Calculator
Screw & Pilot Hole Calculator
Get the pilot, clearance and countersink diameters right so the screw holds without splitting the wood.
Result
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Reference table
Gauge · Shank · Pilot — soft · Pilot — hard · Clearance
| Gauge | Shank | Pilot — soft | Pilot — hard | Clearance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #4 | 2.8 mm | 1.6 mm | 2.0 mm | 3.0 mm |
| #6 | 3.5 mm | 2.0 mm | 2.5 mm | 3.8 mm |
| #8 | 4.2 mm | 2.5 mm | 3.0 mm | 4.5 mm |
| #10 | 4.8 mm | 3.0 mm | 3.5 mm | 5.1 mm |
| #12 | 5.5 mm | 3.5 mm | 4.0 mm | 5.8 mm |
| #14 | 6.3 mm | 4.0 mm | 4.5 mm | 6.6 mm |
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- Finish estimator — volume, coats and drying time.
- Wood database — hardness, density and price by species.
- Workshop bench — sand, plane and stain a simulated board.
All calculators are general guidance. Always verify against your own measurements, your tool manual and the material datasheet before cutting.