Drill Bit Sizes for Screws Reference Values
Find practical drill bit sizes for softwood pilot holes, hardwood pilot holes, and clearance holes by screw gauge.
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Reference Value Index
This page lists 12 reference values for quick browsing and lookup.
All Reference Values
- #2 screw = 1/16 in softwood / 5/64 in hardwood
- #3 screw = 5/64 in softwood / 3/32 in hardwood
- #4 screw = 3/32 in softwood / 7/64 in hardwood
- #5 screw = 7/64 in softwood / 1/8 in hardwood
- #6 screw = 7/64 in softwood / 9/64 in hardwood
- #7 screw = 1/8 in softwood / 9/64 in hardwood
- #8 screw = 1/8 in softwood / 5/32 in hardwood
- #9 screw = 9/64 in softwood / 5/32 in hardwood
- #10 screw = 9/64 in softwood / 11/64 in hardwood
- #12 screw = 5/32 in softwood / 3/16 in hardwood
- #14 screw = 11/64 in softwood / 13/64 in hardwood
- #16 screw = 3/16 in softwood / 7/32 in hardwood
Reference Table
| Screw Size | Softwood Pilot Bit | Hardwood Pilot Bit | Clearance Bit |
|---|---|---|---|
| #2 screw | 1/16 in | 5/64 in | 3/32 in |
| #3 screw | 5/64 in | 3/32 in | 7/64 in |
| #4 screw | 3/32 in | 7/64 in | 1/8 in |
| #5 screw | 7/64 in | 1/8 in | 9/64 in |
| #6 screw | 7/64 in | 9/64 in | 5/32 in |
| #7 screw | 1/8 in | 9/64 in | 11/64 in |
| #8 screw | 1/8 in | 5/32 in | 11/64 in |
| #9 screw | 9/64 in | 5/32 in | 3/16 in |
| #10 screw | 9/64 in | 11/64 in | 13/64 in |
| #12 screw | 5/32 in | 3/16 in | 7/32 in |
| #14 screw | 11/64 in | 13/64 in | 1/4 in |
| #16 screw | 3/16 in | 7/32 in | 9/32 in |
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions for Drill Bit Sizes for Screws and its reference values.
Why are pilot bit sizes different for hardwood and softwood?
Hardwood fibers are denser and split more easily, so hardwood pilot holes are typically larger for the same screw size.
What is a clearance bit size used for?
A clearance hole lets the screw shank pass through the first board so threads pull the second board tight against it.
Should I match bit size exactly every time?
Use these as starting points, then adjust slightly for wood species, screw type, and desired holding strength.
Do I still need countersinking?
For many woodworking joints, yes. Countersinking or counterboring helps seat screw heads cleanly and reduce splitting near edges.
Methodology and Review
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