The ultimate reference for carpenters and DIYers. Convert penny sizes (d) to inches and millimeters, check wire gauges, and find the right nail for framing, finishing, or roofing. Export print-perfect PDFs instantly.
Framing • Common
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Type: Common • Letter
| Size (d) | Length (in) | Gauge |
|---|---|---|
| 2d | 1" | 15 ga |
| 3d | 1.25" | 14 ga |
| 4d | 1.5" | 12.5 ga |
| 5d | 1.75" | 12.5 ga |
| 6d | 2" | 11.5 ga |
| 7d | 2.25" | 11.5 ga |
| 8d | 2.5" | 10.25 ga |
| 9d | 2.75" | 10.25 ga |
| 10d | 3" | 9 ga |
| 12d | 3.25" | 9 ga |
| 16d | 3.5" | 8 ga |
| 20d | 4" | 6 ga |
| 30d | 4.5" | 5 ga |
| 40d | 5" | 4 ga |
| 50d | 5.5" | 3 ga |
| 60d | 6" | 2 ga |
Note: 'd' (penny) sizes are historical. Always verify actual length for critical framing.
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The "penny" system (abbreviated as "d") is an old English measure. Originally, it meant the price for 100 nails. Today, it indicates length. For example, a 2d nail is 1 inch long, while a 16d nail is 3.5 inches long.
Different jobs require different nail types. Use the Type filter to switch between Common, Box, Finish, and others.
Understanding the "Gauge" hierarchy for modern trim work using nail guns.
| Gauge | Name | Use Case | Head Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 Ga | Finish Nailer | Door jambs, heavy trim | Large (Angled) |
| 16 Ga | Finish Nailer | Baseboards, casing | Medium (Straight) |
| 18 Ga | Brad Nailer | Shoe mold, thin trim | Small |
| 23 Ga | Pin Nailer | Delicate molding, glass bead | Invisible |
You must buy nails that match your gun's magazine angle. Confused in the store aisle? Here's the guide.
| Angle | Collation Type | Capacity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21° | Plastic Strip | Low (~25) | Full round head, shoots debris |
| 28° | Wire Weld | Medium | "Wire collated" |
| 30-34° | Paper Tape | High (~40) | Compact, no flying plastic |
Approximate count for standard Common Nails. Useful for buying bulk boxes (5lb, 50lb).
| Penny Size (d) | Length | Nails per lb (Approx) |
|---|---|---|
| 2d | 1" | ~850 |
| 4d | 1.5" | ~300 |
| 8d | 2.5" | ~100 |
| 16d | 3.5" | ~45 |
| 20d | 4" | ~30 |
Where to use what - choosing the right coating for your project environment.
| Coating | Appearance | Use Case | Rust Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bright | Shiny Silver | Indoor Framing | Low (Will rust) |
| Electro-Galvanized | Dull Grey | Bathrooms / Covered | Medium |
| Hot-Dipped Galv | Rough Grey | Outdoor / Decks | High |
| Stainless Steel | Shiny Silver | Cedar / Redwood / Sea | Extreme |
| Vinyl Coated | Green/Yellow | Sinker Nails | Lubrication only |
Use 16d (3.5") and 10d (3") Common or Sinker nails for framing walls and securing 2x lumber.
Use 4d (1.5") to 8d (2.5") Finish or Casing nails. Their small heads hide well in door frames and molding.
Roofing nails have large heads to hold shingles. Siding nails (often Box or Sinker) are thinner to prevent splitting wood siding.
Nail length and gauge should be checked against the material thickness and the fastening method. Before selecting a fastener length, confirm the actual board thickness in the Lumber Size chart. If the project changes from nails to screws or pre-drilled fasteners, use the Screw Size chart and pilot hole drill bit sizes before drilling.
Switching from nails to screws, dowels, or pre-drilled fasteners? Use the pilot hole drill bit sizes chart to compare fractional, wire-gauge, and metric drill sizes before drilling. For structural fastening, follow the fastener manufacturer, building code, or project specification rather than a general chart alone.
Complete your fastener reference set with these essentials.
| Size | Pilot | Clear |
|---|---|---|
| #4 | 1/16" | 9/64" |
| #6 | 5/64" | 11/64" |
| #8 | 3/32" | 13/64" |
| #10 | 7/64" | 1/4" |
| #12 | 1/8" | 17/64" |
| 1/4" | - | F |
| 5/16" | - | P |
| 3/8" | - | W |
| M4 | 2.5mm | 4.5mm |
| M6 | 3.5mm | 6.6mm |
Identify screw sizes, thread pitches, and head types for woodworking and repairs.
View chart| Size | Pitch/TPI | Head |
|---|---|---|
| M3 | 0.5 | 5.5 |
| M4 | 0.7 | 7.0 |
| M5 | 0.8 | 8.0 |
| M6 | 1.0 | 10.0 |
| M8 | 1.25 | 13.0 |
| 1/4" | 20 | 7/16" |
| 5/16" | 18 | 1/2" |
| 3/8" | 16 | 9/16" |
Metric and imperial bolt, screw, and thread pitch reference.
View chart| Number | Fraction | Decimal (in) | Millimeters |
|---|---|---|---|
| #80 | — | 0.0135 | 0.34 |
| #50 | — | 0.0700 | 1.78 |
| #52 | 1/16" | 0.0625 | 1.59 |
| #41 | 3/32" | 0.0938 | 2.38 |
| #22 | 5/32" | 0.1562 | 3.97 |
| #11 | 3/16" | 0.1875 | 4.76 |
| #7 | 13/64" | 0.2031 | 5.16 |
| — | — | 0.2570 | 6.53 |
| — | 3/8" | 0.3750 | 9.53 |
| — | 1/2" | 0.5000 | 12.70 |
Numbered, lettered, metric, and fractional drill bit reference.
View chart| Nominal | Actual Size |
|---|---|
| 1 x 2 | 3/4" x 1 1/2" |
| 1 x 3 | 3/4" x 2 1/2" |
| 1 x 4 | 3/4" x 3 1/2" |
| 2 x 4 | 1 1/2" x 3 1/2" |
| 2 x 6 | 1 1/2" x 5 1/2" |
| 2 x 8 | 1 1/2" x 7 1/4" |
| 4 x 4 | 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" |
| 4/4 | 13/16" |
| 8/4 | 1 3/4" |
| 3/4" Ply | 23/32" |
Nominal vs actual lumber sizes for woodworking and construction planning.
View chartExplore more: All Charts · Categories · Use Cases
The “d” stands for “penny,” from the historical term denarius. In modern nail sizing, it is used as a size label that mainly indicates nail length, such as 6d, 8d, or 16d.
Common nails usually have a thicker shank and are often used for framing and general construction. Box nails have a thinner shank, which can reduce splitting in thinner material, but they generally have less holding power. Match the nail type to the material and project specification.
Nail gauge refers to the wire thickness used to make the nail. Higher gauge numbers usually mean thinner nails. For example, a 16-gauge finish nail is thinner than a 10-gauge common nail.
No. The penny system is mainly used in the United States and Canada, while many other countries use metric length and diameter. Use the chart as a reference, then confirm local standards, manufacturer data, or project specifications when required.