Maaswijdte

Maaswijdte is a Dutch term used to describe the width or spacing between repeated features on an object. The word is formed from maat (measure) and wijdte (width), and its approximate English equivalents are gauge or pitch, depending on the context. In practice, maaswijdte can refer to the distance between centers of holes on a plate, the spacing of teeth in gears or combs, or the overall width of a component. Usage varies by sector; some fields prefer terms like afstand (distance), sporing, or pitch, while maaswijdte emphasizes the measurement between similar features arranged in a pattern.

In technical drawings and manufacturing, specifying the maaswijdte helps ensure proper fit, assembly, and function. It is an important parameter in design for parts with repetitive features, such as hole patterns, tooth profiles, or grid-like layouts. The term is not universally standardized across all disciplines, so practice may differ between industries or organizations.

See also: gauge, pitch, spacing, afstand, maat, wijdte. Note that in contexts dealing with the Meuse river, Maas with capital M is used as a proper noun; maaswijdte in lowercase typically refers to width or spacing as a general measurement concept.