M18 × 2.5 tap drill size

15.50 mm drill — or 39/64 (0.6094 in) = 78% thread

M18 coarse series, 2.5 mm pitch. Tap drill Ø = nominal − pitch = 18 − 2.5 = 15.50 mm (≈77% thread, the standard chart value).

DrillSizeThread %
15.50 mm0.6102 in77%
39/64 (inch)0.6094 in / 15.48 mm78%

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.