Drill Bit Sizes for Screws: #2 screw

Specific conversion page with reference context, calculator, and nearby values.

Author

Dr. Aisha Bello

Woodworking editorial contributor

Nigerian public health specialist with an MPH from Harvard, working on vaccine distribution logistics in West Africa

Reviewed by

Prof. Anna Kowalska

Woodworking content reviewer

Polish biostatistician at the University of Warsaw, advancing Bayesian methods for clinical trial design

Last updatedFebruary 22, 2026

PublishedFebruary 22, 2026

#2 screw converts to

1/16 in softwood / 5/64 in hardwood

Use this as a quick reference for Drill Bit Sizes for Screws.

Value Details

Input: #2 screw

Output: 1/16 in softwood / 5/64 in hardwood

Browse all reference values for Drill Bit Sizes for Screws

softwoodBit: 1/16 in | softwoodIn: 0.0625 | softwoodMm: 1.59 | hardwoodBit: 5/64 in | hardwoodIn: 0.0781 | hardwoodMm: 1.98 | clearanceBit: 3/32 in | clearanceIn: 0.0938 | clearanceMm: 2.38

Screw Drill Bit Size Lookup

Select screw gauge and hole type to get a practical drill bit recommendation.

Recommended Bit

Nearby Reference Values

Drill Bit Sizes for Screws values near #2 screw
Screw SizeSoftwood Pilot BitHardwood Pilot BitClearance Bit
#2 screw1/16 in5/64 in3/32 in
#3 screw5/64 in3/32 in7/64 in
#4 screw3/32 in7/64 in1/8 in
#5 screw7/64 in1/8 in9/64 in
#6 screw7/64 in9/64 in5/32 in
#7 screw1/8 in9/64 in11/64 in

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Drill Bit Sizes for Screws, formulas, and expected usage.

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

This page is generated from the same conversion definition used by the main calculator page, which keeps the calculator, reference table rows, and FAQ schema aligned.

Reviewer and update metadata are shown above and included in structured data. See our editorial policy, review process, and corrections policy.

Use this page as a fast lookup reference, then confirm final project values using applicable standards and manufacturer documentation.