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Bettesworth Construction
clearance holes

M5 Screw Size Explained: Thread Diameter, Pitch, Hole Sizes and Uses

M5 is a nominal 5 mm metric thread size, not a screw length or head dimension. Learn how pitch, tapping and clearance holes, head styles and matching nuts affect choosing an M5 fastener.

By Bettesworth Construction Team 4 min read

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M5 means a metric screw thread with a nominal diameter of 5 mm. It does not specify the screw’s length, head style, material or strength. For the common coarse thread, the designation is M5 × 0.8: 0.8 mm is the distance between adjacent threads. If you are choosing a drill, first decide whether you need a smaller hole to tap or a larger clearance hole for a screw to pass through.

What does M5 mean?

In a metric fastener designation, M identifies a metric thread and 5 is its nominal diameter in millimetres. That is the thread size—not the head diameter or the screw’s length. ISO 262:2023 defines selected metric diameter-and-pitch combinations for commercial fasteners, drawing those combinations from ISO 261; ISO 724:2023 covers the basic dimensions of general-purpose metric screw threads. ISO 262:2023 and ISO 724:2023 are the current editions cited here, both published in April 2023.

A complete specification may need the thread pitch, screw length, head style and drive, material or coating, and property class. It should also identify the mating nut or tapped hole. “M5” by itself is not enough to determine whether a particular fastener will fit a joint or withstand its loads.

What is the pitch of an M5 screw?

The common coarse pitch for M5 is 0.8 mm, written M5 × 0.8. Pitch is the distance from one thread form to the next, not the screw’s length. The MLC engineering guide lists this as the common coarse M5 pitch. MLC engineering guide

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Fgruh 272PCS M5 Socket Screws Assortment Kit, M5x8/10/12/16/20/25/30/35 mm
  • 【Product Details】- This M5 screw assortment kit comes with a total of 272 pieces, includes 72pcs hex socket head bolts,40pcs hex nuts, 80pcs flat washers, 80pcs spring washers, and a mini wrench.The m5 metric socket head cap screw kit feature 8 commonly used lengths—M5-0.8 x 8mm, 10mm,12mm, 16mm,20mm,25mm,30mm,35mm—ideal for routine installations and repairs. They meet standard metric specs, the average error is less than 0.01mm.
  • 【High Quality】– Made of durable 12.9 alloy steel 5mm black hardware kit with oil-free black galvanizing for corrosion resistance. Smooth, burr-free surface with precise threading ensures secure fastening. Good rust resistance for indoor/light outdoor use. Perfect for demanding applications requiring strength and reliability.
  • 【Wide Applications】This M5 hex socket head bolts assorted kit is perfect for all sorts of building and repair projects. Whether you’re into 3D printing, working on RC cars, fixing small electronics, or tackling DIY jobs—these screws have you covered.
  • 【Organized Storage Box 】- The M5 machine screw set comes in a durable, compartmentalized case with clear size labels—so you can spot the right screw instantly. Keeps your workspace tidy and speeds up project progress, making every job smoother.
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When ordering or matching fasteners, confirm the pitch as well as the nominal diameter. A mating nut or tapped hole must have a compatible thread; an M5 diameter alone does not establish that compatibility if a different pitch is specified.

What drill size for an M5 screw?

There is no single drill size for every M5 application. The correct size depends on whether you are cutting internal threads in a part or letting the screw pass through a part to a nut or threaded component.

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Hincell 210pcs M5 Phillips Pan Head Machine Screws, Metric Screws Bolts Washers Nuts Kit, 304 Stainless Steel (M5 x 6mm / 8mm / 12mm / 16mm / 20mm / 25mm / 30mm)
  • ➤【Sizes Combination】: M5 screw kit of M5 x 6mm /8mm /12mm /16mm /20mm /25mm /30mm phillips pan head machine screws with matching hex nuts, spring lock washers and flat washers, total 7 sizes and 210 pieces, different sizes and enough quantities can meet your different daily needs.
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  • ➤【Wide Applications】Widely used in all kinds of 3D printers, computers, lamps, cabinets and bicycle repair.precision machinery industry, classified instruments, instruments, electronic products, printed projects, household appliances, communication products, locks, lamps, lights, toys, etc.
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Hole purpose or fit M5 × 0.8 drill diameter in the MLC guide Use
Tap-drill hole 4.2 mm Prepare a hole for tapping internal M5 × 0.8 threads.
Close-fit clearance hole 5.3 mm Allow the screw to pass through with relatively little clearance.
Medium-fit clearance hole 5.5 mm Provide the guide’s medium-clearance option.
Coarse-fit clearance hole 5.8 mm Provide the guide’s coarse-clearance option.

These practical dimensions are those given by the MLC engineering guide, which shows a review date of 12 September 2026. They are not a universal drill recommendation for all drawings or assemblies. Use the fit specified by the design or applicable engineering requirements.

What is the difference between an M5 tap drill and a clearance hole?

A tap-drill hole is deliberately smaller because a tap cuts the internal thread into its wall. For the guide’s coarse M5 × 0.8 example, that drill is 4.2 mm, followed by an M5 × 0.8 tap. A clearance hole is larger than the screw’s nominal thread diameter so the screw can pass through one component without threading into it; the threaded engagement is provided by a nut or another part.

