Shop reference tools
Tap Size Chart
Map tap sizes to thread families, tap drill sizes, and calculator pages.
Tap Size Chart lookup
Start with the table, then use the related pages for tapping, clearance holes, pilot holes, and printable shop sheets.
| Thread | Tap drill | Decimal inch | Millimeters | Working note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #4-40 UNC | #43 | 0.0890 | 2.26 | Common machine-screw tap size. |
| #6-32 UNC | #36 | 0.1065 | 2.71 | Useful for light machine screws. |
| #8-32 UNC | #29 | 0.1360 | 3.45 | Check thin material and thread depth. |
| #10-24 UNC | #25 | 0.1495 | 3.80 | Coarse #10 machine screw thread. |
| #10-32 UNF | #21 | 0.1590 | 4.04 | Fine #10 machine screw thread. |
| 1/4-20 UNC | #7 | 0.2010 | 5.11 | Common quarter-inch coarse tap. |
| 1/4-28 UNF | #3 | 0.2130 | 5.41 | Fine quarter-inch tap. |
| 5/16-18 UNC | F | 0.2570 | 6.53 | Coarse 5/16 inch tap. |
| 5/16-24 UNF | I | 0.2720 | 6.91 | Fine 5/16 inch tap. |
| 3/8-16 UNC | 5/16 | 0.3125 | 7.94 | Common coarse 3/8 inch tap. |
| 3/8-24 UNF | Q | 0.3320 | 8.43 | Fine 3/8 inch tap. |
| 1/2-13 UNC | 27/64 | 0.4219 | 10.72 | Coarse half-inch tap. |
| 1/2-20 UNF | 29/64 | 0.4531 | 11.51 | Fine half-inch tap. |
| M3 x 0.5 | 2.5 mm | 0.0984 | 2.50 | Approximate metric tap drill: major diameter minus pitch. |
| M4 x 0.7 | 3.3 mm | 0.1299 | 3.30 | Use published chart for production work. |
| M5 x 0.8 | 4.2 mm | 0.1654 | 4.20 | Common metric coarse thread. |
| M6 x 1 | 5.0 mm | 0.1969 | 5.00 | Common metric coarse thread. |
| M8 x 1.25 | 6.8 mm | 0.2677 | 6.80 | Common metric coarse thread. |
| M10 x 1.5 | 8.5 mm | 0.3346 | 8.50 | Common metric coarse thread. |
| M12 x 1.75 | 10.2 mm | 0.4016 | 10.20 | Common metric coarse thread. |
What is a tap size chart?
A tap size chart helps you decode the thread callout before choosing a drill. The tap size is the thread you plan to cut; the tap drill size is the hole drilled before tapping.
What is the difference between tap drill size and tap size?
For 1/4-28 UNF, the tap size is 1/4-28 UNF and the common chart drill is #3. For M10 x 1.5, the tap size is M10 x 1.5 and the drill depends on the chart assumption or desired thread percentage.
When should I use the calculator instead of the tap chart?
Use the calculator when you need to test a different thread-percentage assumption. Use the chart when the thread callout and shop standard already determine the normal starting drill.
Where can I find a printable tap size chart?
The printable chart combines the high-use tap drill table with clearance and pilot-hole references for bench use. Keep the web version as the maintained source when values need review.
Common tap drill sizes worth checking first
Use these common rows as entry points, then confirm the full thread callout before opening the chart or calculator.