Technical Committees and Officer Handbook, contact ASTM Technical
Committee Operations, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959
(Telephone: 610-832-9673).
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