Drill Bit Size Chart for Common Wood Screws
A pilot-hole size is not determined by screw diameter alone. Thread design, wood density, screw length and whether the screw is cutting its own path all matter. The chart below is a practical starting point for the wood-screw sizes supported by our current finder.
Starting sizes
| Screw | Hardwood starting bit | Softwood starting bit |
|---|---|---|
| #4 | 5/64 in. | 1/16 in. |
| #6 | 7/64 in. | 3/32 in. |
| #8 | 1/8 in. | 7/64 in. |
| #10 | 9/64 in. | 1/8 in. |
| #12 | 5/32 in. | 9/64 in. |
| #14 | 11/64 in. | 5/32 in. |
What the table means
These are starting recommendations, not universal engineering specifications. You want the pilot hole to help the threads enter the wood without forcing the screw and without removing so much material that the threads lose useful bite.
When to verify
For dense hardwoods, long structural connections, engineered panels or a particular screw brand, check the screw maker's guidance. Specialty screws can have different pilot-hole requirements.
Use the finder
The Drill Bit / Screw Finder turns the same starting table into a quick interactive lookup. For more context, read the pilot-hole guide.