When selecting filters and custom filtration solutions, understanding the relationship between mesh size and micron size is essential. Mesh refers to the number of openings per inch in a screen, while microns measure the actual size of the particles that can pass through.
The chart below provides a mesh to micron conversion table, helping you quickly compare mesh sizes with their corresponding micron and inch measurements.
Mesh to Micron
| US Mesh | Microns | Inches |
| 10 | 2000 | 0.0787 |
| 12 | 1680 | 0.0661 |
| 14 | 1410 | 0.0555 |
| 16 | 1190 | 0.0469 |
| 18 | 1000 | 0.0394 |
| 20 | 840 | 0.0311 |
| 25 | 710 | 0.028 |
| 30 | 590 | 0.0232 |
| 35 | 500 | 0.0197 |
| 40 | 420 | 0.0165 |
| 45 | 350 | 0.0137 |
| 50 | 297 | 0.0117 |
| 60 | 250 | 0.0098 |
| 70 | 210 | 0.0083 |
| 80 | 177 | 0.007 |
| 100 | 149 | 0.0059 |
| 120 | 125 | 0.0049 |
| 140 | 105 | 0.0041 |
| 170 | 88 | 0.0035 |
| 200 | 74 | 0.0029 |
| 230 | 62 | 0.0024 |
| 270 | 53 | 0.0021 |
| 325 | 44 | 0.0017 |
| 400 | 37 | 0.0015 |
| 550 | 25 | 0.0009 |
| 800 | 15 | 0.0006 |
| 1250 | 10 | 0.0004 |
Understanding Mesh vs Micron Sizes
A micron, also known as a micrometer, is a unit of measurement used to describe very small particle sizes. One micron is equal to one-millionth of a meter, and there are 25,400 microns in one inch. The official symbol for micron or micrometer is μm, often shortened to μ.
In liquid filtration, the micron rating of a filter indicates the size of the particles it can capture. A lower micron rating means the filter can remove smaller particles, resulting in finer filtration.
Mesh size, by contrast, measures the number of openings per inch in a screen. A higher mesh number means more openings per inch, allowing only smaller particles to pass through. A lower mesh number indicates fewer openings, permitting larger particles to pass. While mesh size provides a general guideline for particle filtration, it can vary slightly depending on the thickness of the material used.
Understanding both mesh and micron ratings is key to selecting the right filter for your application.