Updated on November 14, 2022
You’d think that a list of socket sizes in order would be pretty simple. Well, there’s a bit more to it than that. Along with the two different measurement standards (metric and SAE), you also have to consider what size drive you’re using.
Whether you just got your first socket set, want to know which sizes you’re missing in your socket organizer, or simply need a quick reference to see if a metric size converts to SAE, check out the tables below to see the all socket sizes from smallest to largest.
Note: No single socket set will include all the sizes listed below nor would you ever need them all. Other sizes may be available but are probably too obscure to include.
CLICK HERE to download charts as a PDF file.
Metric Socket Sizes Chart
| 1/4" Drive | 3/8" Drive | 1/2" Drive | 3/4" Drive | 1" Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4mm | 5.5mm | 8mm | 19mm | 36mm |
| 4.5mm | 6mm | 9mm | 20mm | 38mm |
| 5mm | 7mm | 10mm | 21mm | 41mm |
| 5.5mm | 8mm | 11mm | 22mm | 46mm |
| 6mm | 9mm | 12mm | 23mm | 50mm |
| 7mm | 10mm | 13mm | 24mm | 54mm |
| 8mm | 11mm | 14mm | 25mm | 55mm |
| 9mm | 12mm | 15mm | 26mm | 58mm |
| 10mm | 13mm | 16mm | 27mm | 60mm |
| 11mm | 14mm | 17mm | 28mm | 63mm |
| 12mm | 15mm | 18mm | 29mm | 65mm |
| 13mm | 16mm | 19mm | 30mm | 67mm |
| 14mm | 17mm | 20mm | 31mm | 70mm |
| 15mm | 18mm | 21mm | 32mm | 71mm |
| 19mm | 22mm | 33mm | 75mm | |
| 20mm | 23mm | 34mm | 77mm | |
| 21mm | 24mm | 35mm | 80mm | |
| 22mm | 25mm | 36mm | ||
| 26mm | 38mm | |||
| 27mm | 40mm | |||
| 28mm | 41mm | |||
| 30mm | 42mm | |||
| 32mm | 45mm | |||
| 46mm | ||||
| 48mm | ||||
| 50mm |
SAE Socket Sizes Chart
| 1/4" Drive | 3/8" Drive | 1/2" Drive | 3/4" Drive | 1" Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/32" | 1/4" | 3/8" | 7/8" | 1-5/8" |
| 3/16" | 5/16" | 7/16" | 15/16" | 1-11/16" |
| 7/32" | 3/8" | 1/2" | 1" | 1-3/4" |
| 1/4" | 7/16" | 9/16" | 1-1/16" | 1-13/16" |
| 9/32" | 1/2" | 19/32" | 1-1/8" | 1-7/8" |
| 5/16" | 9/16" | 5/8" | 1-3/16" | 2" |
| 11/32" | 5/8" | 21/32" | 1-1/4" | 2-1/8" |
| 3/8" | 11/16" | 11/16" | 1-5/16" | 2-3/16" |
| 7/16" | 3/4" | 3/4" | 1-3/8" | 2-1/4" |
| 1/2" | 13/16" | 25/32" | 1-7/16" | 2-3/8" |
| 9/16" | 7/8" | 13/16" | 1-1/2" | 2-1/2" |
| 15/16" | 7/8" | 1-5/8" | 2-5/8" | |
| 1" | 15/16" | 1-11/16" | 2-3/4" | |
| 1" | 1-3/4" | 2-15/16" | ||
| 1-1/16" | 1-13/16" | 3" | ||
| 1-1/8" | 1-7/8" | 3-1/8" | ||
| 1-3/16" | 2" | |||
| 1-1/4" | 2-1/8" | |||
| 1-1/2" | 2-3/16" | |||
| 2-1/4" |
SAE to Metric Conversion Chart
Ever come across a nut or bolt where you need two of the same size wrench? Can't find a certain size of standard wrench or socket and want to know what the metric equivalent (or vice versa)? This chart will help.| SAE Size | Metric Size | Inches Decimal | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5/32" | 0.156 | 5/32" and 4mm are close enough | |
| 4mm | 0.157 | ||
| 4.5mm | 0.177 | ||
| 3/16" | 0.188 | ||
| 5mm | 0.197 | ||
| 5.5mm | 0.216 | ||
| 7/32" | 0.219 | ||
| 6mm | 0.236 | ||
| 1/4" | 0.250 | ||
| 6.5mm | 0.256 | ||
| 7mm | 0.276 | ||
| 9/32" | 0.281 | ||
