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.
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.
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'. It's a historical Roman term (denarius). Originally, it referred to the cost of 100 nails in England (e.g., 100 six-penny nails cost 6 pence). Today, it strictly denotes the length of the nail.
Common nails have a thicker shank and are stronger, making them ideal for structural framing. Box nails have a thinner shank, which reduces the chance of splitting the wood, but they have less holding power. Use Box nails for siding or thinner materials.
Nail gauge refers to the thickness of the wire used to make the nail. The system works in reverse: a higher gauge number means a thinner nail. For example, a 16-gauge finish nail is thinner than a 10-gauge common nail.
The penny (d) system is primarily used in the United States and Canada. Most other countries use metric measurements (millimeters) for both length and diameter. This chart includes both inches and millimeter conversions.