Drill bit sizes for drilling screw pilot holes

Drill Bit Sizes For Pre-Drilling For Screws
Most Commonly Used Sizes In Bold

Screw Size Pilot hole size for hardwoods* Pilot hole size for softwood**
#1 3/64" 1/32"
#2 3/64" 3/32"
#3 1/16" 3/64"
#4 1/16" 3/64"
#5 5/64" 1/16"
#6 3/32" 5/64"
#7 3/32" 5/64"
#8 1/8" 3/32"
#9 1/8" 3/32"
#10 1/8" 7/64"
#11 5/32" 9/64"
#12 9/64" 1/8

These are suggested and common drill bit sizes.  Be sure to verify correctness prior to drilling and watch out for depth of pilot hole.