3/16" drill size
A 3/16 in drill is 0.1875 in (4.76 mm). It sits between 11/64 in and 13/64 in in the fractional series; the nearest metric drill is 4.8 mm.
3/16" at a glance
Decimal, metric and the nearest sizes in the other series.
Nearest metric drills
Metric drills step by 0.05 mm below 3 mm and by 0.1 mm from 3 mm. Difference is metric minus inch size.
| Metric drill | Inch | Difference | In inches | Hole |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.7 mm | 0.1850" | −0.062 mm | −0.0025" | Smaller |
| 4.8 mm | 0.1890" | +0.038 mm | +0.0015" | Larger |
Nearby inch drills
The next size down and up in each inch series, so you can pick a substitute from the drawer.
Threads a 3/16" drill can tap
Threads from the tap tables on this site that this drill can tap, with the thread percentage it leaves (55–85 % shown).
| Thread | Standard drill | Thread with this drill | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| #12-28 UNF | #14 | 61 % | Hard, tough metals |
Clearance for screws and bolts
Bolts and screws a 3/16" hole clears, with the diametral clearance and the gap each side. Metric sizes are compared with ISO 273.
| Fastener | Diameter | Clearance | Per side | ISO 273, metric only |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #5 screw | 0.1250" | 0.0625" | 0.0312" | – |
| #6 screw | 0.1380" | 0.0495" | 0.0247" | – |
| M4 bolt | 4 mm | 0.76 mm | 0.38 mm | Normal fit (normal 4.5, loose 4.8 mm) |
| #8 screw | 0.1640" | 0.0235" | 0.0117" | – |
Inch clearance is the drill size minus the basic major diameter. A drilled hole usually cuts slightly oversize.
Fractional drill index
Every size in the series, holes drawn to scale.
Common questions
What size is a 3/16 in drill?
A 3/16 in drill is 0.1875 in, which is 4.76 mm (4.7625 mm exactly).
What is the metric equivalent of a 3/16 in drill?
The nearest metric drill is 4.8 mm, 0.038 mm larger. The other close size is 4.7 mm.
What thread can I tap with a 3/16 in drill?
It leaves about 61 % thread in #12-28 UNF.
Which number or letter drill is closest to 3/16 in?
#12 (0.1890 in) is the closest, 0.0015 in larger.
What does a 3/16 in drill clear?
It clears a #8 screw with 0.0235" total clearance (0.0117" per side).