Bolt Thread Size Guide

Determining the correct bolt size is crucial for achieving project success. The right bolt will ensure that your project performs as designed with optimal functionality. Additionally, the correct fastener will reinforce project security and ensure safety for all involved. Applications with the proper fasteners ensure reliability and consistency for all projects, no matter the industry.

Understanding bolt threading will help determine which bolt offers the best solution for your project. As leaders in the bolt-threading industry, Oster is prepared to assist you with any questions and guide you to ideal results. Contact Oster today to learn more.

Measuring Bolts & Bolt Threads

Determining the correct bolt requires an understanding of fastener sizes and measurements. The size of a bolt is determined by the diameter of the bolt’s shank, which is separate from the bolt head. Bolt diameter is commonly separated into three categories:

  • Major diameter: The largest and most outer diameter of a bolt’s shank.
  • Pitch diameter: The diameter where the thread thickness equals the space between the threads.
  • Minor diameter: The smallest and most interior diameter of a bolt’s shank.

Diagram showing minor, pitch, and major diameters of bolt

Bolt Thread Size Chart

The following bolt thread size chart includes dimensions of common bolt sizes. Each bolt size includes information about UNC and UNF threading, with UNC thread specifications on the top and UNF details below. Class 2A is acceptable for many applications and Unified Thread Standard (UTS) bolt classes.

Size

Threads Per Inch

Class Thread

Major Diameter

Min

Max

Pitch Diameter

Min

Max

Minor Diameter

1/4

20

2A

0.2489

0.2408

0.2164

0.2127

0.1876

28

2A

0.2490

0.2425

0.2258

0.2225

0.2052

5/16

18

2A

0.3113

0.3026

0.2752

0.2712

0.2431

24

2A

0.3114

0.3042

0.2843

0.2806

0.2603

3/8

16

2A

0.3737

0.3643

0.3331

0.3287

0.2970

24

2A

0.3739

0.3667

0.3468

0.3430

0.3228

7/16

14

2A

0.4361

0.4258

0.3897

0.3850

0.3485

20

2A

0.4362

0.4281

0.4237

0.3995

0.3749

1/2

13

2A

0.4985

0.4876

0.4485

0.4435

0.4041

20

2A

0.4987

0.4906

0.4662

0.4619

0.4374

9/16

12

2A

0.5609

0.5495

0.5068

0.5016

0.4587

18

2A

0.5611

0.5524

0.5250

0.5205

0.4929

5/8

11

2A

0.6234

0.6113

0.5644

0.5589

0.5119

18

2A

0.6236

0.6149

0.5875

0.5828

0.5449

3/4

10

2A

0.7482

0.7353

0.6832

0.6773

0.6255

16

2A

0.7485

0.7391

0.7079

0.7029

0.6718

7/8

9

2A

0.8731

0.8592

0.8009

0.7946

0.7368

14

2A

0.8734

0.8631

0.8270

0.8216

0.7858

1

8

2A

0.9980

0.9830

0.9168

0.9100

0.8446

12

2A

0.9982

0.9868

0.9441

0.9382

0.8960

Contact Oster Today for All Your Bolt Threading Needs

Oster is a leading expert in the bolt threading industry. With exceptional threading machines, knowledgeable experts, and exemplary customer service, we are your trusted partner for all bolt threading needs.

Contact Oster for more information, or request a quote today to get started.

Let Us Answer Your Custom Applications or Technical Questions

Get technical support from pipe and bolt threading machine experts. When you call Oster Manufacturing there is always a human being on the other end of the line. We have skilled technicians and sales experts on hand to take your call.

If you’re interested in a machine or tooling for a non-standard threading application, we are happy to consult with you on the project. We can create custom engineered solutions to make your project idea a reality. We also manufacture a variety of custom tooling for special projects and keep them in stock for you. Never wait for tooling for a difficult project again.

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