# #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 drill data

- Series: Number drill
- Decimal: 0.1890 in
- Metric: 4.80 mm (4.8006 mm exact)
- Nearest metric drill: 4.8 mm (−0.001 mm)
- Nearest fractional: 3/16" (0.1875 in)

## Nearest metric drills

| Metric drill | Inch | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 4.8 mm | 0.1890 | −0.001 mm |
| 4.9 mm | 0.1929 | +0.099 mm |

## Nearby inch drills

| Drill | Series | Inch | mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| #13 | Number | 0.1850 | 4.70 |
| 3/16" | Fractional | 0.1875 | 4.76 |
| #12 | Number | 0.1890 | 4.80 |
| #11 | Number | 0.1910 | 4.85 |
| 13/64" | Fractional | 0.2031 | 5.16 |
| Letter A | Letter | 0.2340 | 5.94 |

## Threads this drill can tap

| Thread | Standard drill | Thread % with this drill |
|---|---|---|
| #12-28 UNF | #14 | 58 |

## Clearance

| Fastener | Diameter | Clearance | Per side | ISO 273 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 screw | 0.1380" | 0.0510" | 0.0255" | – |
| #8 screw | 0.1640" | 0.0250" | 0.0125" | – |


## FAQ

**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).

Source page: https://machinistcharts.com/drill-size/number-12/
Updated: 2026-10-06
Publisher: MachinistCharts (https://machinistcharts.com)