There are many different thread types, and it can be confusing to know which one to use for your

project.
In this guide, we will explain the differences between thread types—M, UN, NPT, BSPT, BSW and
ACME—and help you decide which is best for your design and manufacturing.

What are the different thread types?

Metric threads (M)

Metric threads are the metric international standard that follows ISO. It’s the most commonly used type of
threads worldwide to bolt standard assemblies together. The ISO metric screw thread uses a 60° pitch
angle, and uses pitch to define the thread, not its crest (flat part). Example, M6 x 1.0, indicates an M6
thread with a pitch of 1.0 millimeters.

 Units: Millimeters (e.g., M8 × 1.25)

 Included Angle: 60°
 Taper: None (Parallel threads)
 Thread Series: Coarse (M), Fine (MF), Extra Fine (MEF)

Unified Thread (UN) — UNC, UNF, UNEF

UN are an imperial (inch-based) thread standard with a 60° thread angle, they are available in coarse
(UNC), fine (UNF), and extra fine (UNEF) series. In more specialized applications, such as aerospace
components and precision instruments, an extra fine pitch (UNEF), with even more threads per inch than
UNF, may be used.

 Units: Inches (e.g., 1/4″-20 UNC, 1/4″-28 UNF)

 Included Angle: 60°
 Taper: None (Parallel threads)
 Thread Series: UNC, UNF, UNEF
 National Pipe Thread (NPT) — NPT/NPS/NPTF

Like UN, national pipe thread is an American standard for a tapered thread profile that uses a 60° thread
angle, but with an added taper of 1° 47′ (1.7899°) per side. This taper allows the thread to compress
together as they are tightened, creating a seal that prevent leakage, making it ideal for pipe fittings and
gas or fluid systems. NPT (National Pipe Tapered) is the most common for general plumbing and
requires sealant, NPS (National Pipe Straight) uses parallel threads and relies on gaskets or o-rings to
seal, and NPTF (National Pipe Tapered Fuel) is designed for dry-seal applications, forming a leak-proof
metal-to-metal seal without sealant.

 Units: Inches (e.g., 1/4″-20 UNC, 1/4″-28 UNF)

 Included Angle: 60°
 Taper: 1°47″ (1.7899°) taper for pressure tight sealing
 Thread Series: NPT, NPS, NPTF (Tapered and straight threads)

British Standard Pipe (BSPT)

BSPT (British Standard Pipe Tapered) is a thread standard primarily used in the United Kingdom,
Europe, and other regions for threaded pipe fittings. Like NPT, it features a tapered profile that enables
the threads to compress and form a tight, leak-resistant seal. However, BSPT differs in using a 55°
thread angle instead of the 60° angle used in NPT, making them not interchangeable despite similar
appearances.

 Units: Inches (e.g., 1/4″ BSPT)

 Included Angle: 55°
 Taper: 1°47″ (1.7899°) taper for pressure tight sealing
 Thread Series: BSPT
 British Standard Whitworth (BSW)

BSW is another thread standard primarily found in the United Kingdom and commonwealth countries.
The BSW thread profile has a rounded crest and root. Like BSPT, it uses a distinct 55° thread angle.
While less commonly used today, understanding BSW is useful if you need replacement parts or are
working with vintage or specialized equipment where these threads may still be in use.

 Units: Inches (e.g., 1/2″ BSW)

 Included Angle: 55°
 Taper: None (Parallel Threads)
 Thread Series: BSW

ACME

ACME threads are a type of trapezoidal thread with a 29° thread angle and a flat crest and root. They are
among the strongest symmetric thread profiles and are commonly used in lead screws found in CNC
milling and turning machines, conveyors, and aircraft flaps, where precise movement of heavy loads is
required.

 Units: Inches (e.g., 1/2″-10 ACME, 1″-8 ACME)

 Included Angle: 29°
 Taper: None (Parallel Threads)
 Thread Series: ACME

Which thread type to use for manufacturing?

 Thread
Commonly Used For Region Key Feature
Type

 General fasteners ISO standard,

 Precision CNC machining Worldwide (especially widely compatible
M (Metric)
Europe and Asia) 60° included angle,
 Automotive assemblies non-tapered thread

Easy assembly,
 Coarse-threaded bolts in common in general
soft materials usage
UNC  General assembly USA, Canada American thread
standard
 Furniture 60° included angle,
non-tapered thread

Tight tolerances,
 High-strength used in precision
applications work
UNF  Thin-wall components USA, Canada American thread
standard
 Precision machinery 60° included angle,
non-tapered thread

 Pipe fitting, gas or fluid Not compatible

systems (requires sealant BSPT
for a leak-proof seal) Self-sealing for
NPT USA, Canada
fluid/gas
 High pressure
60° included angle,
applications
tapered thread

Not compatible
 Pipe fitting, gas or fluid with NPT
systems (not requiring UK, Commonwealth Not requiring
BSPT
sealant) Countries, Europe sealant
55° included angle,
tapered thread

 Vintage or specialized Rounded thread

equipment profile
 Older machinery UK, Commonwealth
BSW Older standard
Countries
 Specific replacement 55° included angle,
parts non-tapered thread
 Thread
Commonly Used For Region Key Feature
Type

 Lead screws in CNC Flat crest and root

machines profile, trapezoidal
 Conveyors and profile
ACME machinery requiring Global
Heavy-duty usage
motion/load 29° included angle,
 Heavy machinery non-tapered thread