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Tap Drill Calculator — UNC, UNF, NPT & Metric

Search the published shop chart and select a thread to get its 75% tap drill and decimal equivalent instantly.

Result
5/16"
0.3125 in decimal · 75% thread

Formula and worked example

Formula
imperial ≈ major diameter − (0.01299 × 75 ÷ TPI)
Example
3/8-16 UNC calls for a 5/16" drill (0.3125 in).

Frequently asked questions

What is the tap drill size for 3/8-16 UNC?

Use a 5/16-inch drill (0.3125 inch) for approximately 75% thread engagement.

What is the tap drill size for 1/4-20 UNC?

Use a #7 drill, with a 0.2010-inch decimal diameter.

How do I choose a metric tap drill?

For common metric coarse threads, subtracting pitch from major diameter closely matches a 75% chart size. For example, M6 × 1.0 uses a 5.0 mm drill.

Can I use the straight-thread formula for NPT?

No. NPT is tapered and uses dedicated pipe-tap drill sizes, so select the chart entry rather than applying the UNC or metric formula.

Related

ShopCalc · offline

30+ machinist calculators in your pocket.

Eleven shop calculators in one app - speeds & feeds, tap drill, threading, drill chart, metal weight, surface finish, conversions, plus Pro ShopCAM Lite (canned cycles + threadmill g-code) and Tool Library. Free on the App Store and Google Play.

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