Thread Chart (UNF-UNC) - Major and Minor Diameters

unified national thread chart

There are various thread types and sizes to choose from these days.  Occasionally, you need to know the dimensions associated with those threads, so we're developing posts like this one to make it easy for you.

You'll find a quick reference chart for UNC/UNF - Unified National Threads in this post.  If you're new to any of the terminology, scroll down past the chart, and you'll find a list of definitions to help you better.  The chart below will focus on the major diameters for external threads and the minor diameters for internal threads.  We've included the image below to show these areas better.

major diameter of threadsmajor diameter of threads
minor diameter of threadsminor diameter of threads

THREAD CHART (UNF-UNC THREADS)

Thread Designation UNF / UNC Threads per Inch

Basic Major Diameter

(External Threads)

Basic Minor Diameter

(Internal Threads)

0-80 UNF 80 0.060 0.047
1-64 UNC 64 0.073 0.056
2-56 UNC 56 0.086 0.067
2-64 UNF 64 0.086 0.069
4-40 UNC 40 0.112 0.085
5-40 UNC 40 0.125 0.098
5-44 UNF 44 0.125 0.100
6-32 UNC 32 0.136 0.104
6-40 UNF 40  0.136 0.111
8-32 UNC 32 0.164 0.130
8-36 UNF 36 0.164 0.134
10-24 UNC 24 0.190 0.145
10-32 UNF 32 0.190 0.156
1/4-20 UNC 20 0.250 0.196
1/4-28 UNF 28 0.250 0.211
5/16-18 UNC 18 0.313 0.252
5/16-24 UNF 24 0.313 0.267
3/8-16 UNC 16 0.375 0.307
3/8-24 UNF 24 0.375 0.330
7/16-14 UNC 14 0.438 0.360
7/16-20 UNF 20 0.438 0.383
1/2-13 UNC 13 0.500 0.417
1/2-20 UNF 20 0.500 0.446
9/16-12 UNC 12 0.563 0.472
9/16-18 UNF 18 0.563 0.502
5/8-11 UNC 11 0.625 0.527
5/8-18 UNF 18 0.625 0.565
3/4-10 UNC 10 0.750 0.642
3/4-16 UNF 16 0.750 0.682
7/8-9 UNC 9 0.875 0.755
7/8-14 UNF 14 0.875 0.798
1-8 UNC 8 1.000 0.865
1-14 UNF 14 1.000 0.910
1 1/8-7 UNC 7 1.125 0.970
1 1/8-12 UNF 12 1.125 1.035
1 1/4-7 UNC 7 1.250 1.095
1 3/8-6 UNC 6 1.375 1.195
1 1/2-6 UNC 6 1.500 1.320
1 3/4-5 UNC 5 1.750 1.534
2-4.5 UNC 4 1/2 2.000 1.759

Download Full Standard Thread Chart

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Standard Thread ChartStandard Thread Chart

Basics of UNF and UNC Threads

UNF and UNC threads are the most common types of UN (Unified National) threads. 

COARSE VS FINE THREADSCOARSE VS FINE THREADS

UNC Threads

UNC threads are unified coarse pitch threads.

  • Less likely to cross-thread
  • Faster assembly and disassembly (Generally used in mass production)
  • Large thread allowances allow for thicker platings & coatings
  • Fewer threads per distance compared to fine threads

UNF Threads

UNF threads are unified fine pitch threads.

  • Allow for closer adjustment accuracy due to the smaller helix angle
  • Require less torque to develop equivalent bolt preloads
  • Fine thread is stronger in both tension (due to larger stress area) and shear (larger minor diameter) 
  • Less tendency to loosen since the thread incline is smaller
  • Generally used for applications that need high fastener strength

Thread Fit

Thread fit is a measure of looseness or tightness of mating thread.  It is specified to designate the amount of tolerance allowance and installation fit desired. There are three different classes of thread fit that they come in:

  • Classes 1A (external) & 1B (internal): Extremely loose tolerance thread fit.  This class is meant for quick and easy assembly/disassembly. (Not Commonly Specified)
  • Classes 2A (external) & 2B (internal): Optimum thread fit that balances performance, manufacturing, economy, and convenience. (Most common - Nearly 90% of all commercial & industrial fasteners use this class of thread fit
  • Classes 3A (external) & 3B (internal): Meant for close tolerance fasteners where the accuracy of thread elements is important, and safety is a critical design consideration

Using Chart for Choosing Masking Caps & Plugs

There's a variety of different reasons you may have needed to reference the chart, so we hope it was useful for you! Here at Echo, we use it to help powder coaters, e-coaters, anodizers, and platers find the correct sized cap or plug for their specific thread size.  So, here are a few tips in case you ever need it.

 

Cap It

The simple version of finding the right size cap is that we suggest finding one that has an ID (inside diameter) that is 1-2 sizes smaller than the Major Diameter of the thread you're masking off.  You want to get a tighter fit for processes like e-coat.

Sizing a masking capSizing a masking cap

Plug It

For tapered plugs, you'll want to closely match the minor diameter to the middle diameter of the plug (see graphic).  If it's not exact, seat the plug deeper in the hole. When you install these plugs, you push them in and then turn them to get a better seal.

UNF threads are fine threads, so this will require more turns to tighten the plug into the hole.  UNC threads are coarse threads, so they require fewer turns to tighten the seal.

sizing a tapered plugsizing a tapered plug

VIDEO: How to Mask Threaded Holes


About Echo Engineering

Echo Engineering has been providing masking solutions to industrial finishers for well over 50 years.  Because of that, we are frequently working closely with paint lines to help them find ways of masking off threaded holes and bolts.  We specialize in not only standard catalog options, like powder coating tapes, caps, and plugs, but also in designing, engineering, and manufacturing custom solutions for some of the largest metal finishing lines in the world.

If you're in need of a masking solution or simply have a question you'd like to ask us, please fill out the form below and we will get back to you as soon as possible!

Connect with our team of pros!

We'd love to help you solve your company's biggest production challenges.

Let us know what project you're working on and how our team can help you create the best solution!

Connect with our team of pros!

We'd love to help you solve your company's biggest production challenges.

Let us know what project you're working on and how our team can help you create the best solution!

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