Your Complete Fastener Conversion Chart & Guide

When you’re working on a project, whether it’s large-scale manufacturing or a small repair, choosing the right fastener size is critical. However, when fasteners come in both U.S. imperial and metric measurements, navigating between the two systems can quickly become confusing. At Fasteners Etc., Inc., we want to make your processes easier, so we’ve put together a handy fastener conversion chart for you to reference during your work.

This page is designed to make your work simpler, faster, and more accurate. With clear conversions between imperial fasteners and metric fasteners and expert tips from our knowledgeable team, you’ll always have the right information at your fingertips.

Simplify Your Fastener Projects with Accurate Conversions

Every project requires precision. Using the wrong fastener size can lead to material damage, compromised structural integrity, or wasted time. That’s why quick and reliable conversions matter.

Our fastener conversion chart eliminates the guesswork. It helps you:

  • Translate between inch-based (imperial) and millimeter-based (metric) measurements
  • Avoid costly mistakes by selecting the correct screw, bolt, or stud size
  • Save time on the job site with accurate reference points

Whether you’re a contractor handling bulk orders, a maintenance professional sourcing replacement screws, a DIYer renovating or repairing, or a small business owner, this conversion table is your go-to resource for getting it right the first time.

Fastener Conversion Chart: Fraction, Inch, and Millimeter Table

Use this table to simplify the conversion process. Simply look at the size of the fastener you have, whether it’s in inches or millimeters, and find the corresponding fastener size in the other measurement system.

If you’re unsure of the fastener size, you may have to use digital calipers to get the diameter and length. These tools are handheld measuring instruments that use a digital encoder to display measurements on a screen, offering accurate and easy-to-read results.