| 5/16" | 0.313 | 5/16" and 8mm are close enough | |
| 8mm | 0.315 | ||
| 11/32" | 0.344 | ||
| 9mm | 0.354 | ||
| 3/8" | 0.375 | ||
| 10mm | 0.394 | ||
| 13/32" | 0.406 | ||
| 11mm | 0.433 | 7/16" and 11mm are close enough | |
| 7/16" | 0.438 | ||
| 15/32" | 0.469 | 15/32" and 12mm are close enough | |
| 12mm | 0.472 | ||
| 1/2" | 0.500 | ||
| 13mm | 0.512 | ||
| 17/32" | 0.531 | ||
| 14mm | 0.551 | ||
| 9/16" | 0.563 | ||
| 15mm | 0.591 | 19/32" and 15mm are close enough | |
| 19/32" | 0.594 | ||
| 5/8" | 0.625 | 5/8" and 16mm are close enough | |
| 16mm | 0.630 | ||
| 21/32" | 0.656 | ||
| 17mm | 0.669 | ||
| 11/16" | 0.688 | ||
| 18mm | 0.709 | ||
| 23/32" | 0.719 | ||
| 19mm | 0.748 | 3/4" and 19mm are close enough | |
| 3/4" | 0.750 | ||
| 25/32" | 0.781 | ||
| 20mm | 0.787 | ||
| 13/16" | 0.813 | ||
| 21mm | 0.827 | ||
| 27/32" | 0.844 | ||
| 22mm | 0.866 | ||
| 7/8" | 0.875 | ||
| 23mm | 0.906 | 29/32" and 23mm are close enough | |
| 29/32" | 0.906 | ||
| 15/16" | 0.938 | ||
| 24mm | 0.945 | ||
| 25mm | 0.984 | ||
| 1" | 1.000 | ||
| 26mm | 1.024 | ||
| 1-1/16" | 1.063 | 1-1/16" and 27mm are close enough | |
| 27mm | 1.063 | ||
| 28mm | 1.102 | ||
| 1-1/8" | 1.125 | ||
| 29mm | 1.142 | ||
| 30mm | 1.181 | ||
| 1-3/16" | 1.188 | ||
| 31mm | 1.220 | ||
| 1-1/4" | 1.250 | ||
| 32mm | 1.260 | ||
| 33mm | 1.299 | ||
| 1-5/16" | 1.313 | ||
| 34mm | 1.339 | ||
| 1-3/8" | 1.375 | 1-3/8" and 35mm are close enough | |
| 35mm | 1.378 | ||
| 36mm | 1.417 | ||
| 1-7/16" | 1.438 | ||
| 37mm | 1.457 | ||
| 38mm | 1.496 | 1-1/2" and 38mm are close enough | |
| 1-1/2" | 1.500 |
See Also: Light Bulb Socket Sizes (w/ Charts)
Drive Sizes
The drive size on a ratchet (aka: socket wrench) is the small square connection fitting at the end of the ratchet. This fitting accepts sockets of the same size. There are 3 common ratchet drive sizes used in shops and home garages but other drive sizes also exist.
1/4″ Drive
Used for low torque, precision, or interior work. Usually you want to use with a socket size 12mm or smaller (but up to 14mm for low torque applications).
3/8″ Drive
The most versatile and useful drive size for most people. Use it for engine work or all purpose use around your home. It allows you to apply quite a bit of torque yet fits in spots that a 1/2″ drive won’t.
Generally, you’ll want to use with 12mm to 18mm sockets (or larger if the torque won’t be too high). Spark plug sockets almost always require a 3/8″ drive.
1/2″ Drive
Used for instances where a lot of torque is required such as a car’s lug nuts or exhaust system or if driving large lag bolts into your wall studs to install a flat screen TV. Generally used for 19mm and larger sockets or impact sockets.
Other Socket Drive Sizes
While most individuals will never need anything other than the three drive sizes above, ratchets with 3/4″, 1″, 1-1/2″, and higher drive sizes do exist. These are most often used for industrial applications or on vehicles such as large trucks, tractors, and tanks.
Related: 6-Point vs 12-Point Socket Comparison
Looking for a list of wrench sizes along with a conversion chart?
