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Socket Sizes And Measurements Chart (Complete Guide)

Arranging your sockets by size may seem straightforward and easy, but it’s not always that simple, especially when we have two measurement standards, such as SAE and metric. If you’ve just purchased a new set of sockets, we are here to help you organize them.

This complete guide will provide you with everything you need to know about socket types and sizes, along with a detailed measurements chart. So, let’s get started!

To properly organize your sockets, understand the three common drive sizes: 1/2″, 3/8″, and 1/4″. Each is suited for different torque levels and applications. Additionally, recognize the difference between impact sockets for high-torque tools and point sockets for precise fitting in various tasks.

Common Drive Socket Sizes

When it comes to drive sockets, think of them as the square holes for attaching the socket that are used to turn a tool like a wrench or a ratchet. There are three standard sizes are used for different tasks. Here are the most popular sizes we typically use:

  • 1/2″ Drives: These drives are primarily for heavy-duty jobs with large nuts requiring more force or torque. They’re commonly used with 19mm socket sizes, perfect for tasks like driving lag bolts into walls for mounting an LED TV.
  • 3/8″ Drives: These versatile drives cover many jobs, making them useful at home and in workshops. We often use them for a variety of sockets and applications.
  • 1/4″ Drives: These types of drives are best for low-torque jobs. They’re used for smaller sockets, up to 14mm, and are perfect for precision or interior work.

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Different Types of Sockets

Different jobs require different types of sockets. If you’re doing some mechanical jobs, the following information will be useful for you:

The picture above shows all the types of different sockets that you can find.

  • Impact Sockets: These sockets are designed for use with pneumatic or electric wrenches, making them perfect for high-torque applications. They are much sturdier and more robust than conventional sockets, ensuring they can withstand the demands of power tools.
  • Point Sockets: There are two main types: 12-point and 6-point sockets. The 12-point sockets are easy to fit and use, making them great for light household tasks. On the other hand, 6-point sockets are used for heavy-duty jobs requiring substantial torque. They are less likely to slip and are considered more durable.

Shallow vs. Deep Sockets

Shallow sockets, also known as normal sockets, can sometimes make jobs difficult if the bolt hits the end of the socket before the nut is fully engaged. In these cases, deep sockets are the solution. Measuring about an inch in length, deep sockets can reach nuts in inaccessible places, provided your driver has an extension.

By understanding these types and sizes, we ensure we always have the right socket for the job. Whether you’re tackling a heavy-duty project or a precision task, having a well-organized and comprehensive socket set is essential.

Metric Socket Sizes Chart

A metric socket chart is a great tool for anyone who is working with fasteners that adhere to the metric system. It provides a clear and organized display of socket sizes, making identifying the correct tool for each specific task easier. Here is a full table with metric socket sizes:

3/8″ Drive1/4″ Drive3/4″ Drive1/2″ Drive
5.5mm4mm19mm8mm
6mm4.5mm20mm9mm
7mm5mm21mm10mm
8mm5.5mm22mm11mm
9mm6mm23mm12mm
10mm7mm24mm13mm
11mm8mm25mm14mm
12mm9mm26mm15mm
13mm10mm27mm16mm
14mm11mm28mm17mm
15mm12mm29mm18mm
16mm13mm30mm19mm
17mm14mm31mm20mm
18mm15mm32mm21mm
19mm 33mm22mm
20mm 34mm23mm
21mm 35mm24mm
22mm 36mm25mm
  38mm26mm
  40mm27mm
  41mm28mm
  42mm30mm
Table: Metric Socket Sizes Chart

SAE Socket Sizes Chart

Understanding SAE socket sizes is also important for anyone who is involved in mechanical work or DIY projects. These measurements are handy when it comes to selecting the right tools and ensuring a good fit for various tasks. Here is a full table of SAE socket sizes:

