A #5 drill measures 0.2055 inch (5.220 mm). The closest fractional drill is 13/64" (0.2031") and the closest metric drill is 5.2 mm (0.2047").
What are the #5 drill equivalents?
| Drill | System | Decimal (in) | mm | Difference (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #5 | number | 0.2055 | 5.220 | 0 |
| 13/64" | fraction | 0.2031 | 5.159 | -0.0024 |
| #6 | number | 0.2040 | 5.182 | -0.0015 |
| 5.2 mm | metric | 0.2047 | 5.200 | -0.0008 |
Drill sets that include this size
Number and letter sizes come in indexed sets; buy the set rather than single drills.
What speed should a #5 drill run?
| Material | RPM (HSS) | Feed (in/rev) |
|---|---|---|
| 6061-T6 aluminum | 3,717 | 0.0041 |
| 360 free-machining brass | 2,788 | 0.0037 |
| 1018 cold rolled steel | 1,487 | 0.0031 |
| 304 stainless steel | 743 | 0.0021 |
Starting points from conservative HSS drilling speeds. Small drills often call for more RPM than a benchtop drill press offers; run at the top speed and feed gently. Use cutting oil in steel and stainless, and clamp the work: never hold it by hand.
Cutting fluid for drilling
Frequently asked questions
What is a #5 drill in inches?
0.2055 inch, which is 5.220 mm. Number drills get smaller as the number rises, so the next number up is a smaller drill. If you do not have this exact size, 5.2 mm is within 0.0008 inch.
What tap uses a #5 drill?
No common UNC or UNF thread uses it as its standard 75% tap drill, but it often serves as an alternative drill for a slightly different percentage of thread, or as a clearance or pilot size. The tap drill chart lists every standard pairing.