Fittings
(Image/Summit Racing)

In the automotive plumbing world, there a few different ways to measure thread size on fittings and hoses. The most popular thread measurements are AN and NPT. What’s the difference between the two? How does an AN thread convert to a “plain English” fractional value? How do the two measurements relate to one another?

Those are some of the more common questions we hear, and we’ll attempt to answer them with an assist from the folks at Earl’s Performance.

Tapered vs. Non-Tapered Thread

Aside from thread sizes, the most important difference between AN and NPT threaded fasteners is that NPT uses a tapered thread. That’s a fancy way of saying the bolt is actually slightly smaller at the tip than the base. It’s designed that way to firmly seat the male and female threaded ends together.

With a tapered NPT thread, you must use an additional thread sealant to ensure a leak-free connection. As a general rule, plastic (PVC) fittings should get PTFE tape wrapped on the threads. Metal threads should be treated with a sealant paste (aka pipe dope).

On the other hand, AN fittings are flare-type compression fittings and, as such, don’t require any form of thread sealant.

Make sense?

This ultra-realistic rendering of tapered vs. non-tapered thread we just made in MS Paint might clear things up.

Tapered vs non-tapered fitting thread
It’s important to know what type of thread pitch you’re working with, as over-tightening the wrong fitting can have disastrous results. (Image/OnAllCylinders)

“AN” Thread Sizes

“AN” (Army-Navy) sizing was established many years ago by the U.S. military to set a common standard for designating hose size. This standard of measurement is based on the nominal outside diameter (O.D.) of the rigid metal tube that each size fitting is used with. The nominal outside diameter of the tubing is expressed in sixteenths of an inch increments and then given an equivalent dash number. For example, an -8 AN fitting translates to an 8/16 inches, or 1/2-inch.

You can convert any AN fitting to its nominal inch size by dividing the AN number by 16 as follows: -4 AN = 4/16″ or 1/4″.

Since tubing and hoses have assorted wall thicknesses, depending on manufacturers, the designated size number does not necessarily tell us anything about the inside diameter (I.D.) of the plumbing component. Also, each AN size number has its own standard thread size, which is depicted in the chart below:

AN Fitting/Tubing Specs

AN SizeTube O.D.
Nominal Equivalent
Thread Size
(SAE)
Typical Applications
-21/8″5/16″-24
-33/16″3/8″-24
-41/4″7/16″-20Small fuel lines, gauges, brakes, compressed air, vacuum lines
-63/8″9/16″-18Fuel lines, transmission, hydraulic power, return lines, compressed air
-81/2″3/4″-16Oil lines, fuel lines, transmission lines, hydraulic power return lines
-105/8″7/8″-14Oil Lines, fuel lines, transmission lines, heater hose, power steering lines
-123/4″1-1/16″-12Oil lines, fuel lines, transmission lines, power steering lines, heater hoses
-161″1-5/16″-12Oil lines, power steering lines, heater hose
-201-1/4″1-5/8″-12Oil lines, power steering lines, coolant
-241-1/2″1-7/8″-12Oil lines, coolant
-281-3/4″2-1/4″-12Oil lines, coolant
-322″2-1/2″-12Coolant

“NPT” Thread Sizes

National Pipe Threads (NPT) are the next most popular thread size used in competition plumbing, according to Earl’s. Unlike the AN sizes, NPT numbers actually correspond with the inside diameter (I.D.) of the fitting. Review the chart below :

NPT Fitting/Tubing Specs

Pipe Thread SizeThreads Per InchTheoretical Fitting I.D.Closest AN Fitting
1/16″271/16″
1/8″271/8″-4
1/4″181/4″-6
3/8″183/8″-8
1/2″141/2″-10
3/4″143/4″-12
1″11-1/21″-16
1-1/4″11-1/21-1/4″-20
1-1/2″11-1/21-1/2″-24
2″11-1/22″-32

Be sure to check out our recent video on how to properly assemble hose and AN fittings.

Author: David Fuller

David Fuller is OnAllCylinders' managing editor. During his 20-year career in the auto industry, he has covered a variety of races, shows, and industry events and has authored articles for multiple magazines. He has also partnered with mainstream and trade publications on a wide range of editorial projects. In 2012, he helped establish OnAllCylinders, where he enjoys covering all facets of hot rodding and racing.