G1-1/2 BSP Thread Dimensions and Tap Drill

G1-1/2 is the parallel British Standard Pipe thread (BSPP) of nominal size 1-1/2: 11 threads per inch on a 55° Whitworth form with rounded crests and roots, and a major diameter of 47.803 mm (1.8820 in). The size names the bore of the pipe it was once cut on, so nothing on the thread measures 1-1/2 inch.

Thread profile

55°Internal thread (port)External thread (fitting)P = 2.309 mmmajor Ø d47.803 mmpitch Ø d246.324 mmminor Ø d144.846 mmh = 1.479 mmr = 0.317thread axis
Whitworth profile with the G1-1/2 dimensions. Crests and roots are rounded to a radius of 0.317 mm.

G1-1/2 dimensions

Dimensionmmin
Major diameter d = D47.8031.8820
Pitch diameter d2 = D246.3241.8238
Minor diameter d1 = D144.8461.7656
Pitch P2.3090.09091
Thread height h (0.640327 × P)1.4790.0582
Crest and root radius r (0.137329 × P)0.3170.0125
Height of fundamental triangle H2.2180.0873
PropertyValue
Threads per inch11
Flank angle55° (27.5° each side)
Tapernone (parallel thread)

Basic dimensions from ISO 228-1 Table 1. Inch values are conversions.

G1-1/2 tap drill size

Tap drill for G1-1/2: 45.25 mm (1.7815 in)

This is 0.40 mm over the basic minor diameter of 44.846 mm and leaves about 86% thread.

ISO 228-1 puts the whole tolerance on the minor diameter of the internal thread above the basic size, so the hole is always drilled larger than 44.846 mm. Drilling to the basic minor diameter itself leaves the tap cutting on its full profile and risks breaking it.

Drillmmin% threadThread engagement
45 mm45.001.771795%
45.25 mmrecommended45.251.781586%
45.5 mm45.501.791378%
46 mm46.001.811061%

% thread = (major diameter − drill diameter) ÷ (2 × thread height).

G1-1/2 and the tapered R1-1/2 (BSPT)

The taper thread of ISO 7-1 (EN 10226), written R1-1/2 for the male and Rc1-1/2 or Rp1-1/2 for the female, has the same 11 threads per inch and the same 55° form as G1-1/2, and at its gauge plane it has the same diameters. It differs in being cut on a 1 in 16 taper and in sealing on the thread with a sealant. The male R1-1/2 mates with a taper Rc1-1/2 or a parallel Rp1-1/2 female thread. Rp is not the same thing as G: the basic sizes agree but the tolerances do not, so a G1-1/2 port is not a specified mate for a taper male.

How G1-1/2 seals

A G1-1/2 joint does not seal on its threads. ISO 228-1 is the standard for pipe threads where the pressure-tight joint is made outside the thread: the male fitting clamps a bonded washer, an O-ring or a flat gasket against the face of the port. The thread only supplies the clamping force, so thread sealant is not what makes the joint tight.

G1-1/2 against 1-1/2 NPT

The American NPT thread of the same nominal size has 11.5 threads per inch against 11, a 60° flank angle and an outside diameter of 48.260 mm against 47.803 mm. The parts do not fit each other. Use an adapter.

ThreadTPIMajor Ø (mm)Major Ø (in)Flank angleTaper
G1-1/2 (this thread)1147.8031.882055°parallel
1-1/2-11.5 NPT11.548.2601.900060°1 in 16

NPT vs BSP in detail

Related sizes and tools

Sources: ISO 228-1 (dimensions and sealing principle), ISO 7-1 (taper threads), tap manufacturers’ drill charts. How this site checks its data. Last reviewed 29 September 2026.