 
Fraction Decimal Millimeter   Fraction Decimal Millimeter   Fraction Decimal Millimeter
  1/64 0.0156 0.3969   1  1/64 1.0156 25.7969   2  1/64 2.0156 51.1969
  1/32 0.0313 0.7938   1  1/32 1.0313 26.1938   2  1/32 2.0313 51.5938
  3/64 0.0469 1.1906   1  3/64 1.0469 26.5906   2  3/64 2.0469 51.9906
  1/16 0.0625 1.5875   1  1/16 1.0625 26.9875   2  1/16 2.0625 52.3875
  5/64 0.0781 1.9844   1  5/64 1.0781 27.3844   2  5/64 2.0781 52.7844
  3/32 0.0938 2.3813   1  3/32 1.0938 27.7813   2  3/32 2.0938 53.1813
  7/64 0.1094 2.7781   1  7/64 1.1094 28.1781   2  7/64 2.1094 53.5781
  1/8 0.1250 3.1750   1  1/8 1.1250 28.5750   2  1/8 2.1250 53.9750
  9/64 0.1406 3.5719   1  9/64 1.1406 28.9719   2  9/64 2.1406 54.3719
  5/32 0.1563 3.9688   1  5/32 1.1563 29.3688   2  5/32 2.1563 54.7688
 11/64 0.1719 4.3656   1 11/64 1.1719 29.7656   2 11/64 2.1719 55.1656
  3/16 0.1875 4.7625   1  3/16 1.1875 30.1625   2  3/16 2.1875 55.5625
 13/64 0.2031 5.1594   1 13/64 1.2031 30.5594   2 13/64 2.2031 55.9594
  7/32 0.2188 5.5563   1  7/32 1.2188 30.9563   2  7/32 2.2188 56.3563
 15/64 0.2344 5.9531   1 15/64 1.2344 31.3531   2 15/64 2.2344 56.7531
  1/4 0.2500 6.3500   1  1/4 1.2500 31.7500   2  1/4 2.2500 57.1500
 17/64 0.2656 6.7469   1 17/64 1.2656 32.1469   2 17/64 2.2656 57.5469
  9/32 0.2813 7.1438   1  9/32 1.2813 32.5438   2  9/32 2.2813 57.9438
 19/64 0.2969 7.5406   1 19/64 1.2969 32.9406   2 19/64 2.2969 58.3406
  5/16 0.3125 7.9375   1  5/16 1.3125 33.3375   2  5/16 2.3125 58.7375
 21/64 0.3281 8.3344   1 21/64 1.3281 33.7344   2 21/64 2.3281 59.1344
 11/32 0.3438 8.7313   1 11/32 1.3438 34.1313   2 11/32 2.3438 59.5313
 23/64 0.3594 9.1281   1 23/64 1.3594 34.5281   2 23/64 2.3594 59.9281
  3/8 0.3750 9.5250   1  3/8 1.3750 34.9250   2  3/8 2.3750 60.3250
 25/64 0.3906 9.9219   1 25/64 1.3906 35.3219   2 25/64 2.3906 60.7219
 13/32 0.4063 10.3188   1 13/32 1.4063 35.7188   2 13/32 2.4063 61.1188
 27/64 0.4219 10.7156   1 27/64 1.4219 36.1156   2 27/64 2.4219 61.5156
  7/16 0.4375 11.1125   1  7/16 1.4375 36.5125   2  7/16 2.4375 61.9125
 29/64 0.4531 11.5094   1 29/64 1.4531 36.9094   2 29/64 2.4531 62.3094
 15/32 0.4688 11.9063   1 15/32 1.4688 37.3063   2 15/32 2.4688 62.7063
 31/64 0.4844 12.3031   1 31/64 1.4844 37.7031   2 31/64 2.4844 63.1031
  1/2 0.5000 12.7000   1  1/2 1.5000 38.1000   2  1/2 2.5000 63.5000
 33/64 0.5156 13.0969   1 33/64 1.5156 38.4969   2 33/64 2.5156 63.8969
 17/32 0.5313 13.4938   1 17/32 1.5313 38.8938   2 17/32 2.5313 64.2938
 35/64 0.5469 13.8906   1 35/64 1.5469 39.2906   2 35/64 2.5469 64.6906
  9/16 0.5625 14.2875   1  9/16 1.5625 39.6875   2  9/16 2.5625 65.0875
 37/64 0.5781 14.6844   1 37/64 1.5781 40.0844   2 37/64 2.5781 65.4844
 19/32 0.5938 15.0813   1 19/32 1.5938 40.4813   2 19/32 2.5938 65.8813
 39/64 0.6094 15.4781   1 39/64 1.6094 40.8781   2 39/64 2.6094 66.2781
  5/8 0.6250 15.8750   1  5/8 1.6250 41.2750   2  5/8 2.6250 66.6750
 41/64 0.6406 16.2719   1 41/64 1.6406 41.6719   2 41/64 2.6406 67.0719
 21/32 0.6563 16.6688   1 21/32 1.6563 42.0688   2 21/32 2.6563 67.4688
 43/64 0.6719 17.0656   1 43/64 1.6719 42.4656   2 43/64 2.6719 67.8656
 11/16 0.6875 17.4625   1 11/16 1.6875 42.8625   2 11/16 2.6875 68.2625
 45/64 0.7031 17.8594   1 45/64 1.7031 43.2594   2 45/64 2.7031 68.6594
 23/32 0.7188 18.2563   1 23/32 1.7188 43.6563   2 23/32 2.7188 69.0563
 47/64 0.7344 18.6531   1 47/64 1.7344 44.0531   2 47/64 2.7344 69.4531
  3/4 0.7500 19.0500   1  3/4 1.7500 44.4500   2  3/4 2.7500 69.8500
 49/64 0.7656 19.4469   1 49/64 1.7656 44.8469   2 49/64 2.7656 70.2469
 25/32 0.7813 19.8438   1 25/32 1.7813 45.2438   2 25/32 2.7813 70.6438
 51/64 0.7969 20.2406   1 51/64 1.7969 45.6406   2 51/64 2.7969 71.0406
 13/16 0.8125 20.6375   1 13/16 1.8125 46.0375   2 13/16 2.8125 71.4375
 53/64 0.8281 21.0344   1 53/64 1.8281 46.4344   2 53/64 2.8281 71.8344
 27/32 0.8438 21.4313   1 27/32 1.8438 46.8313   2 27/32 2.8438 72.2313
 55/64 0.8594 21.8281   1 55/64 1.8594 47.2281   2 55/64 2.8594 72.6281
  7/8 0.8750 22.2250   1  7/8 1.8750 47.6250   2  7/8 2.8750 73.0250
 57/64 0.8906 22.6219   1 57/64 1.8906 48.0219   2 57/64 2.8906 73.4219
 29/32 0.9063 23.0188   1 29/32 1.9063 48.4188   2 29/32 2.9063 73.8188
 59/64 0.9219 23.4156   1 59/64 1.9219 48.8156   2 59/64 2.9219 74.2156
 15/16 0.9375 23.8125   1 15/16 1.9375 49.2125   2 15/16 2.9375 74.6125
 61/64 0.9531 24.2094   1 61/64 1.9531 49.6094   2 61/64 2.9531 75.0094
 31/32 0.9688 24.6063   1 31/32 1.9688 50.0063   2 31/32 2.9688 75.4063
 63/64 0.9844 25.0031   1 63/64 1.9844 50.4031   2 63/64 2.9844 75.8031
1      1.0000 25.4000   2      2.0000 50.8000   3      3.0000 76.2000
  

This chart can be used by workers in various industries, including automotive, manufacturing, aerospace, and more. It’s also helpful if you’re doing a DIY project and have fasteners of different systems that you aren’t sure how to convert.

Understanding Fastener Measurement Systems

Nothing screws up your productivity and motivation faster than realizing you used the wrong size fastener. Avoid this mistake by clearly understanding the difference between the two commonly used systems and their measurements.

U.S. Imperial vs. Metric: Decoding Fastener Sizes

Fasteners are measured using two primary systems: U.S. imperial and metric. Understanding how they differ is the first step to ensuring accuracy in your projects.

The imperial system is common in the United States. It uses non-decimal-based units like inches, fractions, and gauge numbers to define screw sizes. Threading often follows Unified National Coarse (UNC) and United National Fine (UNF) standards to define threads per inch.

