Wire mesh knowledge

Mesh Count vs Micron

Mesh count is not a fixed micron value. Wire diameter changes the clear opening: 10 mesh with 0.50 mm wire has a 2.04 mm (2,040 µm) nominal opening.

What do these numbers mean?

A number like 0.5 mm usually describes the wire diameter, not the opening. Opening size (aperture) is the clear distance between two wires and depends on both mesh count and wire diameter.

Digital caliper measuring a woven mesh wire at 0.50 mm

Wire diameter

The thickness of the wire itself. In this example, it is 0.50 mm.

Digital caliper measuring the clear wire mesh opening at 2.04 mm

Opening size

The clear distance between wires. In this example, it is 2.04 mm.

Mesh count

The number of openings per linear inch (25.4 mm). The same count can use different wire diameters.

Wire diameterThickness of the wire

Opening sizeClear distance between wires

Mesh countOpenings per inch (25.4 mm)

Example: Different wire diameter, same mesh count

At 10 mesh, the pitch stays 2.54 mm. A thicker wire leaves a smaller clear opening.

Nominal opening for seven 10 mesh wire diameters
Mesh count (mesh/inch)	Wire diameter (mm)	Opening size (mm)	Opening size (inch)	Opening size (µm)
10	0.30	2.24	0.088	2,240
10	0.35	2.19	0.086	2,190
10	0.40	2.14	0.084	2,140
10	0.50	2.04	0.080	2,040
10	0.60	1.94	0.076	1,940
10	0.70	1.84	0.072	1,840
10	0.80	1.74	0.069	1,740

For square woven mesh: opening (mm) = 25.4 ÷ mesh count − wire diameter (mm). Multiply millimeters by 1,000 for microns. For example, 100 mesh with 0.10 mm wire gives 154 µm; with 0.08 mm wire it gives 174 µm. These are nominal geometric values, not measured filtration ratings. Calculate your specification →

Tips for selection

For a target micron opening, confirm both mesh count and wire diameter.
For filtration, the required opening or tested retention can matter more than mesh count alone.
Square woven mesh follows this formula;Dutch filter cloth needs product-specific filtration data.

Frequently Asked Questions

View more questions

Is 100 mesh the same as 100 micron?

No. Mesh count is openings per inch, while microns measure clear opening. For square woven mesh, 100 mesh with 0.10 mm wire has a calculated opening of 154 µm.

Is 0.5 mm the opening size?

Not in the example above. The 0.50 mm measurement is the wire diameter. At 10 mesh, the calculated clear opening is 25.4 ÷ 10 − 0.50 = 2.04 mm.

Can the same mesh count have different opening sizes?

Yes. A 10 mesh screen with 0.50 mm wire has a 2.04 mm nominal opening; with 0.70 mm wire, the opening is 1.84 mm. Confirm both mesh count and wire diameter.

How do I choose the right mesh for my application?

Start with your target opening or separation requirement, then consider wire diameter, open area, strength, material and weave. For Dutch weave filter cloth, use product-specific filtration data rather than this square-opening formula.

Can you supply samples for testing?

You can request a sample with the intended mesh count, wire diameter, grade and dimensions. Availability, price and delivery time are confirmed for the specification.