What size wrench or spanner fits M3?

M3 bolt uses a 5.5 mm wrench or spanner, measured across the flats of the hex head.

What is the torque for M3?

A typical tightening torque for M3 bolt in 8.8 on dry threads is about 1.6 Nm (1.18 ft·lb). Always confirm against the manufacturer spec for important joints.

What thread pitch and tap drill does M3 use?

M3 bolt has a thread pitch of 0.5 mm and uses a 2.5 mm tap drill, with a 3.4 mm clearance hole.

M3 is commonly used in electronics, 3d printers, small assemblies. It is one of the most popular sizes in its category.

What is the closest imperial size to M3?

The closest imperial size to M3 is approximately ~#5-40, though they are not exactly interchangeable.

Home › Metric Bolts › M3

M3 bolt size

5.5 mm wrench

across-flats spanner / socket size for M3

M3 bolt — Electronics, 3D printers, small assemblies.

Full specification

System	Metric coarse
Nominal diameter	3 mm
Thread pitch	0.5 mm
Wrench / spanner (across flats)	5.5 mm
Tap drill	2.5 mm
Clearance hole	3.4 mm
Common grade / class	8.8
Typical torque	1.6 Nm (1.18 ft·lb)
Closest other-system size	~#5-40

🔧 Torque unit converter

Newton-metres (Nm) Foot-pounds (ft·lb) Inch-pounds (in·lb)

Pre-filled with the typical torque for M3 (8.8, dry). Edit any field to convert.

⚠️ Torque values here are general references for 8.8 on clean, dry threads. Lubrication, coatings, and the joint material change the figure significantly. For structural, automotive, or safety-critical work, always use the torque specified by the manufacturer or engineer.

About M3

Electronics, 3D printers, small assemblies.

A 2.5 mm tap drill is correct for M3 coarse thread. The standard clearance hole is 3.4 mm.

M3 is part of the ISO metric coarse thread series, defined in ISO 261. The wrench size 5.5 mm is measured across the flats of the hex head.

Common applications

M3 bolts are widely used in:

Electronics, 3D printers, small assemblies
General machinery and equipment assembly
Automotive components and repairs
Structural connections (when specified by engineer)
Furniture and fixture assembly

Material and grade information

The typical grade for M3 is 8.8. This indicates:

Property class 8.8: Medium carbon steel, quenched and tempered
Tensile strength: 800 MPa minimum
Yield strength: 640 MPa minimum (0.2% proof stress)
Common coatings: Zinc plated, hot-dip galvanized, or plain

Frequently asked questions

What size wrench or spanner fits M3?: M3 bolt uses a 5.5 mm wrench or spanner, measured across the flats of the hex head.
What is the torque for M3?: A typical tightening torque for M3 bolt in 8.8 on dry threads is about 1.6 Nm (1.18 ft·lb). Always confirm against the manufacturer spec for important joints.
What thread pitch and tap drill does M3 use?: M3 bolt has a thread pitch of 0.5 mm and uses a 2.5 mm tap drill, with a 3.4 mm clearance hole.
What is M3 used for?: M3 is commonly used in electronics, 3d printers, small assemblies. It is one of the most popular sizes in its category.
What is the closest imperial size to M3?: The closest imperial size to M3 is approximately ~#5-40, though they are not exactly interchangeable.