5/32" drill size
A 5/32 in drill is 0.1562 in (3.97 mm). It sits between 9/64 in and 11/64 in in the fractional series; the nearest metric drill is 4.0 mm.
5/32" 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.9 mm | 0.1535" | −0.069 mm | −0.0027" | Smaller |
| 4.0 mm | 0.1575" | +0.031 mm | +0.0012" | 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 5/32" 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| #10-32 UNF | #21 | 83 % | Soft metals, plastics |
| #10-24 UNC | #25 | 62 % | Hard, tough metals |
Clearance for screws and bolts
Bolts and screws a 5/32" 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #3 screw | 0.0990" | 0.0572" | 0.0286" | – |
| #4 screw | 0.1120" | 0.0442" | 0.0221" | – |
| #5 screw | 0.1250" | 0.0312" | 0.0156" | – |
| M3.5 bolt | 3.5 mm | 0.47 mm | 0.23 mm | Normal fit (normal 3.9, loose 4.2 mm) |
| #6 screw | 0.1380" | 0.0182" | 0.0091" | – |
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 5/32 in drill?
A 5/32 in drill is 0.1562 in, which is 3.97 mm (3.9688 mm exactly).
What is the metric equivalent of a 5/32 in drill?
The nearest metric drill is 4.0 mm, 0.031 mm larger. The other close size is 3.9 mm.
What thread can I tap with a 5/32 in drill?
It leaves about 83 % thread in #10-32 UNF and 62 % in #10-24 UNC.
Which number or letter drill is closest to 5/32 in?
#22 (0.1570 in) is the closest, 0.0008 in larger.
What does a 5/32 in drill clear?
It clears a #6 screw with 0.0182" total clearance (0.0091" per side).