Depending on the material, I would work with a 3/8 or 11/32 bit for a pilot hole.( If the material is quite soft (aluminium for instance) then I go smaller with the pilot.)
2,3mm
For a cut tap the correct drill size is a #17 drill, which has a diameter of .173 inches.
The recommended drill size for tapping threads with an M3 tap is 2.5mm.
The recommended drill size for a 0-80 tap is 56.
For an M6 tap, a drill bit size of 5.0mm should be used.
The recommended drill size for tapping threads with an M3 tap is 2.5mm.
Use 7/64 as tap drill and 9/64 as clearance drill
Drill and tap it for what?
Google "tap drill sizes" and you'll get 19400 results. The formula for that calculation is searchable in Machinery's Handbook, but there are simple charts you will get in your search that can give you the answer for any size you need to know.
1/8, tpi=28, pitch=0.0357, major dia.=0.383, minor dia.=0.3372, tap drill size=11/32 (8.73mm)
For a half-inch tap (specifically a 1/2"-13 tap, which is common for coarse threads), the recommended drill bit size is typically 27/64 inches, or approximately 10.7 mm. This size provides the appropriate clearance for the tap to create threads in the material. Always consult a tap drill chart for specific applications, as fine thread taps may require different sizes.
The hole would have no metal to cut the threads in if the hole were drilled the same diameter as the tap.