# 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" drill data

- Series: Fractional drill
- Decimal: 0.1562 in
- Metric: 3.97 mm (3.9688 mm exact)
- Nearest metric drill: 4.0 mm (+0.031 mm)
- Nearest number drill: #22 (0.1570 in)

## Nearest metric drills

| Metric drill | Inch | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 3.9 mm | 0.1535 | −0.069 mm |
| 4.0 mm | 0.1575 | +0.031 mm |

## Nearby inch drills

| Drill | Series | Inch | mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9/64" | Fractional | 0.1406 | 3.57 |
| #23 | Number | 0.1540 | 3.91 |
| 5/32" | Fractional | 0.1562 | 3.97 |
| #22 | Number | 0.1570 | 3.99 |
| 11/64" | Fractional | 0.1719 | 4.37 |
| Letter A | Letter | 0.2340 | 5.94 |

## Threads this drill can tap

| Thread | Standard drill | Thread % with this drill |
|---|---|---|
| #10-32 UNF | #21 | 83 |
| #10-24 UNC | #25 | 62 |

## Clearance

| Fastener | Diameter | Clearance | Per side | ISO 273 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #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" | – |


## FAQ

**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).

Source page: https://machinistcharts.com/drill-size/5-32-inch/
Updated: 2026-10-06
Publisher: MachinistCharts (https://machinistcharts.com)