Pilot Hole Size Chart for Wood Screws
Pilot hole diameters by screw gauge for softwood and hardwood, plus the matching countersink size.
| Screw gauge | Softwood pilot (in) | Hardwood pilot (in) | Countersink dia (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| #4 | 3/64 | 1/16 | 1/4 |
| #6 | 3/64 | 1/16 | 9/32 |
| #8 | 7/64 | 1/8 | 5/16 |
| #10 | 1/8 | 9/64 | 3/8 |
| #12 | 9/64 | 5/32 | 7/16 |
| #14 | 5/32 | 11/64 | 1/2 |
The pilot hole equals the screw root diameter so the threads bite without splitting the wood.
Printable PDF
Download the printer-friendly Pilot Hole Size Chart for Wood Screws as a free PDF — perfect for the shop wall or toolbox.
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