Pocket hole screw calculator
Enter your material's thickness and type. This reads off the pocket screw length and thread a Kreg-style jig calls for, and how far apart to space the holes along an edge-to-edge glue-up.
in
= 0.75"
Material
Pocket screw
1 1/4"
Thread
Coarse
Holes along an edge-to-edge joint
in
in
6-8in is the common rule of thumb
- Pocket holes
- 7
- Actual spacing
- 8"
About pocket screws
- What size pocket screw do I need?
- It follows the material thickness, not the joint — 3/4" stock, the most common cabinet-grade thickness, takes a 1 1/4" screw. Thinner material takes a shorter screw so the tip doesn't poke through the far face; thicker material takes a longer one so enough thread actually engages.
- Coarse thread or fine thread?
- Coarse thread for softwood, plywood and MDF — the wider flutes grip open, less dense material better. Fine thread for hardwood, where coarse threads can act like a wedge and split the piece instead of gripping it.
- How far apart should pocket holes be along an edge joint?
- About every 6" to 8" is the common rule of thumb for an edge-to-edge glue-up, close enough that the joint doesn't gap between screws under clamping pressure. That's the same problem as spacing fence posts along a run — the fewest holes that keep every gap at or under the maximum, spread evenly rather than left short at one end.