Phillips screwdriver Size & Weight

A standard #2 Phillips screwdriver is about 200 to 250 mm (8 to 10 in) long overall, with a shaft (blade) around 100 mm and a handle around 100 – 120 mm. It weighs roughly 100 – 120 grams. The “#2” refers to the cross-tip size, not the length.

This guide covers the exact screwdriver dimensions, the PH0 to PH3 tip sizes and which screws they fit, and how the tool compares to a pen and a ruler.

Quick Answer: How Big Is a #2 Phillips Screwdriver?

A common #2 Phillips is around 230 mm long overall (a “4-inch” model, meaning a 4 in / 100 mm shaft), with a handle about 35 mm across at its widest. It weighs 100 – 120 g. Stubby versions are about 90 mm long; long-reach versions exceed 350 mm.

Phillips Screwdriver Dimensions at a Glance

• Sizing convention: a screwdriver is described by its tip size (PH0, PH1, PH2, PH3) and its shaft length (e.g. 3 in, 4 in, 6 in)
• Shaft diameter: 4 – 8 mm depending on tip size
• Stubby: ~90 – 100 mm overall for tight spaces
• Standard: ~200 – 250 mm overall
• Long reach: 300 – 400 mm overall for recessed screws

What Does a Phillips Screwdriver Look Like in Size?

A standard #2 Phillips is a little shorter than a 30 cm ruler and about the length of a large marker pen plus its cap. The handle fills the palm; the shaft sticks out about the width of a hand. A stubby driver is roughly the length of a thumb.

6 Everyday Comparisons for a Phillips Screwdriver

1. A ballpoint pen (~145 mm) is about 85 mm shorter than a standard #2 driver.
2. A 30 cm ruler (305 mm) is about 75 mm longer than the driver.
3. A #2 pencil (190 mm) is 40 mm shorter.
4. A TV remote (~160 mm) is 70 mm shorter.
5. A claw hammer (330 mm) is 100 mm longer.
6. A stubby screwdriver (~90 mm) is about 40% of a standard driver’s length.

Phillips Screwdriver Size in Different Units

Phillips Tip Sizes and What They Fit

Using the wrong tip size is the main cause of “cam-out”, where the driver slips and rounds off the screw head. A PH2 driver fits most household screws.

Common Mistakes When Comparing Phillips Screwdriver Dimensions

1. Confusing tip size with length. “#2 Phillips” is the tip; a #2 driver can be stubby or long-reach.
2. Assuming Phillips and Pozidriv are the same. Pozidriv has extra fine ribs; a Phillips bit cams out in a Pozidriv screw.
3. Quoting the shaft length as the tool length. A “4-inch” screwdriver is about 230 mm overall.
4. Ignoring handle diameter. A fatter handle gives more torque; that is why some #2 drivers feel bulkier.
5. Using a worn tip. A rounded PH2 tip slips and damages screws even at the right size.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a Phillips screwdriver?

A standard #2 with a 4-inch shaft is about 230 mm (9 in) overall; stubby models are ~90 mm and long-reach models 300 mm or more.

What does “#2 Phillips” mean?

It is the cross-tip size (PH2), which fits most #5 to #10 household screws. It does not describe the length.

What is the most common Phillips screwdriver size?

PH2, which handles the majority of household and cabinet screws.

How much does a Phillips screwdriver weigh?

About 100 – 120 g for a standard model.

What is cam-out?

When the driver slips out of the screw under torque, usually from a mismatched or worn tip, rounding the screw head.

Is Phillips the same as Pozidriv?

No. Pozidriv screws have extra ribs; a Phillips driver does not seat properly and tends to cam out.

Final Takeaway

A standard #2 Phillips screwdriver is about 230 mm long overall with a 100 mm shaft, weighing 100 – 120 grams. The “#2” is the tip size (PH2), the one that fits most household screws, and length is quoted separately by the shaft, from ~90 mm stubby to 300 mm-plus long-reach.