DECIMAL SIZE vs. NOMINAL DIAMETER SIZE

To determine the proper nominal diameter size of a screw, you will need a caliper. Some calipers have LED read-outs in decimals. The\se decimal numbers will need to be converted into a whole number to determine what the diameter of the machine screw is. Check the chart below for easy decimal to diameter conversions for machine screws.

Decimals
Diameters
Decimals
Diameters
.060
=
#0
.125
=
#5
.073
=
#1
.138
=
#6
.086
=
#2
.164
=
#8
.099
=
#3
.190
=
#10
.112
=
#4
.216
=
#12

Diameters 1/4 inch and larger are converted from decimals to fractions in 1/16 inch increments.

(a)
MAJOR DIAMETER:
 The largest diameter of a screw thread; measured from the crests on external threads and the roots on internal threads.
(b)
PITCH DIAMETER:
 The imaginary diameter equal distance between the major and minor diameters.
(c)
MINOR DIAMETER:
 The smaller diameter of a screw thread; measured from the roots on external threads and the crests on internal threads.
(d)
THREAD PITCH:
 The distance between a given point on a thread and a corresponding point on the next thread. Also referred to as the "lead" which is the distance a screw will advance during one turn.

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