Last updated: March 2, 2026 by James Wilson

Understanding Thread Pitch

Formula

Pitch (mm) = 25.4 ÷ TPI;
Tap drill = Major diameter − (1 ÷ TPI)

Thread pitch is the distance between adjacent threads, measured in threads per inch (TPI) for imperial or millimeters for metric fasteners.

The tap drill diameter is the hole size needed to cut internal threads. The clearance drill is the hole size that allows a bolt to pass through freely.

Common use cases:

  • Drilling tap holes for bolts
  • Identifying unknown fastener threads
  • Converting between metric and imperial threads

Frequently Asked Questions

JW

James Wilson

Licensed Professional Engineer, PE, MS Civil Engineering

James is a Licensed Professional Engineer with a Master's in Civil Engineering and over 12 years of experience in structural design and construction project management. He specializes in building calculations, material estimation, and physics-based engineering tools.

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