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Complete Drill Bit Size Chart

Drill bits organized by size on a workshop bench

Photo via Unsplash

Your comprehensive reference for fractional, number, letter, and metric drill bit sizes. Includes tap drill sizes, clearance holes, and pilot hole recommendations.

⚡ Quick Answer

Standard drill bits come in four series: fractional (1/64″ to 1″ in 1/64″ steps), number/wire-gauge (#1 = 0.228″ down to #80 = 0.0135″), letter (A = 0.234″ to Z = 0.413″), and metric (commonly 1–13 mm in 0.5 mm steps). For tapping a 1/4″-20 thread use a #7 (0.201″) bit; for a clearance hole use 17/64″ (0.266″). The chart below lists all 282 standard sizes with decimal and millimeter equivalents, search or filter by series.

Drill Size Chart: Fractional Drill Bit Sizes in Inches and mm

Updated 2026. The fractional drill bit sizes in a standard set run from 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch in 64ths, and the table converts each to decimal inches and millimeters. The full number, letter and metric charts follow below.

Drill Bit SizeDecimal (in)Millimeters
1/16"0.0625"1.59 mm
5/64"0.0781"1.98 mm
3/32"0.0938"2.38 mm
7/64"0.1094"2.78 mm
1/8"0.1250"3.17 mm
9/64"0.1406"3.57 mm
5/32"0.1562"3.97 mm
11/64"0.1719"4.37 mm
3/16"0.1875"4.76 mm
13/64"0.2031"5.16 mm
7/32"0.2188"5.56 mm
15/64"0.2344"5.95 mm
1/4"0.2500"6.35 mm
17/64"0.2656"6.75 mm
9/32"0.2812"7.14 mm
19/64"0.2969"7.54 mm
5/16"0.3125"7.94 mm
11/32"0.3438"8.73 mm
3/8"0.3750"9.52 mm
13/32"0.4062"10.32 mm
7/16"0.4375"11.11 mm
15/32"0.4688"11.91 mm
1/2"0.5000"12.70 mm
Tools for this chart
COMOWARE 115-Piece M35 Cobalt Drill Bit SetGrizzly PRO 115 pc M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set
115-piece cobalt drill bit setCovers fractional, number and letter sizes for metal.Amazon pick: COMOWARE 115-Piece M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set; Grizzly pick: Grizzly PRO 115 pc M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set
MACXCOIP 29-Piece M35 Cobalt Drill Bit SetGrizzly PRO 29 pc M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set
29-piece cobalt drill bit setThe common 1/16 to 1/2 in range in a smaller set.Amazon pick: MACXCOIP 29-Piece M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set; Grizzly pick: Grizzly PRO 29 pc M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set
Adoric 0-6 in Digital CaliperiGaging 6 in Absolute Origin Digital Caliper
6 in digital caliperMeasure a hole or bit before you match it to the chart.Amazon pick: Adoric 0-6 in Digital Caliper; Grizzly pick: iGaging 6 in Absolute Origin Digital Caliper

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Metric equivalents to know: 3 mm is 0.118 in, 4 mm is 0.157 in, 5 mm is 0.197 in, 6 mm is 0.236 in, 8 mm is 0.315 in and 10 mm is 0.394 in. No fractional bit is an exact match for a metric size, so use the closest size only for clearance holes.

Size Decimal (in) Millimeters Type

Tap Drill Sizes for Common Threads

Use these drill sizes before tapping threads. Based on 75% thread engagement (standard practice). To size a tap drill for any thread and engagement percentage, use our drill and tap calculator.

SAE / Inch Threads (UNC)

ThreadTap DrillDecimal
4-40#430.089"
6-32#360.1065"
8-32#290.136"
10-24#250.1495"
10-32#210.159"
1/4-20#70.201"
5/16-18F0.257"
3/8-165/16"0.3125"
7/16-14U0.368"
1/2-1327/64"0.4219"
5/8-1117/32"0.5313"
3/4-1021/32"0.6563"

Metric Threads (Coarse)

ThreadTap DrillDecimal
M3 x 0.52.5mm0.098"
M4 x 0.73.3mm0.130"
M5 x 0.84.2mm0.165"
M6 x 1.05.0mm0.197"
M8 x 1.256.8mm0.268"
M10 x 1.58.5mm0.335"
M12 x 1.7510.2mm0.402"
M14 x 2.012.0mm0.472"
M16 x 2.014.0mm0.551"
M20 x 2.517.5mm0.689"

The index that covers this whole chart

A 115-piece index holds every fractional, letter, and number size in the tables above in one case.