The metric system is used internationally and is the global standard for measurement. However, it is increasingly being used by U.S. industries that have global suppliers. The metric system is decimal-based and uses prefixes like kilo and milli to denote powers of ten. In this system, measurements are given in millimeters (mm) for both diameter and length, and the thread pitch is explicitly defined by the distance between threads.

While these systems differ, both are widely used across industries. That’s why conversion tools are so valuable. They allow you to easily cross-reference fastener sizes between the two systems, ensuring a perfect fit. However, because of the different governing bodies, there may be some variance. These bodies include:

  • American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
  • ASTM International
  • Industrial Fasteners Institute (IFI)
  • SAE International
  • International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

Our conversion chart provides the inch equivalent and metric conversion you need for screws, bolts, studs, and more. This makes it quick and easy to determine which you should be using, helping to prevent mistakes and make your process smoother.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fastener Conversion

You may have questions about fasteners and their sizing. We’ve answered some common queries about them to give you more insight.

Your Questions About Fastener Sizing Answered

Why are there different fastener size standards (imperial vs. metric)?

There are different fastener size standards because different regions developed their own measurement system. The U.S. has historically used the imperial system, while much of the world has adopted metric. However, globalization means that global manufacturers often work with both.

That's why our fastener conversion chart is essential. It bridges the gap between the two distinct systems and ensures fastener compatibility. Standards like ANSI for imperial and ISO for metric guide these measurements.

How do I measure fastener size accurately for conversion?

Use digital calipers for the most precise measurement of both diameter and length. Once you have those numbers, our conversion chart helps you easily find the corresponding size in either inches or millimeters.

What do the numbers on screws (e.g., #6, #8) mean in the conversion chart?

The numbers on screws indicate the diameter of the screw in the imperial system. For example, a #8 screw has a diameter of approximately 0.164 inches, or 5/32 of an inch. This screw is thicker than a #6 screw and thinner than a #10.

This number is part of the gauge system. Higher numbers correlate with larger diameters. However, the relationship between numbers isn't simply linear. Our size chart makes it easy to see the exact equivalent in both systems.

Can this fastener conversion chart be used for bolts, studs, and other threaded fasteners?

Yes, this fastener conversion chart can be used for bolts, studs, machine screws, threaded rods, and other fasteners, such as:

  • Socket head cap screws and socket set screws
  • Hex bolts and hex cap screws
  • Pan head screws and bolts
  • Locknuts and lock washers
  • Rivets
  • Nylon insert nuts

This universality is possible because all these fasteners follow similar sizing conventions. However, you should always double-check application requirements, but this chart can be used as a baseline reference.

Why is matching fastener size with pilot hole size crucial?

When completing a construction project, matching the fastener size to the pilot hole is essential. This is because if your fastener doesn't match the correct pilot hole size, you risk splitting material, stripping threads, or weakening the connection. The conversion chart helps you determine the right decimal or millimeter measurement for drilling, which can help ensure a secure fit.

What is a thread pitch?

A thread pitch is the distance between the crests of two adjacent threads. In the metric system, it is measured in millimeters. Likewise, it is measured as threads per inch (TPI) for imperial screws. A coarse thread screw has a larger pitch and is easier to assemble. A fine thread screw has a smaller pitch that offers high precision and minimizes self-loosening.

How do you use digital calipers to measure the size of a fastener?

To measure a fastener's size with digital calipers, there are a few steps to follow. They include:

  • Calibrating the calipers: Close the jaws of the calipers until they meet, then press the "zero" button to be sure the scale reads zero.
  • Opening the jaws: Slide the moving jaw to open the large outside jaws of the caliper.
  • Placing the jaws around the fastener: Place the outside jaws around the diameter of the fastener, ensuring they are parallel to the surface.
  • Tightening gently: Close the jaws slowly and gently until they make firm contact with the fastener. Don't over-tighten them to avoid damaging the caliper or getting an inaccurate measurement.
  • Reading the display: Look at the digital screen to see the measured diameter of the fastener.
  • Measuring the length: To measure the fastener's length, place the caliper's underside from the head of the bolt to the end of the threaded section. Repeat the above steps to get the measurement.

Need a Specific Fastener Size? Request a Quote for Bulk Orders

Whenever you’re working on a project, having the right fastener size is vital. Make sure you can correctly convert imperial screws or bolts to metric and back with our conversion chart.

However, sometimes even with the best conversion tools, you’ll find you don’t have a good equivalent in stock. If you need a fastener that’s harder to find or need it in large quantities, Fasteners Etc., Inc. can help. We work with both large-scale industrial clients and small businesses, tailoring solutions to fit your needs. Whether you’re sourcing thousands of bolts for production or just a handful of specialty screws, our team is here to help. We’ll make sure you get the right solution for your project, delivered with the personal service you expect from us.

As a veteran-owned business, we pride ourselves on integrity, excellence, and personalized service. Our team combines decades of knowledge with a customer-first approach. This allows us to deliver bulk ordering and competitive quotes for projects of any size. We also offer a wide inventory of fasteners, ensuring you get the right part when you need it. Request a quote if you have any questions about bulk orders. Do you want to learn more about our fasteners? Contact us today.

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