Nail Size Chart
Nail sizes are expressed in the "penny" system (abbreviated "d" for the Latin denarius) — a historical holdover from when nails were sold by the hundred. The penny size corresponds to length, not diameter. Modern nails are categorized by application — common, box, finish, casing, roofing, and duplex — each with different shank diameters and head shapes optimized for specific uses.
Common and Box Nail Chart
Common nails have thick shanks for framing and structural work. Box nails are thinner for lighter applications where splitting is a concern.
| Penny | Length | Common Dia. | Box Dia. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2d | 1" | 0.072" | 0.068" |
| 3d | 1.25" | 0.080" | 0.076" |
| 4d | 1.5" | 0.099" | 0.080" |
| 5d | 1.75" | 0.099" | 0.080" |
| 6d | 2" | 0.113" | 0.098" |
| 7d | 2.25" | 0.113" | 0.098" |
| 8d | 2.5" | 0.131" | 0.113" |
| 10d | 3" | 0.148" | 0.128" |
| 12d | 3.25" | 0.148" | 0.128" |
| 16d | 3.5" | 0.162" | 0.135" |
| 20d | 4" | 0.192" | 0.148" |
| 30d | 4.5" | 0.207" | — |
| 40d | 5" | 0.225" | — |
| 60d | 6" | 0.262" | — |
Finish and Casing Nail Chart
Finish nails have small heads that sink below the wood surface for filling. Casing nails are slightly larger and used for heavier trim like exterior casing.
| Penny | Length | Finish Dia. | Casing Dia. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4d | 1.5" | 0.058" | 0.072" |
| 6d | 2" | 0.067" | 0.080" |
| 8d | 2.5" | 0.072" | 0.099" |
| 10d | 3" | 0.080" | 0.113" |
| 16d | 3.5" | 0.099" | 0.128" |
Roofing Nail Chart
Roofing nails have short shanks with large flat heads to hold asphalt shingles and underlayment. Standard asphalt shingles require 1" to 1.25" nails; thicker architectural shingles may need 1.5" or longer.
| Length | Typical Use |
|---|---|
| 3/4" | Re-roofing over existing shingles |
| 1" | Standard 3-tab asphalt shingle installation |
| 1.25" | Architectural shingles over 1/2" sheathing |
| 1.5" | Architectural shingles over 5/8" sheathing, ice & water shield |
| 1.75" | Re-roofing with multiple layers |
Framing Nail Recommendations by Application
- Stud to plate:16d common (3.5" × 0.162"). Three nails per connection for toe-nailing, or two end-nails through the plate into the stud end.
- Doubled top plate:16d common, 16" o.c. staggered pattern to lock the two plates together.
- Rafter to top plate:Three 16d common toe-nails per rafter, or use a hurricane tie (Simpson H1 or equivalent) and follow the tie's specified nail schedule.
- Subfloor to joists:8d ring-shank or 10d common at 6" o.c. at edges and 12" o.c. in the field. Ring-shank holds better against popping from humidity cycles.
- Wall sheathing:8d common at 6" o.c. at edges and 12" o.c. in the field. Edge nailing drops to 4" o.c. for shear walls in seismic or high-wind areas.
- Roof sheathing:8d ring-shank at 6" o.c. at edges and 12" o.c. in the field. For hurricane zones, edge nailing tightens to 4" o.c.
Pneumatic Nail Gun Conventions
Modern framing is usually done with pneumatic nail guns that accept collated nails in strips or coils. These are typically referred to by actual dimensions rather than penny size:
- 3-1/4" × 0.131" — Equivalent to 12d common, most common framing gun size
- 3-1/2" × 0.131" — Equivalent to 16d sinker (slightly thinner than true 16d common)
- 3" × 0.120" — Common for joist hangers when specified by the hanger manufacturer
Many framing guns shoot "16d sinkers" at 0.131" diameter rather than the true 16d common diameter of 0.162". For code-required framing connections, verify that the nail diameter you're shooting meets the IRC fastener schedule — sinkers are slightly undersized and may not satisfy certain applications without adjustment.
Galvanized vs Stainless vs Bright Nails
- Bright (uncoated)— Interior dry applications only. Rusts quickly if exposed to moisture.
- Hot-dipped galvanized (HDG) — Code-required for all exterior and pressure-treated lumber applications. Electroplated galvanized is NOT equivalent and should not be used in treated lumber.
- Stainless steel— Used for cedar, redwood, and other acidic woods that corrode zinc coatings and cause black streaking. Also used in coastal salt-air environments.
- Copper— Used for copper flashing and specialty roofing.
Common Nail Size Questions
What nail size for framing a 2x4 wall?
16d common (3.5") or 16d sinker (3.25" pneumatic equivalent) for stud-to-plate connections.
What nail size for subfloor?
8d ring-shank (2.5") or 10d common (3") at 6" o.c. edges, 12" o.c. field. Ring-shank is strongly preferred to prevent squeaks from nail pops over time.
What nail size for roofing?
1.25" roofing nails for standard architectural shingles over 1/2" sheathing. 1.5" for thicker sheathing or multiple layers.
What's the difference between common and sinker nails?
Sinkers are slightly shorter and thinner than common nails, with a coated shank for easier driving. They satisfy most framing applications but are technically undersized for code-specified 16d common connections in some IRC tables.