As an Amazon Associate, WorkshopCalc earns from qualifying purchases. Prices are approximate and can change.

Clearance Hole Sizes

Use these drill sizes when the bolt needs to pass through freely (not threaded).

SAE / Inch Bolts

Bolt SizeClose FitFree Fit
#41/8"9/64"
#69/64"5/32"
#811/64"3/16"
#1013/64"7/32"
1/4"17/64"9/32"
5/16"21/64"11/32"
3/8"25/64"13/32"
7/16"29/64"15/32"
1/2"17/32"9/16"
5/8"21/32"11/16"
3/4"25/32"13/16"

Metric Bolts

Bolt SizeClose FitFree Fit
M33.2mm3.4mm
M44.3mm4.5mm
M55.3mm5.5mm
M66.4mm6.6mm
M88.4mm9.0mm
M1010.5mm11.0mm
M1213.0mm14.0mm
M1415.0mm16.0mm
M1617.0mm18.0mm
M2021.0mm22.0mm

Wood Screw Pilot Hole Sizes

Pilot holes prevent splitting and make driving easier. Use smaller size for softwood, larger for hardwood. See the full pilot hole chart for exact drill sizes by screw gauge.

Screw Size Softwood Pilot Hardwood Pilot Shank Hole Countersink
#21/16"1/16"3/32"3/16"
#31/16"5/64"7/64"1/4"
#41/16"5/64"7/64"1/4"
#55/64"3/32"1/8"1/4"
#65/64"3/32"9/64"5/16"
#73/32"7/64"5/32"5/16"
#83/32"7/64"11/64"3/8"
#97/64"1/8"3/16"3/8"
#107/64"1/8"3/16"3/8"
#121/8"9/64"7/32"7/16"
#149/64"5/32"1/4"1/2"

Complete Drill Bit Size Chart by Series

Every standard drill size, listed by series with decimal-inch and millimeter equivalents. Fractional, number (wire gauge), and letter twist drill sizes follow the ANSI/ASME B94.11M standard. Prefer to search? Use the interactive table at the top of this page. Once you have chosen a bit, match it to the right RPM with our drill speed chart.

Fractional Drill Bit Sizes (1/64" to 1")

All 64 fractional-inch sizes in 1/64" steps, per ANSI/ASME B94.11M.

SizeDecimal (in)Millimeters
1/64"0.01560.397
1/32"0.03120.794
3/64"0.04691.191
1/16"0.06251.587
5/64"0.07811.984
3/32"0.09382.381
7/64"0.10942.778
1/8"0.12503.175
9/64"0.14063.572
5/32"0.15623.969
11/64"0.17194.366
3/16"0.18754.762
13/64"0.20315.159
7/32"0.21885.556
15/64"0.23445.953
1/4"0.25006.350
17/64"0.26566.747
9/32"0.28127.144
19/64"0.29697.541
5/16"0.31257.938
21/64"0.32818.334
11/32"0.34388.731
23/64"0.35949.128
3/8"0.37509.525
25/64"0.39069.922
13/32"0.406210.319
27/64"0.421910.716
7/16"0.437511.112
29/64"0.453111.509
15/32"0.468811.906
31/64"0.484412.303
1/2"0.500012.700
33/64"0.515613.097
17/32"0.531213.494
35/64"0.546913.891
9/16"0.562514.287
37/64"0.578114.684
19/32"0.593815.081
39/64"0.609415.478
5/8"0.625015.875
41/64"0.640616.272
21/32"0.656216.669
43/64"0.671917.066
11/16"0.687517.462
45/64"0.703117.859
23/32"0.718818.256
47/64"0.734418.653
3/4"0.750019.050
49/64"0.765619.447
25/32"0.781219.844
51/64"0.796920.241
13/16"0.812520.637
53/64"0.828121.034
27/32"0.843821.431
55/64"0.859421.828
7/8"0.875022.225
57/64"0.890622.622
29/32"0.906223.019
59/64"0.921923.416
15/16"0.937523.812
61/64"0.953124.209
31/32"0.968824.606
63/64"0.984425.003
1"1.000025.400

