Nail Size Chart: Nail Sizes, Lengths and Diameters (2024)

Nails are one of the most crucial elements when working on any project involving wood.

You can use nails to attach joists, beams, wood, floors — you name it, and nails can make it happen.

(Did you know that the Egyptians were the first to use nails? They forged bronze nails that are strikingly similar to modern-day nails.)

Today, nails are available in different sizes, shapes and materials, each serving a specific purpose.

Although the purpose of nails is simple, choosing the wrong size can ruin your project. That’s why you need a nail size chart.

This article will walk you through different nail sizes and types, allowing you to choose the right nail to ensure a successful project.

Overview of Charts and How to Read Them

Nails are classified primarily based on their length and gauge.

If you’re new to using different nails, understanding nail sizes can feel overwhelming.

But it’s not complicated as long as you know the basic concepts.

So, before we explore various nail size charts, let’s first understand the elements included when measuring nails and the different types of nails.

#1. Nail Length and Diameter

Nail Length

This unique nail size classification stemmed from England’s “penny system.”

The nail size was named after the actual price of 100 nails of any given size, and the letter “d” represents a penny, from the first letter of the Roman coin denarius.

So, for example, a 10d nail is 10 pennies for 100 nails.

Eventually, however, the letter “d” came to represent only the nail’s length from its head down to its pointed tip.

So, a 2d nail is 1-inch long, a 4d nail is 1.5 inches, and 16d nails are 3.5 inches long.

Note that every increase or decrease of the number before the letter “d” indicates a 1/4-inch difference.

Nail Gauge

Nail gauge sizes indicate the diameter or thickness of the nail.

It’s quite easy to interpret the gauge because the higher the number, the thinner the nail, and the lower the gauge number, the thicker the nail’s diameter.

#2. Types of Nails

Believe it or not, there are various types of nails used for different purposes. Take a look at some of the most common types of nails used.

Common Nail

These are used for general construction and carpentry purposes or framing. Common nails have a thick shank with a broad head and diamond-shaped tip.

Sinker is another nail that falls under this category. The sinker nail has a narrow shank with a head that can sink into the surface of the wood when hit with a hammer.

Common nail sizes vary from 2D up to 60D.

Box Nails

Box nails have thinner shanks and are best used for thinner wood materials with 3/4-inch thickness.

Due to their thin shank, box nails are not recommended for structural builds because they don’t have the strength to hold two pieces together.

These nails can range from 3d to 20d as you can see in the chart below:

Duplex Head Nails

These are typically used for temporary construction, such as creating a framework for pouring concrete or for theater and production set-ups.

You can easily remove the nail using the claw of your hammer or pull bar. The most common duplex nail sizes are 8D, 10D, 16D, 20D, and 30D.

Masonry or Concrete Nails

Made of hardened steel, masonry or concrete nails have longitudinal grooves on the shaft. These grooves allow the nail to spiral and drive deep into the material you hit it into.

Typically, these nails are used on concrete blocks, mortar joints, and concrete.

Common masonry nail sizes are 3.2 mm by 1 inch, 3.6 mm by 2 inches, 3.8 mm by 2 inches, 4 mm by 2.5 inches, and 4.2 mm by 3 inches.

Ring Shank Nails

Also called annular ring nails, ring shank nails have crevices on the shank that give them additional grip.

These nails are preferred when installing subflooring because their extra strength stops the floorboards from squeaking.

A practical approach in flooring nail sizes is to use 1.5-inch nails for flooring with 0.5-inch thickness and then 1.75-inch nails for flooring with 0.75-inch thickness.

Finish Nails

Finish nails have slightly rounded heads so small they’re barely bigger than the nail shank. This makes these nails very thin, so they do not split the wood.

They’re also easier to countersunk and are intended for the head to be hidden from sight. Finish nails are typically galvanized, and their sizes vary from 4d to 20d.

#3. Nail Material

Steel

Most nails today are made of steel. They may be made from untreated steel or stainless steel with chromium coating to safeguard against corrosion.

You will also find galvanized steel dipped in zinc to protect against rust.

Copper

Copper nails are primarily used for roofs because they are more durable and can withstand the natural elements without corroding too soon or too much.

These are one of the most expensive kinds of nails, but their longevity makes them worth the price tag.

Aluminum

These nails are intended for outdoor use and for installing aluminum sidings with wood, specifically redwood and cedar.

Brass

This combination of alloys, namely copper and zinc, is completely rust-proof, making it the nail of choice for constructing ships.

Brass nails can be expensive, so when used in houses, they are only used outside, while regular nails are used for the property’s interior.

Other Metals

Nails made from other metals are intended for specific purposes.

For example, bronze nails are used to build boats, while iron nails are used to restore old and historic buildings.

#3. Nail Coating

Nails are often covered with a protective layer that helps improve their performance.

So, you should know that if the nail is labeled as “bright,” it means that the nail has no coating and should only be used for indoor projects.

Cement

Cement-coated nails are usually for gypsum boards and drywalls.

The thin cement coating heats up during the nailing process from the hammer’s friction, resulting in better staying capabilities.

Here’s a chart with common sizes:

Phosphate

Nails with phosphate layers are generally used for drywall boards because they have better gripping power.

Vinyl

Nails coated in vinyl share the same characteristics and purpose as cement.

The only difference is that vinyl also works as a lubricant, which helps in the installation process as the nail drives in more smoothly.

Zinc

Zinc is always the coating of choice when you want to delay corrosion on nails. Although zinc will still be subjected to wear and tear, you won’t have any problems with rusting for decades.

Nails are zinc-coated either through galvanization by dipping nails in molten zinc to make them thicker or through electro-galvanization by thinly coating nails with zinc using an acidic zinc bath.

Using Nail Size Charts

When referring to nail size charts, it is also important to consider the nail’s purpose and the type of nail you’re using.

For example, when you’re looking for the appropriate joist hanger nail sizes, ideally, you should be using a 4d nail with a 1.5-inch length.

This is because joist hanger nails are used to attach the wood studs to joist hangers and are thus typically short and heavy gauge.

Refer to the nail charts below to understand the different nail sizes better and see what’s available for your project.

Charts

Common Nail Sizes Based on Length or Penny Size and Its Equivalent in Inches

Penny Sizes, Nail Gauge Sizes, and Approximate Head Diameter

Galvanized Duplex Nails Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

#1. What Nails Are Most Commonly Used?

In construction, almost every build requires galvanized common nails and bright common nails.

They are versatile and can be used for framing construction projects, temporary builds, and more.

#2. Can I Substitute One Nail for Another?

Ideally, you should not be substituting different types of nails without the project engineer’s approval (for projects on the job).

For DIYers, it’s always best to stick with the fastener that’s build for the job it needs to do. Luckily the big-box stores carry just every kind of nail available!

In any case, you might need to make further adjustments to ensure a secure build if you’re swapping out nail types.

#3. What Is the Strongest Construction Nail?

Concrete or masonry nails hold the title of the strongest nail because of their material, design, and intended purpose of holding together concrete, cement, and mortar.

In Summary

Whether you’re embarking on a DIY project or are part of a professional build, it is crucial that you understand nail sizes by referring to nail size chart so you know the right nails to use.

It’s no different from consulting screw size charts for building decks or taking on woodworking projects.

You want your projects to have strength and reliability, and nails play a significant role in achieving that goal.