ISO 281:2007规定了在相关ISO出版物所示尺寸范围内计算滚动轴承基本动载荷额定值的方法，该轴承由当代、常用、高质量硬化轴承钢制造，符合良好制造规范，基本上是关于滚动接触面形状的常规设计。 ISO 281:2007还规定了计算基本额定寿命的方法，即与90%可靠性、常用优质材料、良好制造质量和常规操作条件相关的寿命。此外，还规定了计算修正额定寿命的方法，其中考虑了轴承的各种可靠性、润滑条件、污染润滑剂和疲劳载荷。 ISO 281:2007未涵盖磨损、腐蚀和电侵蚀对轴承寿命的影响。 ISO 281:2007不适用于滚动元件直接在轴或壳体表面上运行的设计，除非该表面在所有方面与它所取代的轴承环（或垫圈）滚道等效。

ISO 281:2007 specifies methods of calculating the basic dynamic load rating of rolling bearings within the size ranges shown in the relevant ISO publications, manufactured from contemporary, commonly used, high quality hardened bearing steel, in accordance with good manufacturing practice and basically of conventional design as regards the shape of rolling contact surfaces. ISO 281:2007 also specifies methods of calculating the basic rating life, which is the life associated with 90 % reliability, with commonly used high quality material, good manufacturing quality and with conventional operating conditions. In addition, it specifies methods of calculating the modified rating life, in which various reliabilities, lubrication condition, contaminated lubricant and fatigue load of the bearing are taken into account. ISO 281:2007 does not cover the influence of wear, corrosion and electrical erosion on bearing life. ISO 281:2007 is not applicable to designs where the rolling elements operate directly on a shaft or housing surface, unless that surface is equivalent in all respects to the bearing ring (or washer) raceway it replaces.