Thread Identification Guide

So you’ve found the right product at a great price. You’re ready to checkout, but there’s just one
problem. You can’t figure out what thread type you need. After doing diligent research on thread
types you’re more confused than when you started. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered.

It is imperative to identify the specific thread type you need in order for your equipment to function
properly. Pneumatic components such as air cylinders, valves, and air preparation units come equipped
with specific port threads. The pneumatic components we sell in our web store are available in either
NPT, PT, G, or M. Choosing the correct thread type will ensure optimum compatibility. Different
thread types may look the same at a distance, but there are small differences that make them
incompatible with one another. For example, G threads are not compatible with M threads nor NPT
threads because of their differing angles, shapes, and thread pitches (threads per inch).

We have compiled a simple step-by-step guide to help you identify your thread type. We’ll also cover
some of the most common port thread types including: NPT/NPTF, BSPP (also known as G), BSPT, PT,
Metric (M) and SAE. You’ll need a couple tools on hand to make the process easier, but a straight steel
ruler may work as well.

You will need:

Caliper - Used to measure the outside diameter of a male thread and inside diameter of a female
thread.

Pitch Gauge - Used to measure the threads per inch. For metric threads, this tool measures the
distance between the threads.
Step 1 – Male v. Female
To begin ask yourself is the thread male or female? To determine this, take a look at where the
threads are placed. If they’re on the outside of the part body, they’re male. If they’re on the
inside of the part body, they’re female.

FIGURE 1 MALE THREAD FIGURE 2 FEMALE THREAD

Step 2 – Tapered v. Parallel

Next, determine if the thread is tapered or parallel. Tapered threads become narrower as they
extend outward while parallel threads remain the same diameter. Sometimes this characteristic
can be determined through visual inspection, but if not a caliper can come in handy. Use the
caliper to measure the first, fourth, and final full thread. If the measurements are all equal, then
it’s parallel. If the measurements decrease/increase in size, then it’s tapered.

NPT/NPTF, BSPT, and Metric Tapered are tapered threads.

BSPP/G threads are parallel.

Step 3 – Pitch Size
The next step in identifying your thread type is to determine the pitch
size. A thread’s pitch size is the number of threads per inch or the
distance between threads on metric thread types. While a ruler could be
used to calculate the pitch size, a pitch gauge if highly recommended as
pitch sizes can be very similar. Measure a couple different sizes to find
the best match.
FIGURE 3 MEASURING PITCH SIZE
WITH A PITCH GAUGE
Step 4 – Thread Diameter
After you’ve figured out the pitch size, you’ll need to determine the thread diameter. Using the
caliper again, measure the outside diameter on a male thread and inside diameter on a female
thread. If you find that your measurements don’t exactly line up with the measurements in the
tables below, this is okay. There will inevitably be small variations due to different
manufacturers.

Step 5 – Thread Standard

The final step in identifying your thread type is to identify the thread type standard. Gather all
the information from the previous steps and compare it with the measurements in the tables
below.
Note: Due to variations in manufacturing the thread diameter may not match exactly with the measurements below.

Tapered Thread Types

NPT (National Pipe Thread)
NPTF (National Pipe Tapered Fuel)
The NPT thread type is most commonly used in North America. It is recognizable by its tapered outer
and inner diameter which is self-sealing. When torqued, the flanks of the threads compress against
each other forming a leak-tight seal. Yet, it is still recommended to use PTFE tape or another sealant
compound to ensure a completely leak-tight seal.

A semi-compatible variant to NPT is NPTF which is designed to provide an even more leak-free seal.
However, it is important to note that when these variants are used together the leak-free
characteristics are diminished. NPT threads should be burr-free and lubricated using lubricating paste
or tape. The tape also limits corrosion on the threads which otherwise can make future disassembly
nearly impossible.

Dash Size Male Thread Male Thread Female Thread Female Thread
(Nominal Size) Thread Pitch O.D. mm O.D. inches I.D. mm I.D. inches
-02 (1/8) 27 10.3 0.41 9.4 0.37
-04 (1/4) 18 13.7 0.54 12.4 0.49
-06 (3/8) 18 17.3 0.68 15.7 0.62
 -08 (1/2) 14 21.3 0.84 19.3 0.76
-10 (5/8) 14 22.9 0.90 21.1 0.83
-12 (3/4) 14 26.9 1.06 24.9 0.98
-16 (1) 11½ 33.3 1.31 31.5 1.24
-20 (1 ¼) 11½ 42.2 1.66 40.1 1.58
-24 (1 ½) 11½ 48.3 1.90 46.2 1.82
-32 (2) 11½ 60.4 2.38 57.9 2.29
*O.D. = Outside Diameter I.D. = Inside Diameter

BSPT (British Standard Pipe Thread) – also known as PT

JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard)
PT tapered thread type is identical and interchangeable with BSPT and JIS thread types. It is similar to
NPT except for one important difference. The angle across the flanks of the threads is 55 degrees
instead of 60 degrees as it is for NPT. Therefore, an NPT male will fit into a PT fitting (and vice versa)
but they will not seal. It is recommended to use thread sealant with PT threads to ensure a leak-free
seal. This is a popular fitting in China and Japan but is very rarely used in North America unless the
equipment to which it is attached was imported.

