9/16" drill size
A 9/16 in drill is 0.5625 in (14.29 mm). It sits between 35/64 in and 37/64 in in the fractional series; the nearest metric drill is 14.3 mm.
9/16" 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14.2 mm | 0.5591" | −0.088 mm | −0.0034" | Smaller |
| 14.3 mm | 0.5630" | +0.013 mm | +0.0005" | 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 9/16" 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| M16 × 2 | 14 mm | 66 % | Good in steel |
Clearance for screws and bolts
Bolts and screws a 9/16" 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M12 bolt | 12 mm | 2.29 mm | 1.14 mm | Normal fit (normal 13.5, loose 14.5 mm) |
| 1/2" bolt | 0.5000" | 0.0625" | 0.0312" | – |
| M14 bolt | 14 mm | 0.29 mm | 0.14 mm | Tighter than close fit (15 mm) |
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 9/16 in drill?
A 9/16 in drill is 0.5625 in, which is 14.29 mm (14.2875 mm exactly).
What is the metric equivalent of a 9/16 in drill?
The nearest metric drill is 14.3 mm, 0.013 mm larger. The other close size is 14.2 mm.
What thread can I tap with a 9/16 in drill?
It leaves about 66 % thread in M16 × 2.
What does a 9/16 in drill clear?
It clears a M14 bolt with 0.29 mm total clearance (0.14 mm per side); for metric bolts: tighter than close fit.