Stainless Steel Wire Mesh Size Chart
Use this chart to compare how mesh count and wire diameter determine nominal aperture and open area in square woven stainless steel mesh. The combinations are geometric examples—not a statement of stock, tolerance or guaranteed filtration performance.
How to Read a Wire Mesh Size
Mesh count
Number of openings per linear inch under the stated square-mesh convention.
Wire diameter
Thickness of the warp and weft wire; changing it changes aperture and strength.
Nominal aperture
Calculated clear distance between adjacent wires before applying tolerances.
Open area
Calculated percentage of unobstructed surface for equal square openings.
Direct answer: a mesh number alone is incomplete. For a meaningful square-mesh specification, pair mesh count with wire diameter or a required aperture. See the commercial stainless steel wire mesh page for material and supply enquiries.
Common Square Wire Mesh Size Chart
The table uses selected example wire diameters to demonstrate the geometry. The same mesh count can produce a different aperture when a different wire diameter is selected. Confirm an actual supply specification before ordering.
Mobile: swipe sideways to view every column.
| Mesh count | Example wire Ø (mm) | Nominal aperture (mm) | Aperture (µm) | Calculated open area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 0.500 | 2.040 | 2040 | 64.5% |
| 20 | 0.400 | 0.870 | 870 | 46.9% |
| 40 | 0.250 | 0.385 | 385 | 36.8% |
| 60 | 0.180 | 0.243 | 243 | 33.0% |
| 80 | 0.140 | 0.177 | 178 | 31.3% |
| 100 | 0.100 | 0.154 | 154 | 36.8% |
| 120 | 0.090 | 0.122 | 122 | 33.0% |
| 150 | 0.065 | 0.104 | 104 | 38.0% |
| 200 | 0.050 | 0.077 | 77 | 36.8% |
| 300 | 0.040 | 0.045 | 45 | 27.8% |
| 400 | 0.030 | 0.034 | 34 | 27.8% |
| 500 | 0.025 | 0.026 | 26 | 25.8% |
Important: calculated aperture is not automatically an absolute filtration rating, and these rows are not a promise of stock availability.
Square Mesh Formulas
When dimensions are expressed in millimetres:
Pitch = 25.4 ÷ mesh count
Nominal aperture = pitch − wire diameter
Open area (%) = (aperture ÷ pitch)² × 100
The formulas assume equal square openings and equal warp/weft wire geometry. Actual mesh must be evaluated against the relevant dimensional tolerance and inspection method.
Why the Same Mesh Count Can Give Different Results
Thicker wire
Reduces the aperture and open area while changing mechanical behaviour.
Thinner wire
Increases aperture and open area but may provide less stiffness for the same count.
Weave and tolerance
Crimp, weave control and dimensional variation affect the finished geometry.
Operating conditions
Flow, pressure, particles and support determine whether a mesh is suitable in service.
Aperture Is Not the Same as Filtration Rating
Mobile: swipe sideways to view every column.
| Value | What it describes | What it does not prove |
|---|---|---|
| Nominal aperture | Geometric clear opening in appropriate woven mesh | A guaranteed particle-removal efficiency |
| Nominal rating | A supplier-defined retention level under stated conditions | Universal absolute retention |
| Absolute rating | Retention claim tied to a defined efficiency and test method | The simple physical opening of every pore |
| Dutch-weave rating | Construction-specific filtration behaviour | A square-mesh conversion from one count |
For a deeper comparison, read nominal vs absolute micron rating. For dense filtration weaves, use the Dutch weave micron rating guide.
Material, Weave and Supply Form
304 stainless steel
Common general-purpose grade; final suitability depends on the process and cleaning chemistry.
316 / 316L stainless steel
Often reviewed where additional corrosion resistance is needed; confirm the required standard.
Plain or twill square weave
Uses measurable square openings when the complete wire geometry is known.
Rolls and fabricated parts
Specify roll width/length, cut pieces, discs, cylinders or drawing-based components.
Use the 304 vs 316 stainless steel mesh guide for preliminary material selection and the fine stainless steel wire mesh page for high-mesh commercial enquiries.
How to Choose from the Chart
1. Define the task
State particle size, process medium and required retention basis.
2. Select geometry
Choose mesh count and wire diameter together, or specify aperture.
3. Check flow and strength
Compare calculated open area with pressure, support and handling needs.
4. Define purchase details
Add grade, weave, dimensions, tolerances, edges, quantity and inspection.
Send a Comparable Wire Mesh RFQ
- Mesh count and wire diameter, or required aperture
- Plain/twill square weave or full Dutch-weave construction
- Stainless steel grade and applicable specification
- Roll width and length, cut size or component drawing
- Dimensional tolerances and inspection basis
- Operating medium, temperature, pressure and quantity
Real Stainless Steel Wire Mesh Examples
Mesh roll range
Fine woven surface
Industrial roll supply
These Maidong material images illustrate differences in roll form and visible mesh density. The photograph alone cannot identify mesh count, wire diameter, alloy or tolerance; use the written specification for purchasing.
Stainless Steel Wire Mesh Size FAQ
For square woven mesh, mesh count normally describes the number of openings per linear inch. It does not identify aperture unless wire diameter is also known.
When dimensions are in millimetres, nominal aperture equals 25.4 divided by mesh count, minus wire diameter. The result is a geometric reference and remains subject to manufacturing tolerance and measurement method.
For equal warp and weft geometry, open area percentage is approximately the square of aperture divided by pitch, multiplied by 100. Pitch equals 25.4 divided by mesh count when millimetres are used.
Yes. Different wire diameters at the same mesh count produce different apertures and open areas. A purchase enquiry should never rely on mesh count alone.
No. Dutch weave has different warp and weft counts and wire diameters with an indirect pore path. Use the complete construction and a stated filtration-rating method.
No. Nominal geometric opening, nominal retention and absolute filtration rating are different concepts. State the rating basis and test method when filtration efficiency matters.
Need a Wire Mesh Specification Review?
Send the target opening or filtration requirement, wire geometry, grade, dimensions, operating conditions and quantity for review.