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Bettesworth Construction
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What Size Is a 10 mm Drill Bit in Standard Measurements?

A 10 mm drill bit equals 0.3937 inches. The nearest common fraction, 25/64 inch, is slightly smaller—not an exact match.

By Bettesworth Construction Team 1 min read
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A 10 mm drill bit measures 0.3937 inches. The nearest common fractional size is 25/64 inch, but it measures 0.3906 inches—about 0.0031 inch (0.078 mm) smaller. Use a 10 mm bit when the specified diameter matters; treat 25/64 inch as an approximation only when that small difference is acceptable.

10 mm drill bit conversion

To convert millimetres to inches, divide by 25.4, since 1 inch equals 25.4 mm. For a 10 mm bit, 10 ÷ 25.4 = approximately 0.3937 inches. The conversion reference lists the nominal size as 10.000 mm, or 0.3937 inches (ShopMath).

Is 25/64 inch the same as 10 mm?

No. The nearest common fractional drill size listed for 10 mm is 25/64 inch, which measures 0.3906 inches (UK Drills). Compared with 10 mm (0.3937 inches), it is about 0.0031 inch, or 0.078 mm, smaller. It is a nearby substitute, not an exact equivalent.

Nominal drill size Decimal inches Difference from 10 mm
10 mm 0.3937 in Exact nominal metric size
25/64 in 0.3906 in About 0.0031 in (0.078 mm) smaller

Which bit should you use?

  • Choose 10 mm when a plan, fitting, or specification calls for a 10 mm hole and the nominal diameter matters.
  • Consider 25/64 inch only if the application allows a slightly smaller hole. Check the fit or specification rather than assuming the sizes are interchangeable.

Why the finished hole may differ from the bit size

A bit’s marking gives its nominal diameter, not a guarantee that the finished hole will measure exactly that size. Bit wear, run-out, and the material being drilled can affect the cut. Account for the operation and material when a close-tolerance hole is required.

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10mm Metric M35 Cobalt Steel Extremely Heat Resistant Twist Drill Bit of 1pcs with Straight Shank to Cut Through Hard Metals Such as Stainless Steel and Cast Iron, 5% Cobalt M35 Grade HSS-CO
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For tapping, use the thread specification

A 10 mm conversion alone does not determine the right tap-drill size. Tapping requires the thread specification and a matching tap-drill chart; the nearest inch fraction is not a substitute for that information.

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  • [1]: APPLY TO - The drill bit is suitable for daily equipment maintenance and repair, low-intensity applications, and medium to low-hardness metals, including common stainless steel, steel, aluminum alloy, and copper. It is also effective for drilling wood and plastic materials, making it an excellent choice for various DIY projects around the home.
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  • Drill Bit Size: The drill bit Cutting Edge Diameter : 10mm / 0.39inches; Shank Diameter : 10mm / 0.39inches; Cutting Edge Length: 90mm / 3.54inches; overall length of 130mm/5.12 inches
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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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