Number (Wire Gauge) Drill Bit Sizes (#1 to #80)

Number sizes run from #1 (largest, 0.2280") to #80 (smallest, 0.0135"), per ANSI/ASME B94.11M. Listed largest to smallest.

SizeDecimal (in)Millimeters
#10.22805.791
#20.22105.613
#30.21305.410
#40.20905.309
#50.20555.220
#60.20405.182
#70.20105.105
#80.19905.055
#90.19604.978
#100.19354.915
#110.19104.851
#120.18904.801
#130.18504.699
#140.18204.623
#150.18004.572
#160.17704.496
#170.17304.394
#180.16954.305
#190.16604.216
#200.16104.089
#210.15904.039
#220.15703.988
#230.15403.912
#240.15203.861
#250.14953.797
#260.14703.734
#270.14403.658
#280.14053.569
#290.13603.454
#300.12853.264
#310.12003.048
#320.11602.946
#330.11302.870
#340.11102.819
#350.11002.794
#360.10652.705
#370.10402.642
#380.10152.578
#390.09952.527
#400.09802.489
#410.09602.438
#420.09352.375
#430.08902.261
#440.08602.184
#450.08202.083
#460.08102.057
#470.07851.994
#480.07601.930
#490.07301.854
#500.07001.778
#510.06701.702
#520.06351.613
#530.05951.511
#540.05501.397
#550.05201.321
#560.04651.181
#570.04301.092
#580.04201.067
#590.04101.041
#600.04001.016
#610.03900.991
#620.03800.965
#630.03700.940
#640.03600.914
#650.03500.889
#660.03300.838
#670.03200.813
#680.03100.787
#690.02920.742
#700.02800.711
#710.02600.660
#720.02500.635
#730.02400.610
#740.02250.571
#750.02100.533
#760.02000.508
#770.01800.457
#780.01600.406
#790.01450.368
#800.01350.343

Letter Drill Bit Sizes (A to Z)

Letter sizes run from A (smallest, 0.234") to Z (largest, 0.413"), per ANSI/ASME B94.11M.

SizeDecimal (in)Millimeters
A0.23405.944
B0.23806.045
C0.24206.147
D0.24606.248
E0.25006.350
F0.25706.528
G0.26106.629
H0.26606.756
I0.27206.909
J0.27707.036
K0.28107.137
L0.29007.366
M0.29507.493
N0.30207.671
O0.31608.026
P0.32308.204
Q0.33208.433
R0.33908.611
S0.34808.839
T0.35809.093
U0.36809.347
V0.37709.576
W0.38609.804
X0.397010.084
Y0.404010.262
Z0.413010.490

Metric Drill Bit Sizes (0.5mm to 25mm)

Common metric sizes in 0.1mm and 0.5mm steps. Divide millimeters by 25.4 for the decimal-inch equivalent.

