Knowledge
This chart shows the relationship between mesh count (openings per linear inch), opening size in microns and millimeters, and common wire diameters. Data is based on plain weave with standard wire diameters per ASTM E2016.
| Mesh Count | Opening (μm) | Opening (mm) | Opening (inch) | Wire Dia. (mm) | Open Area (%) | Weight (kg/m²) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 6,007 | 6.007 | 0.2365 | 2.44 | 84.2 | 2.02 |
| 4 | 4,585 | 4.585 | 0.1805 | 1.80 | 81.6 | 1.82 |
| 5 | 3,632 | 3.632 | 0.1430 | 1.45 | 81.8 | 1.47 |
| 6 | 3,023 | 3.023 | 0.1190 | 1.22 | 82.0 | 1.24 |
| 8 | 2,235 | 2.235 | 0.0880 | 0.94 | 78.0 | 0.98 |
| 10 | 1,778 | 1.778 | 0.0700 | 0.76 | 78.0 | 0.80 |
| 12 | 1,464 | 1.464 | 0.0576 | 0.65 | 77.4 | 0.70 |
| 14 | 1,238 | 1.238 | 0.0487 | 0.57 | 75.5 | 0.63 |
| 16 | 1,067 | 1.067 | 0.0420 | 0.52 | 72.7 | 0.59 |
| 20 | 841 | 0.841 | 0.0331 | 0.43 | 70.5 | 0.51 |
| 30 | 541 | 0.541 | 0.0213 | 0.31 | 66.3 | 0.39 |
| 40 | 394 | 0.394 | 0.0155 | 0.24 | 62.4 | 0.32 |
| 50 | 305 | 0.305 | 0.0120 | 0.20 | 58.2 | 0.28 |
| 60 | 246 | 0.246 | 0.0097 | 0.18 | 55.2 | 0.26 |
| 80 | 178 | 0.178 | 0.0070 | 0.14 | 50.5 | 0.22 |
| 100 | 137 | 0.137 | 0.0054 | 0.11 | 47.2 | 0.19 |
| 120 | 112 | 0.112 | 0.0044 | 0.10 | 44.4 | 0.17 |
| 150 | 87 | 0.087 | 0.0034 | 0.08 | 40.4 | 0.14 |
| 200 | 63 | 0.063 | 0.0025 | 0.06 | 36.1 | 0.11 |
| 250 | 48 | 0.048 | 0.0019 | 0.05 | 32.5 | 0.09 |
| 300 | 38 | 0.038 | 0.0015 | 0.04 | 29.3 | 0.07 |
| 400 | 25 | 0.025 | 0.0010 | 0.03 | 25.0 | 0.05 |
| 500 | 15 | 0.015 | 0.0006 | 0.025 | 20.3 | 0.04 |
How to Read This Chart
Mesh Count
Number of openings per linear inch (25.4mm). Higher mesh count = finer mesh = smaller openings.
Opening Size
The clear distance between adjacent wires. Measured in microns (μm) or millimeters (mm).
Wire Diameter
Thickness of the wire used. Thicker wire = stronger mesh but smaller openings for the same mesh count.
Open Area
Percentage of the total screen area that is open. Higher open area = higher flow rate but potentially less strength.
Mesh Calculator
Quickly convert between mesh count and opening size.
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Opening (μm) = (25,400 / mesh count) - wire diameter (μm). For example, 100 mesh with 0.11mm wire: (25400/100) - 110 = 144μm. Note: actual values depend on the specific wire diameter used.
Higher mesh count means more openings per inch, which means smaller individual openings. However, the exact opening size also depends on wire diameter — thicker wire reduces opening size for the same mesh count.
The most widely used standards are ASTM E2016 (USA), ISO 3310-1 (International), and BS 410 (UK). All define the relationship between mesh count, wire diameter, and opening size.
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