🔩 Rivet Size Calculator
Calculate rivet size and dimensions
How to Use This Calculator
Select Calculation Type
Choose to calculate from material thickness or from grip length. Material thickness is most common.
Enter Material Thickness or Grip Length
Input material thickness in inches (for calculating from thickness) or grip length in inches (for calculating from grip length).
Select Rivet Type and Material
Choose rivet type (solid, blind, tubular, semi-tubular) and material type (steel, aluminum, stainless, brass) for strength calculations.
Calculate and Review
Click "Calculate Rivet Size" to see recommended rivet diameter, grip length, hole diameter, and rivet length. Use this for rivet selection.
Formula
Rivet Diameter ≈ Material Thickness × 1.5
Grip Length = Material Thickness + 1.5 × Rivet Diameter
Hole Diameter = Rivet Diameter + Clearance (5%)
Rivet Length = Grip Length + Head Height (0.5 × Diameter)
Example 1: From Thickness (t = 0.125" steel)
Step 1: Rivet Diameter ≈ t × 1.5 = 0.125 × 1.5 = 0.188" (round to 3/16" = 0.1875")
Step 2: Grip Length = t + 1.5 × D = 0.125 + 1.5 × 0.1875 = 0.406"
Step 3: Hole Diameter = D + 5% = 0.1875 + 0.0094 = 0.197"
Step 4: Rivet Length = Grip + Head = 0.406 + 0.094 = 0.500"
Example 2: From Grip Length (Grip = 0.250")
Step 1: Rivet Diameter ≈ Grip / 3 = 0.250 / 3 = 0.083" (round to 3/32" = 0.09375")
Step 2: Material Thickness ≈ Grip - 0.125 = 0.250 - 0.125 = 0.125"
About Rivet Size Calculator
The Rivet Size Calculator is an essential tool for engineers, fabricators, and designers who need to calculate rivet size and dimensions for joining applications. This calculator implements standard rivet sizing formulas based on material thickness or grip length, helping you select appropriate rivets for your applications.
When to Use This Calculator
- Rivet Selection: Calculate rivet size for fastener selection
- Design Planning: Determine rivet dimensions for design planning
- Hole Sizing: Calculate hole diameter for rivet installation
- Grip Length: Determine grip length for proper rivet engagement
- Educational Use: Learn and understand rivet sizing calculations
Why Use Our Calculator?
- ✅ Dual Calculation Modes: Supports thickness-based and grip-based calculations
- ✅ Multiple Rivet Types: Supports solid, blind, tubular, and semi-tubular rivets
- ✅ Complete Dimensions: Shows rivet diameter, length, hole size, and grip length
- ✅ Material Support: Includes steel, aluminum, stainless, and brass
- ✅ Time Savings: Instant calculations eliminate manual math
Understanding Rivet Sizing
Basic Principle: Rivet diameter should be approximately 1.5 times material thickness for most applications. Grip length should accommodate material thickness plus additional length for proper head formation. Standard rivet diameters: 1/16", 3/32", 1/8", 5/32", 3/16", 1/4", 5/16", 3/8".
Grip Length: Grip length is the thickness of material being joined. It's calculated as Grip = Material Thickness + 1.5 × Rivet Diameter. Proper grip length ensures adequate material for head formation and secure fastening.
Hole Size: Hole diameter should be slightly larger than rivet diameter for installation clearance. Standard clearance is 5% of rivet diameter. For example, 0.1875" rivet requires 0.197" hole.
Tips for Best Results
- Accurate Thickness: Measure material thickness accurately for precise rivet sizing
- Round to Standards: Round rivet diameter to nearest standard size for availability
- Consider Material: Use appropriate material type for strength calculations
- Check Rivet Types: Select rivet type based on application requirements
- Verify with Standards: Check rivet manufacturer specifications for exact values
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate rivet size?
Rivet diameter ≈ Material Thickness × 1.5. For example, 0.125" thick material: Rivet Diameter = 0.125 × 1.5 = 0.188" (round to 3/16" = 0.1875"). Grip Length = Material Thickness + 1.5 × Rivet Diameter. The calculator does this automatically.
What is grip length?
Grip length is the thickness of material being joined by the rivet. It's calculated as Grip = Material Thickness + 1.5 × Rivet Diameter. Proper grip length ensures adequate material for head formation and secure fastening. Grip length must match material thickness.
What size hole do I need for a rivet?
Hole diameter should be slightly larger than rivet diameter for installation clearance. Standard clearance is 5% of rivet diameter. For example, 0.1875" rivet requires 0.197" hole. Too tight holes make installation difficult, too loose holes reduce strength.
What are standard rivet sizes?
Standard rivet diameters: 1/16" (0.0625"), 3/32" (0.09375"), 1/8" (0.125"), 5/32" (0.15625"), 3/16" (0.1875"), 1/4" (0.25"), 5/16" (0.3125"), 3/8" (0.375"). The calculator rounds to nearest standard size for availability.
Does rivet size vary by material?
Rivet diameter sizing is primarily based on material thickness, not material type. However, material type affects shear strength and load capacity. Stronger materials (steel, stainless) can use smaller rivets for same load, while weaker materials (aluminum) may need larger rivets.