See: Wrench Sizes in Order from Smallest to Largest
See Also: Hole Saw Sizes Chart
Need a dummy guide.
Haha, yeah it just looks like a mess of numbers but feel free to ask a specific question if you want. We all have to start somewhere. The average person will never use most of these socket sizes though.
This chart helped me A BUNCH! I acquired 3 buckets of wrenches, sockets & drives from my dads collection and was trying to put together sets….. I have a tbi (traumatic brain injury) and numbers/math is one of my weaknesses now. So far Iāve put together 3 complete sets & am setting up a young man who loves to work on his Jeep. Iāll still have 2 sets of my own! Thank you !
Thanks Tina! That means a lot.
I need a 25/32 spline socket but looked everywhere doesnt seem to be one. If the socket im trying to use is 25/32 then what size spline is equal to thst?
Asked google what Metric size socket to use cause you tube guy is still old school SAE & he said I need 1 inch & 1/4 socket! What the hell, I asked Google & I can’t get simple answer? I it 32 mil Metric?
I’m sure you’ve gotten yours if I know but evidently he’s talkin about an 1Ā¼ socket
Outstanding list of sockets with the close enough sockets. I am going to use this list to inventory all my sockets.
It would be helpful if you would list the different types of wrenches with the sizes, we could inventory our wrenches like we can with the sockets.
Good job,
Bob Minery
Gotta use a strong arm bar half inch
This is awesome! Thanks for putting this together.
I’m a lady trying to sort out all my grandpa’s tools since he passed away- I knew nothing about the sockets and wrenches all over the place, but wanted to make complete sets. This guide was indispensable. Thank you!
Is there a socket in between 11/16 and 5/8
Technically a 21/32. Not common now but they were used on old Fords back in the day.
21/32
So a 5/8th spark plug socket work or a 16mm thin spark plug socket. For changing out a 5/8th plug?
Yes, that will work. See also: https://www.garagetooled.com/auto/spark-plug-socket-sizes-chart/
I wish you would put the measurements side by side so I knew what one was metric and which one was SAE.
The SAE to Metric Conversion Chart above should have what you need. There are no “exact” equivalents with standard vs metric sizes so that’s the best I can do.
Very helpful guide. My toolbox is now organized and I have a list of sockets I need doubles of (I always have two of each size and of each lengths (standard, half deep, full deep) in all drive sizes and in metric too. Always keep two of everything. Yes that includes two of each box wrenches. And ratchets which I keep three of each of. Adds up to a lot of sockets. But add a little at a time. This guide helps with that. Helps you keep inventory on what you need next…like 4.5 and 5.5mm never in any sets, etc. Big 1/4″ drive sockets and 6 and 12 point sockets to boot! Needless to say you need a pro box. Or three. But I am a NHRA race car mechanic this is my life. Thank you for the graph it being helpful is an understatement.
I work on track how and dozer and every thing I between so I use this chart quite often
Thanks for the charts, this is awesome! Exactly what I needed.
Wow! Thanks, i needed that! You are awesome! Great job. Very useful.
Great site lots of really useful information.
I visited looking for information about 9/32 drive sockets. I saw a ratchet on ebay and was inquisitive as to why this size was ever produced, it’s only .031 bigger than a 1/4 drive. There must be a logical explanation, or perhaps the 1/4 drive was just a natural evolution?
I’ve wondered this at one time as well. Snap-on and Britool were at least 2 companies who manufactured this “midget” drive as they liked to call them. I asked around and most weren’t even aware that size was made. I DID find a scanned page from a Britool catalog that talks about it: https://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/attachments/user228898_pic80114_1517308009-jpg.131700/
Thank you, this chart helped me to organize all my sockets
Great guide, thank you for taking the time to put it together! I noticed a small error that I wanted to bring to the author’s attention – 1″ is missing from the table of 3/4″drive SAE sockets.
Cheers!
Thanks Jon. Good catch! Fixed.
What socket is smaller than 5/32?
1/8″ would be next smallest but I didn’t even include it in the chart since it’s so uncommon.
Excellent information! I now see I need a set that has a much larger size ratchet and sockets for my application. Thank you.
The odd size of some sockets and ratchets are called Wentworth. These are English sized, enough said.
If you are working on an older British bike you either need wentworth or crecent wrench. it may say 1/2″…but it’s British 1/2″.
Could I just correct a comment by JTO please? The English size to which he refers is called Whitworth not Wentworth. (Although that does sound a great name for a socket).