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Fgruh 270PCS M5 Socket Screws Assortment Kit, M5x6/8/10/12/16/20/25/30 mm
  • 【Perfect for DIY Projects】 This M5 screw assortment kit are ideal for hobbyists working with 3D printing, electronics, RC models, DIY repairs, chair replacement and CNC machinery, offering precision for intricate designs.
  • 【Standardized Metric Sizes】 The M5 hex socket head cap screws assorted kit come with 8 commonly used lengths—M5-0.8 x 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 16mm,20mm,25mm,30mm,35mm,M5 bolt pitch 0.8 mm, ideal for routine installations and repairs. They meet standard metric specs, the average error is less than 0.01mm.
  • 【304 Stainless Steel Material 】 M5 bolts and nuts set are made of high-quality 304 stainless steel, which resist corrosion and rust, with smooth threads and high hardness for secure fastening, heavy-load capacity, and long-term use in all conditions.
  • 【Smart Storage Box 】The 5mm hardware screws kit comes in a durable, compartmentalized case with clear size labels—so you can spot the right screw instantly. Keeps your workspace tidy and speeds up project progress, making every job smoother.
  • 【Quality Service】 Backed by rigorous quality control, Fgruh guarantees reliable metric screw assortment kit for your projects. Enjoy peace of mind with our 24-month warranty and dedicated customer support.

Do not use the 4.2 mm tapping figure as a general-purpose hole size for M5 screws. Conversely, a clearance-hole size is not the correct starting point for cutting an M5 thread. The hole’s purpose and required fit determine which dimension applies.

What head sizes and styles are available for an M5 screw?

M5 identifies the thread, not the head. The MLC guide gives the following example head dimensions and drives. These are the guide’s figures; verify the actual fastener and its cited product standard before using dimensions in a design.

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Fgruh 2640PCS M2 M3 M4 M5 Metric Socket Button Head Screws Assortment Kit
  • 【4 Sizes Metric Screw Assortment Kit】This 2640pcs screws set includes M2-0.4, M3-0.5, M4-0.7, M5-0.8 sizes with precise thread diameters (2mm/3mm/4mm/5mm). Lenths of the thread M2x4mm/8mm/12mm/16mm. M3x4mm/8mm/12mm/16mm. M4x6mm/8mm/12mm/16mm. M5x8mm/12mm/16mm/20mm.According with standardized metric system. And the average error is less than 0.01mm,perfect for professional and DIY projects.
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Head style Guide’s example maximum diameter Guide’s example maximum height Example drive
Pan 9.5 mm 3.7 mm PH2/PZ2
Countersunk 9.3 mm 2.7 mm PH2/PZ2
Socket cap 8.5 mm 5 mm 4 mm hex key
Button 9.5 mm 2.75 mm 3 mm hex key
Cheese 8.5 mm 3.3 mm 1.2 mm slot

Head profile affects clearance, appearance and tool access. Pan and cheese heads sit above the surface; a countersunk head requires a matching countersink. Socket-cap and button heads use hex keys, but their heights differ. The listed examples are from the MLC engineering guide.

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What size nut fits an M5 screw?

Choose a nut with a compatible M5 thread and pitch. ISO 4033:2023 covers steel and stainless-steel high hexagon nuts, style 2, with coarse-pitch metric threads from M5 to M39 and product grades A and B. Its scope establishes that M5 coarse-pitch high nuts are a standardized category; it does not make every nut style, material or grade suitable for every joint. See the ISO 4033:2023 scope and confirm the nut’s specification against the fastener and assembly.

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Bemaka 200PCS Black M5 Button Head Hex Socket Cap Screws, M5 x 30/35/40/45/50mm Metric Screws Bolts Nuts Washers Assortment Kit, 10.9 Grade Alloy Steel
  • Product introduce: M5 Button Head Hex Socket Cap Screws; This M5 screw kit is equipped with matching nuts, lock washers and flat washers. These metric screws can help you to repair all kinds of electrical appliances and furniture in your daily life.
  • Product material: M5 button head screws are made of 10.9 grade alloy steel, which is strong and sturdy, corrosion resistant and oxidation resistant. These m5 hex screws can also be used in humid environment for a long time.
  • Product features: Head style: button head; Drive type: hex socket; Our m5 screw set comes with a hex wrench, which is convenient for you to install. M5 screws bolts nuts washers are packed in a labeled plastic box, which is easy to storage, select and use.
  • Product application: These M5 screws are perfect for mechanical equipment, electronic products, furniture, toys, buildings, household appliances, etc.
  • Product content: Our M5 screws bolts kit comes in 5 different sizes, M5 x 30mm/35mm/40mm/45mm/50mm screws, total 200pcs(50pcs Screws, 50pcs nuts, 50pcs lock washers, 50pcs flat washers) with a hex wrench.

Where are M5 screws used?

The MLC guide names machine guards, panel fixings, bicycle bottle cages and electrical enclosures as examples of M5 applications. They are examples, not a complete list or a recommendation for a particular construction joint. In any application, choose length for the material thickness and required thread engagement, and account for the head’s space and tool access. The guide does not prescribe one universal M5 length.

How should you choose an M5 screw for a joint?

  1. Confirm the thread. Check that M5 is the required nominal diameter and establish the pitch, commonly 0.8 mm for coarse thread.
  2. Identify the hole’s purpose. Use a tap-drill dimension when making internal threads; use a clearance-hole dimension when the screw passes through a component. Follow the drawing or engineering requirements for fit.
  3. Specify the fastener details. Select the length, head profile, drive, material or coating, and property class needed for the assembly.
  4. Match the mating hardware. Verify that the nut or tapped component has the compatible thread, material and grade.
  5. Use joint-specific engineering data for safety-critical choices. Thread diameter alone does not establish a safe load, tightening torque or suitable strength class.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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