Dash Size Male Thread Male Thread Female Thread Female Thread
(Nominal Size) Thread Pitch O.D. mm O.D. inches I.D. mm I.D. inches
-02 (1/8) 28 9.4 0.37 8.1 0.32
-04 (1/4) 19 13.7 0.53 12.4 0.49
-06 (3/8) 19 17.2 0.68 16 0.62
-08 (1/2) 14 21.5 0.84 19.8 0.77
-10 (5/8) 14 23.1 0.91 20.6 0.81
-12 (3/4) 14 26.9 1.06 25.4 1
-16 (1) 11 34 1.34 31.8 1.25
-20 (1 ¼) 11 42.6 1.68 40.4 1.59
-24 (1 ½) 11 48.5 1.9 46.2 1.81
-32 (2) 11 60.4 2.37 58.2 2.29
*O.D. = Outside Diameter I.D. = Inside Diameter
Parallel Thread Types
BSPP - British Standard Parallel Pipe - also known as G
The BSPP thread type (also known as G) is most commonly used throughout Europe. It is a parallel
fitting that uses a bonded seal ring to do the sealing. This bonded ring seal is sandwiched in between a
shoulder on the male fitting and the face of the female fitting is squeezed in place. No thread sealant is
needed to form the seal.

Dash Size Male Thread Male Thread Female Thread Female Thread
(Nominal Size) Thread Pitch O.D. mm O.D. inches I.D. mm I.D. inches
-02 (1/8) 28 9.7 0.38 8.9 0.35
-04 (1/4) 19 13.2 0.52 11.9 0.47
-06 (3/8) 19 16.5 0.65 15.2 0.60
-08 (1/2) 14 20.8 0.82 19.1 0.75
-10 (5/8) 14 22.4 0.88 20.3 0.80
-12 (3/4) 14 26.4 1.04 24.6 0.97
-16 (1) 11 33.0 1.30 31.0 1.22
-20 (1 ¼) 11 41.9 1.65 39.6 1.56
-24 (1 ½) 11 47.8 1.88 45.5 1.79
-32 (2) 11 59.7 2.35 57.4 2.26
*O.D. = Outside Diameter I.D. = Inside Diameter

SAE Straight Thread O-Ring Boss

SAE straight threads are able to seal because of the 90-durometer Buna-N “O” Ring. This is a highly
reliable and reusable thread type. Some thread types require the threads of the male and female end
to crush together to form a seal, while the O-Ring on this thread type prevents that.

Dash Size Male Thread Male Thread Female Thread Female Thread
(Nominal Size) Thread Pitch O.D. mm O.D. inches I.D. mm I.D. inches
-02 (1/8) 24 3.9 0.31 6.9 0.27
-03 (3/16) 24 9.6 0.38 8.6 0.34
-04(1/4) 20 11.2 0.44 9.9 0.39
-05(5/16) 20 12.7 0.5 11.4 0.45
-06(3/8) 18 14.2 0.56 12.9 0.51
-08(1/2) 16 19 0.75 17 0.67
-10(5/8) 14 22.3 0.88 20.3 0.8
-12(3/4) 12 26.9 1.06 24.9 0.98
-14(7/8) 12 30 1.18 27.7 1.09
-16(1) 12 33.3 1.31 31 1.22
-20(1 ¼) 12 41.4 1.63 39.1 1.54
-24(1 ½) 12 47.7 1.88 45.5 1.79
-32(2) 12 63.5 2.5 61.2 2.41
*O.D. = Outside Diameter I.D. = Inside Diameter
Metric Thread Types
Metric Tapered/Metric Parallel Thread
Metric thread type is also commonly used in Europe. It has a cylindrical inner and outer diameter
precise in millimeters. The fine taper of metric tapered thread allows for the best possible force
transmission. Metric threads are designated by a capital “M” plus an indication of their nominal outside
diameter (ex. M22 x 1.5). When measuring pitch size make sure you’re using a metric pitch gauge.

SI Metric Port Thread Pitch Male Thread Male Thread

Size mm mm O.D. mm O.D. inches
M5 × 0,8 .8 5 0.1968
M8 × 1,0 1 8 0.3150
M10 × 1,0 1 10 0.3937
M12 × 1,5 1.5 12 0.4724
M14 × 1,5 1.5 14 0.5512
M16 × 1,5 1.5 16 0.6299
M18 × 1,5 1.5 18 0.7087
M22 × 1,5 1.5 22 0.8661
M27 × 2,0 2 27 1.063
M33 × 2,0 2 33 1.299
M42 × 2,0 2 42 1.654
M50 × 2,0 2 50 1.969
M60 × 2,0 2 60 2.362
*O.D. = Outside Diameter

Thread types can be a little overwhelming to grasp at first. There’s a lot to take in. The types we’ve
covered in this guide barely scratch the surface of the many different kinds available. However, having
the right tools can a make a world of a difference. We hope this guide is useful and insightful. If you
have any questions, feel free to contact us.