The Whitworth standard was created by an Englishman named Joseph Whitworth in 1841. He also created the Whitworth Sharpshooters rifle used by the Confederates in your Civil War. Whitworth sizes are a bit weird but no stranger than SAE or BS and were originally produced to match the various bolt heads used on Roman chariots and hence many of the French ships that the Royal Navy captured in the 18th century. Thereās an interesting note on Joseph in wikipedia.
I wanna get into DIY’ing, mainly working on my own vehicle. reading your article made me decide to go with 3/8″ drive, however im not sure what sizes is a must have in a set.
That’s great! Check out this page for socket set recommendations. Even the smallest set there will have the most common sizes you’ll need.
Hi. I am looking for a complete socket fit the 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″, 3/4″ and the 1″ drive set
friend (car mechanic) went to used tool sales, estate auctions, etc and gave me 4 tubs of assorted tools. I knew about 6 and 12 point sockets, deepwells, thin walled sockets that fit into a hole to get nut and bolt, but I also have a lot of hardened sockets for air compressor applications? Also got sets of brake wrenches? and some I do not know that they are used for. The hardened sockets are my main concern at this time. any info about those type?
Hardened sockets are essentially impact sockets made of hardened steel that can withstand high torque applications of air impact sockets (or cordless impact). They are much less prone to strip or break.
Thanks. I should know my fractions by now but…
Is a 9/16th socket the same size as an E18 torx
According to this, an E18 Torx is comparable to a .652″ (or 16.64mm) size. The closest SAE size would be 21/32 (which isn’t so common). Even if you had that size, there’s a good chance it would slip.
In your first list, you didnt list where the 15/32 went..
I didn’t include it in the common socket sizes chart since it’s a very uncommon size. I don’t know of any socket set that includes it. But it would fall between 7/16″ and 1/2″.
I have a CR-V 1/2″ socket, needed a backup wrench, bought a 1/2″ wrench and it is much larger than the socket?? English socket?
Iām looking for a 24mm socket with a drill extension any idea where I would find one please?
Thank you for this ! someone stole all my tools and boxes i had no way to find what tool i needed in a timely manner this guide helped me set up a peg board with all the sizes on my sockets that’s going to make life a lot easier
Ugh, tool thieves are scum.
Thank you , like so many people I have tool sets I’ve bought at auctions and yard sales that are missing sockets . I do recommend that if someone has a lot of sockets and wrenches to sort through they should download and print a PDF file of the list you provided , I did . So Thank You !!
Glad you found it helpful.
I’m trying to repair my lawn mower, the largest socket I have is just a bit too small and it’s 13/16. I have no idea what the next size up or 2 sizes up would be called?
Technically, 27/32″ is the next size up but very uncommon. 7/8″ would be the next size up in SAE but you may actually need a 21 or 22mm in metric. It depends on the brand of mower.
Great info. Thanks!
I have a nut on my old capri convertible, difficult to get at. Im worried of stripping it as 9mm is too small but 10mm seems to jave alot of ‘play’ is there an sae spanner i should look for? Cheers
Make sure you’re using a 6-point socket but if there’s still play, a 3/8″ socket falls right between 9 & 10mm so that may work the best. There may be a bit of rust or other coating on the head.
I’m looking for a 5/32 socket (4mm??) that has a thin sidewall – something that I can insert into a FS-90 weed-eater (port) to adjust the “L” and “H” idle speeds. My Craftsman 5/32 socket is too large for the 5/32 opening. Looking for a thin 5/32 socket.
Thanks.
Thank you for the pdf guides on sockets.
Glad you found them helpful Jose.
Hi Chris, do you have a similar size guide for Whitworth?
I’m sorry but I do not. Here’s a good conversion chart I’ve come across: http://www.baconsdozen.co.uk/tools/conversion%20charts.htm
Awesome site. I have problems with old B&S lawnmover cutting blade. 9/16″ is too big for the bolt as well as 14mm. Next trying to found somewhere 17/32″!! š
Summer greetings from Finland!
Thanks for the comment. I’ve always wanted to visit Finland. I assume 13mm is too small? Yes, 17/32″ is not the easiest to find.
Super helpful! Appreciate it!
Hi, amazing metric chart, thank you for that, just one thing to ask, does 1/2″ drive have 32mm socket?
Yes it does. I tried to include the most common sizes but I have added that along with a few others.