9/32" drill size
A 9/32 in drill is 0.2812 in (7.14 mm). It sits between 17/64 in and 19/64 in in the fractional series; the nearest metric drill is 7.1 mm.
9/32" 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7.1 mm | 0.2795" | −0.044 mm | −0.0017" | Smaller |
| 7.2 mm | 0.2835" | +0.056 mm | +0.0022" | Larger |
Nearby inch drills
The next size down and up in each inch series, so you can pick a substitute from the drawer.
| Drill | Series | Inch | mm | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Number | 0.2280" | 5.79 mm | −0.0532" |
| 17/64" | Fractional | 0.2656" | 6.75 mm | −0.0156" |
| Letter K | Letter | 0.2810" | 7.14 mm | −0.0002" |
| 9/32" | Fractional | 0.2812" | 7.14 mm | this size |
| Letter L | Letter | 0.2900" | 7.37 mm | +0.0087" |
| 19/64" | Fractional | 0.2969" | 7.54 mm | +0.0156" |
Threads a 9/32" 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| M8 × 1 | 7 mm | 66 % | Good in steel |
| 5/16-24 UNF | I | 58 % | Hard, tough metals |
Clearance for screws and bolts
Bolts and screws a 9/32" 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4" bolt | 0.2500" | 0.0312" | 0.0156" | – |
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 9/32 in drill?
A 9/32 in drill is 0.2812 in, which is 7.14 mm (7.1437 mm exactly).
What is the metric equivalent of a 9/32 in drill?
The nearest metric drill is 7.1 mm, 0.044 mm smaller. The other close size is 7.2 mm.
What thread can I tap with a 9/32 in drill?
It leaves about 66 % thread in M8 × 1 and 58 % in 5/16-24 UNF.
Which number or letter drill is closest to 9/32 in?
Letter K (0.2810 in) is the closest, 0.0002 in smaller.
What does a 9/32 in drill clear?
It clears a 1/4" bolt with 0.0312" total clearance (0.0156" per side).