#12 drill size
A #12 drill is 0.1890 in (4.80 mm). It sits between #13 and #11 in the number series; the nearest metric drill is 4.8 mm.
#12 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.8 mm | 0.1890" | −0.001 mm | 0" | Smaller |
| 4.9 mm | 0.1929" | +0.099 mm | +0.0039" | 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 #12 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| #12-28 UNF | #14 | 58 % | Hard, tough metals |
Clearance for screws and bolts
Bolts and screws a #12 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 screw | 0.1380" | 0.0510" | 0.0255" | – |
| #8 screw | 0.1640" | 0.0250" | 0.0125" | – |
Inch clearance is the drill size minus the basic major diameter. A drilled hole usually cuts slightly oversize.
Number drill index
Every size in the series, holes drawn to scale.
Common questions
What size is a #12 drill?
A #12 drill is 0.1890 in, which is 4.80 mm (4.8006 mm exactly).
What is the metric equivalent of a #12 drill?
The nearest metric drill is 4.8 mm, 0.001 mm smaller. The other close size is 4.9 mm.
What thread can I tap with a #12 drill?
It leaves about 58 % thread in #12-28 UNF.
Which fractional drill is closest to #12?
3/16 in (0.1875 in) is the closest, 0.0015 in smaller.
What does a #12 drill clear?
It clears a #8 screw with 0.0250" total clearance (0.0125" per side).