Drill Size Chart

ENGINEERING

Drill size chart

Decimal-inch and millimeter equivalents for fractional, number, and letter drill bits. Use it to identify a marked bit or find the closest drill to a target diameter.

Fractional drills

Fraction Decimal (in) mm
1/64 0.0156 0.40
1/32 0.0313 0.79
3/64 0.0469 1.19
1/16 0.0625 1.59
5/64 0.0781 1.98
3/32 0.0938 2.38
7/64 0.1094 2.78
1/8 0.1250 3.17
9/64 0.1406 3.57
5/32 0.1563 3.97
11/64 0.1719 4.37
3/16 0.1875 4.76
13/64 0.2031 5.16
7/32 0.2188 5.56
15/64 0.2344 5.95
1/4 0.2500 6.35
17/64 0.2656 6.75
9/32 0.2813 7.14
19/64 0.2969 7.54
5/16 0.3125 7.94
21/64 0.3281 8.33
11/32 0.3438 8.73
23/64 0.3594 9.13
3/8 0.3750 9.52
25/64 0.3906 9.92
13/32 0.4063 10.32
27/64 0.4219 10.72
7/16 0.4375 11.11
29/64 0.4531 11.51
15/32 0.4688 11.91
31/64 0.4844 12.30
1/2 0.5000 12.70

Number drills

Number Decimal (in) mm
#1 0.2280 5.79
#2 0.2210 5.61
#3 0.2130 5.41
#4 0.2090 5.31
#5 0.2055 5.22
#6 0.2040 5.18
#7 0.2010 5.11
#8 0.1990 5.05
#9 0.1960 4.98
#10 0.1935 4.91
#11 0.1910 4.85
#12 0.1890 4.80
#13 0.1850 4.70
#14 0.1820 4.62
#15 0.1800 4.57
#16 0.1770 4.50
#17 0.1730 4.39
#18 0.1695 4.31
#19 0.1660 4.22
#20 0.1610 4.09
#21 0.1590 4.04
#22 0.1570 3.99
#23 0.1540 3.91
#24 0.1520 3.86
#25 0.1495 3.80
#26 0.1470 3.73
#27 0.1440 3.66
#28 0.1405 3.57
#29 0.1360 3.45
#30 0.1285 3.26
#31 0.1200 3.05
#32 0.1160 2.95
#33 0.1130 2.87
#34 0.1110 2.82
#35 0.1100 2.79
#36 0.1065 2.71
#37 0.1040 2.64
#38 0.1015 2.58
#39 0.0995 2.53
#40 0.0980 2.49

Letter drills

Letter Decimal (in) mm
A 0.234 5.94
B 0.238 6.05
C 0.242 6.15
D 0.246 6.25
E 0.250 6.35
F 0.257 6.53
G 0.261 6.63
H 0.266 6.76
I 0.272 6.91
J 0.277 7.04
K 0.281 7.14
L 0.290 7.37
M 0.295 7.49
N 0.302 7.67
O 0.316 8.03
P 0.323 8.20
Q 0.332 8.43
R 0.339 8.61
S 0.348 8.84
T 0.358 9.09
U 0.368 9.35
V 0.377 9.58
W 0.386 9.80
X 0.397 10.08
Y 0.404 10.26
Z 0.413 10.49

Number and letter drills fall between fractional sizes and are handy for tapping and close-fit holes. Decimal values are nominal; real bit diameters vary slightly by manufacturer and wear.

Need speeds and feeds too?

Once you have the bit size, the Drill Speed Calculator gives the right RPM and feed for your material.

The drill size systems

Fractional drills step in 64ths of an inch. Number drills run from #1 (largest) to #80 (smallest). Letter drills A to Z fill the gap just above 1/4 inch. This chart converts them all to a common decimal so you can compare across systems.

Finding the closest drill

To hit a target diameter, scan the decimal column for the nearest value. Drilling slightly undersize and reaming, or stepping up through sizes, gives a cleaner, more accurate hole than forcing one large bit.

FAQ

What is the decimal size of a 1/4 inch drill?

Exactly 0.250 inch, or 6.35 mm. The nearest letter drills are E (0.250) and F (0.257).

Do number drills get smaller as the number rises?

Yes. #1 is 0.228 in and #80 is about 0.0135 in, so a higher number means a finer bit.

How do I convert a drill size to millimeters?

Multiply the decimal-inch size by 25.4. A 0.250 in bit is 0.250 x 25.4 = 6.35 mm.

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The calculators and tools on Formula Factory are provided for general guidance and informational purposes only. Results are estimates based on standard formulas and the values you enter — they do not constitute professional engineering, electrical, or architectural advice. Always verify calculations with a qualified professional before making decisions for any safety-critical, code-compliance, or commercial application. Formula Factory makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy or completeness of any result, and accepts no liability for errors, omissions, or any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.