M18 × 1.5 tap drill size

16.50 mm drill — or 21/32 (0.6563 in) = 68% thread

M18 fine series, 1.5 mm pitch. Tap drill Ø = nominal − pitch = 18 − 1.5 = 16.50 mm (≈77% thread, the standard chart value).

DrillSizeThread %
16.50 mm0.6496 in77%
21/32 (inch)0.6563 in / 16.67 mm68%

Rounding to your nearest stock drill moves the thread percentage only a few points. Cut taps only — roll-form taps need a larger hole. Verify before you cut.