How to write a T-shirt measurement spec (points of measure A–K)

The 11 points of measure every T-shirt spec needs, how to measure each one, typical base-size values, grading rules and tolerances — with a free template.

Updated 1 October 2026 · By Hem Apparel

The measurement spec (spec sheet) is the table a factory uses to cut patterns and to check finished garments. For a T-shirt, eleven points of measure (POMs) cover almost everything. Measure a garment you like lying flat, enter one size as your base, add a grade per size and a tolerance, and the rest of the table follows.

Points of measure A–K on a T-shirt flat sketch.

The 11 points of measure

POM	Point of measure	How to measure	Regular fit, size M	Grade / size
A	Body length	From high point shoulder (HPS) straight down to the hem	72 cm	1 cm
B	Chest width	Across the body, 2.5 cm below the armhole	56 cm	2 cm
C	Shoulder width	Shoulder point to shoulder point	50 cm	1.5 cm
D	Sleeve length	From shoulder point to sleeve hem	22 cm	0.5 cm
E	Sleeve opening	Across the sleeve hem, laid flat	19 cm	0.5 cm
F	Bottom opening	Across the hem, laid flat	56 cm	2 cm
G	Neck width	Inside the neck seam, edge to edge	19 cm	0.5 cm
H	Front neck drop	From the HPS line down to the front neck seam	8 cm	0.3 cm
I	Back neck drop	From the HPS line down to the back neck seam	2.5 cm	0.2 cm
J	Armhole straight	Straight from shoulder point to underarm	24 cm	1 cm
K	Bicep width	Across the sleeve, 2.5 cm below the armhole	22 cm	0.75 cm

These are starting values for a regular-fit men's or unisex tee. Oversized and boxy fits usually start around 58–62 cm chest width with a dropped shoulder, so use your own reference garment whenever you can.

Base size and grading

Choose one size — usually M — as the base and measure it carefully. The grade is how much each point changes from one size to the next. With a 2 cm chest grade and a 56 cm base, S is 54, L is 58 and XL is 60. Techpack Studio calculates the whole table for you from the base and the grade.

Tolerances

Body length, chest and bottom opening: ±1 cm.
Sleeve length, sleeve opening, armhole and bicep: ±0.5 cm.
Neck width and neck drops: ±0.3 to ±0.5 cm — the neckline shows every millimetre.

Tips for measuring a reference garment

Lay it flat on a table without stretching, buttons or zips closed.
Measure twice and take the average.
Write down how you measured each point, not just the number.
Measure after washing if the factory will pre-shrink the fabric.