number drill · nominal diameter
#21
drill bit size.
A #21 bit measures 0.1590 in across (4.039 mm).
The inch decimal is the published nominal designation; millimetres are a conversion.
Calibrated relative diameter · 1 in reference
#21 · number
0.1590 in
4.039 mm Designation#21number
Inch decimal0.1590nominal
Metric conversion4.039millimetres
Where this size sits from 0 to 1 inch #21 · 4.039 mm on a zero to 25.4 millimetre scale. Neighbor marks: 4 mm, #22.
Measured neighbors
What sits beside #21.
“Nearest” means nominal diameter only. It does not make a neighboring size acceptable for a tolerance, tapping, reaming, or fastener application.
Source record
ASME.
The standard text is paywalled. Number and letter series are cross-checked against public manufacturer charts; exact standard edition/page verification remains a release gate.
Open source record