3/8″ Drive1/4″ Drive3/4″ Drive1/2″ Drive
1/4″5/32″7/8″3/8″
5/16″3/16″15/16″7/16″
3/8″7/32″1″1/2″
7/16″1/4″1-1/16″9/16″
1/2″9/32″1-1/8″19/32″
9/16″5/16″1-3/16″5/8″
5/8″11/32″1-1/4″21/32″
11/16″3/8″1-5/16″11/16″
3/4″7/16″1-3/8″3/4″
13/16″1/2″1-7/16″25/32″
7/8″9/16″1-1/2″13/16″
15/16″ 1-5/8″7/8″
1″ 1-11/16″15/16″
  1-3/4″1″
  1-13/16″1-1/16″
  1-7/8″1-1/8″
  2″1-3/16″
  2-1/8″1-1/4″
  2-3/16″1-1/2″
  2-1/4″ 
Table: SAE Socket Sizes Chart

SAE to Metric Socket Conversion Chart

Sometimes, you might find yourself with a wrench measured in metric units and a nut in Imperial units, and you don’t know if it will fit. Understanding how to convert between these units accurately is essential. The chart provided below will assist you in effortlessly converting dimensions from SAE to Metric and vice versa.

SAE SizeMetric SizeInches DecimalNotes
5/32″ 0.1565/32″ and 4mm are
 4mm0.157close enough
 4.5mm0.177 
3/16″ 0.188 
 5mm0.197 
 5.5mm0.216 
7/32″ 0.219 
 6mm0.236 
1/4″ 0.25 
 6.5mm0.256 
 7mm0.276 
9/32″ 0.281 
5/16″ 0.3135/16″ and 8mm are
 8mm0.315close enough
11/32″ 0.344 
 9mm0.354 
3/8″ 0.375 
 10mm0.394 
13/32″ 0.406 
 11mm0.4337/16″ and 11mm are
7/16″ 0.438close enough
15/32″ 0.46915/32″ and 12mm are
 12mm0.472close enough
1/2″ 0.5 
 13mm0.512 
17/32″ 0.531 
 14mm0.551 
9/16″ 0.563 
 15mm0.59119/32″ and 15mm are
19/32″ 0.594close enough
5/8″ 0.625 
 16mm0.63 
21/32″ 0.656 
 17mm0.669 
11/16″ 0.688 
 18mm0.709 
23/32″ 0.719 
 19mm0.7483/4″ and 19mm are
3/4″ 0.75close enough
25/32″ 0.781 
 20mm0.787 
13/16″ 0.813 
 21mm0.827 
27/32″ 0.844 
 22mm0.866 
7/8″ 0.875 
 23mm0.90629/32″ and 23mm are
29/32″ 0.906close enough
15/16″ 0.938 
 24mm0.945 
1″ 1 
Table: SAE to Metric Socket Conversion Chart

If you want to learn more about this topic, be sure to watch this YouTube video:

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FAQ: People Also Ask

What socket sizes do I need for my project?

Choose the appropriate drive size of ratchets and sockets based on the bolt or nut diameter. For fasteners close to 1/4″ or 6mm, opt for a 1/4″ drive, and for those around 3/8″ or 10mm, a 3/8″ drive is suitable.

What are the typical uses of standard socket sizes?

Standard socket sizes are measured by the socket wrench’s opening and are crafted to accommodate various nut or bolt sizes. Typically, the sizes range from 1/4 inch to 1 inch, covering most general needs, with additional specific sizes for more unique tasks.

What size socket is commonly needed for lug nuts?

Lug nuts commonly require socket sizes of 17 mm, 19 mm, 21 mm, and 22 mm in metric measurements, along with 11 16-inch, 3/4-inch, 13 16-inch, and 7/8-inch in SAE measurements.

What socket do I need to change a tire?

When changing a tire, a lug wrench, a specific socket wrench, is typically used to loosen the lug nuts. Using the right tools and adhering to safety guidelines is crucial during this process.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, understanding socket sizes and their use is important for any mechanical task, whether you’re a professional or a DIY enthusiast. Properly organizing your socket set and knowing when to use specific sizes and types will save time and effort.

By selecting the right socket for your needs, you ensure efficiency and safety in your work. Always refer to a detailed conversion chart and guidelines to make informed decisions and achieve the best results. I hope that this article has helped you. If you have any additional questions, feel free to comment below.

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