The present paper investigates the variability in the static and cyclic properties of two nominally identical supplies of the aeronautical Al grade 7075‐T6. Samples were extracted from extruded bars of 15 and 60 mm diameter and with slightly different chemical composition. Noticeable differences were found in tensile strength, total elongation, and low‐ and high‐cycle fatigue strength, despite the nearly identical hardness value. The diverse mechanical behavior has been imputed to different extrusion ratio and therefore work hardening along with a more or less fine distribution of precipitates and dispersoids. The high‐cycle fatigue strength was found to be in direct correlation with the monotonic yield strength and the size of the largest intermetallic precipitate. A simple equation based on Murakami sqrt (area) parameter is proposed to predict the fatigue endurance. Tensile tests and microstructural analyses are recommended instead of conventional hardness tests to have a tighter quality control on the mechanical properties of semifinished products.