SizeDecimal (in)Millimeters
0.5mm0.01970.500
0.6mm0.02360.600
0.7mm0.02760.700
0.8mm0.03150.800
0.9mm0.03540.900
1mm0.03941.000
1.1mm0.04331.100
1.2mm0.04721.200
1.3mm0.05121.300
1.4mm0.05511.400
1.5mm0.05911.500
1.6mm0.06301.600
1.7mm0.06691.700
1.8mm0.07091.800
1.9mm0.07481.900
2mm0.07872.000
2.1mm0.08272.100
2.2mm0.08662.200
2.3mm0.09062.300
2.4mm0.09452.400
2.5mm0.09842.500
2.6mm0.10242.600
2.7mm0.10632.700
2.8mm0.11022.800
2.9mm0.11422.900
3mm0.11813.000
3.1mm0.12203.100
3.2mm0.12603.200
3.3mm0.12993.300
3.4mm0.13393.400
3.5mm0.13783.500
3.6mm0.14173.600
3.7mm0.14573.700
3.8mm0.14963.800
3.9mm0.15353.900
4mm0.15754.000
4.1mm0.16144.100
4.2mm0.16544.200
4.3mm0.16934.300
4.4mm0.17324.400
4.5mm0.17724.500
4.6mm0.18114.600
4.7mm0.18504.700
4.8mm0.18904.800
4.9mm0.19294.900
5mm0.19695.000
5.1mm0.20085.100
5.2mm0.20475.200
5.3mm0.20875.300
5.4mm0.21265.400
5.5mm0.21655.500
5.6mm0.22055.600
5.7mm0.22445.700
5.8mm0.22835.800
5.9mm0.23235.900
6mm0.23626.000
6.2mm0.24416.200
6.4mm0.25206.400
6.5mm0.25596.500
6.6mm0.25986.600
6.8mm0.26776.800
7mm0.27567.000
7.2mm0.28357.200
7.4mm0.29137.400
7.5mm0.29537.500
7.6mm0.29927.600
7.8mm0.30717.800
8mm0.31508.000
8.2mm0.32288.200
8.4mm0.33078.400
8.5mm0.33468.500
8.6mm0.33868.600
8.8mm0.34658.800
9mm0.35439.000
9.2mm0.36229.200
9.4mm0.37019.400
9.5mm0.37409.500
9.6mm0.37809.600
9.8mm0.38589.800
10mm0.393710.000
10.2mm0.401610.200
10.5mm0.413410.500
10.8mm0.425210.800
11mm0.433111.000
11.5mm0.452811.500
12mm0.472412.000
12.5mm0.492112.500
13mm0.511813.000
13.5mm0.531513.500
14mm0.551214.000
14.5mm0.570914.500
15mm0.590615.000
15.5mm0.610215.500
16mm0.629916.000
16.5mm0.649616.500
17mm0.669317.000
17.5mm0.689017.500
18mm0.708718.000
18.5mm0.728318.500
19mm0.748019.000
19.5mm0.767719.500
20mm0.787420.000
20.5mm0.807120.500
21mm0.826821.000
21.5mm0.846521.500
22mm0.866122.000
22.5mm0.885822.500
23mm0.905523.000
23.5mm0.925223.500
24mm0.944924.000
24.5mm0.964624.500
25mm0.984325.000

Recommended Drill Bit Sets & Tools

The right drill bit set saves hours of frustration. These are the picks we trust for accurate hole sizing across wood, metal, and masonry. All links are affiliate links, we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

DEWALT

DWA1184 21-Piece Drill Bit Set

Best Overall
21 Bits 1/16" – 1/2" Pilot Point
  • Pilot Point tip prevents walking on metal and wood
  • Tapered web design reduces breakage in larger sizes
  • Tough Case storage with size labels
  • Black oxide coating for longer life on softer materials
IRWIN

29-Piece M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set

Best for Metal
29 Bits M35 Cobalt 135° Split Point
  • 5% cobalt steel cuts hardened metal and stainless
  • 135° split point self-centers without punch mark
  • Heat-resistant up to 1100°F for high-RPM work
  • Lifetime manufacturer warranty
Bosch

Drill America 29-Piece Black Oxide Set

Best Value
29 Bits 1/16" – 1/2" Black Oxide
  • Full fractional set covering #1 through 1/2"
  • 135° split point reduces walking and self-centers
  • Index case with ratchet open and clear ID labels
  • Strong value for general-purpose home shops
DEWALT

DW1361 Titanium 21-Piece Set

Best for Wood
21 Bits Titanium Coating No-Spin Shank
  • Titanium nitride coating runs 5x longer than uncoated
  • No-spin 3-flat shank prevents slippage in chuck
  • Pilot point reduces walking on most materials
  • Affordable upgrade over basic black-oxide sets
IRWIN Hanson

