---
type: "drill"
designation: "23/32"
series: "fractional"
series_name: "Fractional Drill Sizes"
diameter_in: 0.71875
diameter_mm: 18.25625
fraction_label: "23/32"
standard: "ANSI/ASME B94.11M; BS 328"
verified: "August 1, 2026"
url: https://shopmath.org/drills/fractional/23-32
---

# 23/32 Drill Bit Size — 0.7188 in / 18.256 mm

A 23/32 drill bit is 0.7188 in (18.256 mm) in diameter. It belongs to the fractional series of standard twist drills. It is the recommended tap drill for 1/2-14 NPT, 1/2-14 NPTF.

- **Designation**: 23/32
- **Series**: Fractional
- **Diameter**: 0.7188 in (18.256 mm)
- **Fraction**: 23/32

## 23/32 Drill Diameter

| Property | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Designation | 23/32 |
| Series | Fractional |
| Diameter (in) | 0.7188 |
| Diameter (mm) | 18.256 |
| Fractional call-out | 23/32 |

## 23/32 Drill Equivalents in the Other Size Series

The nearest standard drill to 23/32 in each of the other three series. Nothing here is an exact match unless the difference column reads 0.0000 in.

| Series | Nearest drill | Diameter (in) | Diameter (mm) | Difference |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Number | [#1](https://shopmath.org/drills/number/1.md) | 0.2280 | 5.791 | -0.4908 in |
| Letter | [Z](https://shopmath.org/drills/letter/z.md) | 0.4130 | 10.490 | -0.3058 in |
| Metric | [18.25 mm](https://shopmath.org/drills/metric/18-25mm.md) | 0.7185 | 18.250 | -0.0002 in |

## Threads Tapped With a 23/32 Drill

| Thread | Pitch | Thread engagement (%) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [1/2-14 NPT](https://shopmath.org/threads/npt/1-2.md) | 14 TPI | — |
| [1/2-14 NPTF](https://shopmath.org/threads/nptf/1-2.md) | 14 TPI | — |

_Engagement is what the real drill leaves with a cut tap, not the requested target._

## Sources and Method for the 23/32 Drill Size

### Drill index

- **Source**: Number/letter: bd_warehouse drill_sizes.csv (Apache-2.0) cross-checked against Wikipedia Drill bit sizes (CC BY-SA 4.0). Fractional: computed 1/64 in steps per ANSI B94.11M. Metric: computed BS 328 increment pattern.
- **Method**: computed
- **Verified against**: Wikipedia Drill bit sizes (CC BY-SA 4.0); 31/31 checks passed

### Assumptions

- Drill diameters are nominal. A worn or run-out drill cuts oversize; measure the hole, not the shank, when the fit matters.
- Dataset scope: Number sizes #61-#80 are stored but tagged demandTier 'extended' — query-space-map.md Appendix A found the tail thinning in the 60s. Sizes below #80 and metric sizes above 25.0 mm excluded.

**Data last verified**: August 1, 2026

## Common Questions About the 23/32 Drill Bit

### What size is a 23/32 drill bit size?

A 23/32 drill bit is 0.7188 in (18.256 mm) in diameter. The nearest fractional call-out is 23/32.

### What is the metric equivalent of a 23/32 drill bit?

The closest metric drill to 23/32 (0.7188 in (18.256 mm)) is 18.25 mm at 0.7185 in (18.250 mm) — a difference of 0.0002 in.

### What thread does a 23/32 drill bit tap?

A 23/32 drill is the recommended tap drill for 1/2-14 NPT, 1/2-14 NPTF. Each leaves the thread engagement shown in the table above with a cut tap.

## Related pages

- Next size down (any series): [18.25 mm](https://shopmath.org/drills/metric/18-25mm.md) — 0.7185 in (18.250 mm)
- Next size up (any series): [18.5 mm](https://shopmath.org/drills/metric/18-5mm.md) — 0.7283 in (18.500 mm)
- Previous in the fractional series: [45/64](https://shopmath.org/drills/fractional/45-64.md)
- Next in the fractional series: [47/64](https://shopmath.org/drills/fractional/47-64.md)
- All fractional sizes: [Fractional drill sizes](https://shopmath.org/drills/fractional.md)
- All drill sizes: [Drill bit size reference](https://shopmath.org/drills.md)
- Complete index by diameter: [Drill size chart](https://shopmath.org/charts/drill-sizes.md)
- Tap drills by thread: [Tap drill chart](https://shopmath.org/charts/tap-drill.md)

---

*Source: [ShopMath](https://shopmath.org/drills/fractional/23-32) — data verified August 1, 2026. Reference data; verify against the governing standard before manufacture.*