Drilling Speeds and Feeds Calculator

Find a starting RPM and feed rate for a twist drill. Feed is entered per revolution, so the feed rate scales with spindle speed automatically.

Drilling speeds and feeds

MaterialTool presetDrill diameter

Surface speed

SFM

Feed per revolution

in/rev

Spindle speed

- RPM

Feed rate

- IPM

Editorial estimate only

These are conservative starting points, not a guarantee. Verify against manufacturer tooling data and your machine manual. Confirm spindle power, workholding and coolant before cutting.

Drilling formulas

RPM = (SFM x 12) / (pi x drill diameter in inches)

Feed rate = RPM x feed per revolution

Getting a good result

Use a spot drill for accurate hole location, peck on deep holes and keep coolant flowing on steels. Reduce feed for small drills and hard materials to avoid breaking the tool.