76-Piece Tap and Die Set

Best for Tapping
76 Pieces SAE + Metric Hex T-Handle
  • Covers all common SAE and metric thread sizes
  • Pairs with our tap drill chart above for hole sizing
  • High-carbon steel taps and dies
  • Hex-shape lets you drive with wrench or T-handle
Mitutoyo

NEIKO 01401A Digital Caliper (6")

Best for Verification
6" Capacity 0.0005" Resolution IP67 Rated
  • Verify drill bit diameter and hole size accuracy
  • Inch / metric switchable with absolute origin
  • Industry-standard accuracy for shop measurement
  • Long battery life and rugged hardened steel jaws

Frequently Asked Questions

Number drill bits range from #1 (0.228") to #80 (0.0135"), with higher numbers being smaller. Letter drill bits range from A (0.234") to Z (0.413"), with later letters being larger. Together they fill in the gaps between fractional sizes, providing more precise sizing options for tap drills and close-tolerance work.

To convert metric drill sizes to inches, divide the millimeter size by 25.4. For example, a 6mm drill bit equals 6 / 25.4 = 0.236 inches. Our chart includes both metric and imperial equivalents for easy reference. For quick mental math, 25mm is almost exactly 1 inch, and 1mm is about 0.040 inches.

For softwood like pine or cedar, use a pilot hole about 60-70% of the screw's root diameter. For hardwood like oak or maple, use 80-90%. For example, a #8 wood screw typically needs a 3/32" pilot hole in softwood or 7/64" in hardwood. Always drill a shank hole the same diameter as the screw shank where the non-threaded portion will sit.

A tap drill creates a hole that will be threaded with a tap. The correct size depends on the thread size and desired engagement percentage. Standard practice is 75% thread engagement, which provides near-full strength (about 98%) while being much easier to tap than 100%. Use our tap drill chart above or the formula: Tap Drill = Major Diameter - (1 / TPI) for inch threads, or Major Diameter - Pitch for metric.

Standard drill bit sizes come in four series defined by ANSI/ASME B94.11M: fractional-inch sizes from 1/64" to 1" in 1/64" steps, number (wire gauge) sizes from #80 (0.0135") to #1 (0.228"), letter sizes from A (0.234") to Z (0.413"), and metric sizes commonly from 0.5mm to 25mm. Together that is 282 standard sizes, all listed in the chart on this page.

The most commonly used drill bit sizes are the fractional sizes found in a standard 1/16" to 1/2" set: 1/16, 5/64, 3/32, 7/64, 1/8, 9/64, 5/32, 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 7/16, and 1/2 inch. For everyday tasks, 1/8", 3/16", 1/4", and 3/8" see the most use. In metric shops, the equivalent workhorse sizes are 3mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm, and 10mm.

A drill bit size chart lists each size designation (such as 1/4", #7, F, or 6mm) alongside its decimal-inch and millimeter equivalent. To use it, find the hole diameter you need in the decimal or millimeter column, then read across to see which bit gives you that diameter. The decimal equivalent is what matters: a #7 bit (0.201"), a 5.1mm bit (0.2008"), and a 13/64" bit (0.2031") are nearly interchangeable for most work.

Yes. This page includes a complete printable drill bit size chart with all 282 standard sizes organized by series: fractional, number, letter, and metric, each with decimal-inch and millimeter equivalents. Use your browser's print function to print the by-series tables for your shop wall.

A 1/4 inch drill bit is 6.35 mm (0.250 in). The closest standard metric bit is 6 mm, which is 0.236 inch and slightly smaller, so a 6 mm bit will not make a hole big enough for a 1/4 inch bolt.

The closest fractional drill bit to 5 mm (0.197 in) is 13/64 inch (0.203 in, 5.16 mm). The 3/16 inch bit (4.76 mm) is slightly small. Use a true 5 mm bit when a precise hole is needed, such as for a press fit or tap drill.

A 3/8 inch drill bit is 9.53 mm (0.375 in). The closest metric bit is 9.5 mm, and 10 mm (0.394 in) is a loose fit for a 3/8 inch bolt.