Tap Drill Size Calculator

The right drill for every metric, UNC and UNF thread, for cutting and forming taps. Choose how much thread you want, see whether the hole stays within the 6H tolerance, and get the depth to drill for a blind hole.

Thread size
Tap type
Workpiece material
% of full thread
75% gives about 95% of full strength and is far easier to tap than 100%.
mm
Drill, then tap

Tap drill chart

How it is calculated

Percent of thread compares the depth actually cut with the full basic thread depth (1.299 × pitch on the diameter). Cutting taps remove material, so the drill is the minor diameter. Forming (roll) taps push metal up into the crests, so they need a larger drill.

Cutting tap drill d = D − 1.299 · P · (% / 100) (D − P ≈ 77%) Forming tap drill d = D − 0.68 · P · (% / 100) (65% is typical) Percent of thread % = (D − d) / (1.299 · P) · 100 6H minor diameter D1 min = D − 1.0825 · P, D1 max = D1 min + TD1 Blind hole depth thread length + 3 · P (tap lead) + 0.3 · d (118° point) Inch threads P = 25.4 / TPI

TD1 (6H) from ISO 965-1. For cutting taps the drilled hole should land inside the 6H range, or the thread gauge will not pass. Engagement length: about 1 × D in steel, 1.5 × D in cast iron and 2 × D in aluminium for a joint as strong as the bolt.