Mesh to Micron Conversion Chart & Calculator
Convert square woven wire mesh count to clear opening in microns—or estimate mesh count from a target aperture. The calculator includes wire diameter because mesh count alone does not define filtration opening.
Mesh count + wire diameter determine clear aperture.
What Mesh and Micron Mean
Mesh count
Mesh count is the number of openings or wire pitches measured across one linear inch (25.4 mm). A higher number normally means a finer screen, but it does not state the clear opening by itself.
Micron
One micron (μm) is one-thousandth of a millimetre. Microns may describe geometric aperture or a filtration rating—terms that should not be used interchangeably.
Mesh ↔ Micron Calculator
For square woven wire mesh, a reliable conversion needs both mesh count and wire diameter. Choose a direction, enter the known values, and calculate the clear aperture and open area.
Formula for square weave: aperture (mm) = 25.4 ÷ mesh count − wire diameter. Results are engineering references, not a guaranteed filtration rating.
Common Mesh-to-Micron Reference Chart
These values illustrate common square-weave combinations. The same mesh count can produce a different aperture when a different wire diameter is used. Use the calculator or an agreed specification for purchasing.
| Mesh count | Example wire Ø (mm) | Approx. opening (μm) | Opening (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 0.540 | 2,000 | 2.000 |
| 20 | 0.420 | 850 | 0.850 |
| 40 | 0.210 | 425 | 0.425 |
| 60 | 0.173 | 250 | 0.250 |
| 80 | 0.138 | 180 | 0.180 |
| 100 | 0.104 | 150 | 0.150 |
| 120 | 0.087 | 125 | 0.125 |
| 150 | 0.063 | 106 | 0.106 |
| 200 | 0.052 | 75 | 0.075 |
| 250 | 0.040 | 61 | 0.061 |
| 300 | 0.037 | 48 | 0.048 |
| 325 | 0.033 | 45 | 0.045 |
| 400 | 0.026 | 38 | 0.038 |
| 500 | 0.026 | 25 | 0.025 |
Important: This is not a universal equivalence table. Wire diameter, weave and manufacturing tolerance must be stated in a purchase specification. Test-sieve designations and production wire cloth may also use different standard combinations.
How to Use the Calculator for Selection
Define the target
Start with the particle size or clear opening the process needs to retain.
Add wire diameter
Use the actual or proposed wire diameter; mesh count alone is incomplete.
Check open area
Review the calculated open area against flow and pressure-drop requirements.
Confirm the structure
Verify material, weave, tolerances, layers and finished filter form before ordering.
Why Actual Filtration Can Differ
A calculated aperture is a geometric reference. Real separation performance depends on the complete mesh and operating system.
Mesh construction
- Wire diameter: thicker wire reduces the clear opening and open area.
- Weave: plain, twill and Dutch weaves create different flow paths.
- Tolerances: wire and aperture variation must be agreed for critical filtration.
- Layers and supports: sintered laminates, backing mesh and perforated cores change flow and strength.
Operating conditions
- Particle shape and size distribution
- Fluid viscosity and contamination load
- Pressure differential and allowable pressure drop
- Temperature, corrosion environment and cleaning method
- Required nominal or absolute retention
From Wire Mesh Specification to Finished Filter
The same aperture calculation can support several finished forms, but the complete assembly still needs application-specific engineering information.
Cut mesh and screens
Rolls, sheets and cut pieces for screening, sieving and process protection.
Filter discs
Single-layer or supported discs with optional edging and custom shapes.
Filter tubes and cylinders
Formed mesh with seams, end structures or support cores defined by drawing.
Layered filter media
Multiple mesh layers or supported constructions where strength and flow both matter.
Using the Result in a Wire Mesh Enquiry
A useful specification lets the supplier check both filtration performance and mechanical suitability. Include as many of the following details as possible:
- Target aperture or particle size
- Mesh count and wire diameter, when known
- Material such as 304, 316 or 316L stainless steel
- Plain, twill or Dutch weave requirement
- Roll, cut piece, disc, tube, cylinder or basket form
- Dimensions and tolerances
- Edge, seam, weld and support requirements
- Operating fluid and temperature
- Pressure or differential-pressure conditions
- Drawing, sample or equipment interface
Explore stainless steel wire mesh, Dutch weave mesh, filter discs, and filter tubes for product-specific structures.
Mesh and Micron FAQ
Is mesh count the same as micron rating?
No. Mesh count describes how many openings or wires occur per linear inch. Microns describe the clear opening or a filtration rating. Wire diameter and weave structure are needed to relate the two.
What is the formula for converting mesh to microns?
For square woven mesh, aperture in millimetres equals 25.4 divided by mesh count, minus wire diameter in millimetres. Multiply the aperture by 1,000 to express it in microns.
Why can two 100-mesh screens have different openings?
They can use different wire diameters. A thicker wire occupies more of each pitch, producing a smaller clear opening and lower open area.
Does the calculator work for Dutch weave wire mesh?
Not as a direct aperture calculation. Dutch weave uses different warp and weft counts and wire diameters, and its filtration rating is normally based on the weave specification and validated retention data.
Should I order filtration mesh only by micron value?
No. A useful enquiry should also state material, weave, wire diameter or mesh count, dimensions, edge or support structure, operating fluid, temperature, pressure conditions and whether the target is nominal or absolute retention.
What affects flow rate through wire mesh?
Open area, aperture, wire diameter, weave, number of layers, fluid viscosity, pressure differential, contamination load and the total effective filtration area all affect flow and pressure drop.
Need a Mesh Specification Checked?
Send the target particle size, material, operating conditions, dimensions and required finished form. Maidong can review the information for a woven mesh or fabricated filter enquiry without treating a calculator result as the final purchase specification.
Send Your Filtration Requirements