# 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" drill data

- Series: Fractional drill
- Decimal: 0.2812 in
- Metric: 7.14 mm (7.1437 mm exact)
- Nearest metric drill: 7.1 mm (−0.044 mm)
- Nearest letter drill: Letter K (0.2810 in)

## Nearest metric drills

| Metric drill | Inch | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 7.1 mm | 0.2795 | −0.044 mm |
| 7.2 mm | 0.2835 | +0.056 mm |

## Nearby inch drills

| Drill | Series | Inch | mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Number | 0.2280 | 5.79 |
| 17/64" | Fractional | 0.2656 | 6.75 |
| Letter K | Letter | 0.2810 | 7.14 |
| 9/32" | Fractional | 0.2812 | 7.14 |
| Letter L | Letter | 0.2900 | 7.37 |
| 19/64" | Fractional | 0.2969 | 7.54 |

## Threads this drill can tap

| Thread | Standard drill | Thread % with this drill |
|---|---|---|
| M8 × 1 | 7 mm | 66 |
| 5/16-24 UNF | I | 58 |

## Clearance

| Fastener | Diameter | Clearance | Per side | ISO 273 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4" bolt | 0.2500" | 0.0312" | 0.0156" | – |


## FAQ

**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).

Source page: https://machinistcharts.com/drill-size/9-32-inch/
Updated: 2026-10-06
Publisher: MachinistCharts (https://machinistcharts.com)