A #12 drill measures 0.1890 inch (4.801 mm). The closest fractional drill is 3/16" (0.1875") and the closest metric drill is 4.8 mm (0.1890").
What are the #12 drill equivalents?
| Drill | System | Decimal (in) | mm | Difference (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #12 | number | 0.1890 | 4.801 | 0 |
| 3/16" | fraction | 0.1875 | 4.762 | -0.0015 |
| 4.8 mm | metric | 0.1890 | 4.800 | +0.0000 |
| #11 | number | 0.1910 | 4.851 | +0.0020 |
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 #12 drill run?
| Material | RPM (HSS) | Feed (in/rev) |
|---|---|---|
| 6061-T6 aluminum | 4,042 | 0.0038 |
| 360 free-machining brass | 3,032 | 0.0034 |
| 1018 cold rolled steel | 1,617 | 0.0028 |
| 304 stainless steel | 808 | 0.0019 |
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 #12 drill in inches?
0.1890 inch, which is 4.801 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, 4.8 mm is within 0.0000 inch.
What tap uses a #12 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.