Compare calculators
Both calculators run independently β change the inputs on either side to compare results.
Dado Blade Width Calculator
Compute the per-pass blade width to set on your saw when cutting a dado that requires multiple passes to reach the target groove width. Useful when your dado stack does not match the target width exactly, or when using a standard blade to make a dado in several passes.
Wood Screw Pilot Hole Calculator
Determines the correct pilot hole diameter for wood screws based on screw size, wood hardness, head type, and thread pattern. Use it to prevent splitting and ensure full thread engagement in any wood species.
Pilot Hole Diameter
0.14 inches
About 1/8"-5/32" is typical for #8-#10 screws; the 0.14" example sits here. Drilling deeper than the screw length prevents the tip binding in hardwood.
Pilot diameter scales with screw gauge; woodworking guides recommend pilots roughly 70-90% of the screw's root diameter, from about 5/64" for a #6 to 11/64" for a #14.
Key differences
| Dado Blade Width Calculator | Wood Screw Pilot Hole Calculator | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Woodworking | Woodworking |
| Inputs required | 2 | 4 |
| Result | Dado Blade Width (inches) | Pilot Hole Diameter (inches) |
| What it does | Compute the per-pass blade width to set on your saw when cutting a dado that requires multiple passes to reach the target groove width. Useful when your dado stack does not match the target width exactly, or when using a standard blade to make a dado in several passes. | Determines the correct pilot hole diameter for wood screws based on screw size, wood hardness, head type, and thread pattern. Use it to prevent splitting and ensure full thread engagement in any wood species. |