The use of Fixed Limit, or "Attribute" gaging sorts parts as either "good" or "bad" in terms of an essential quality or characteristic. Variations in size are not quantified. Inspection by attributes implies the use of Go/NoGo gages, which represent the Minimum and Maximum Limit of the product part characteristic to ensure proper assembly and fit. The characteristic is inspected in terms of its Functional Size.

Fixed Limit gages are easy to use, and Go gages which are properly made and in tolerance guarantee interchangeable assembly of parts without having to be test fitted or customized, the fundamental philosophy behind Eli Whitney’s interchangeable part theory.