Mesh (Maschenzahl)

Mesh (Mesh Count / Maschenzahl)

In the English measurement system, “mesh” refers to the number of openings per unit length, typically per inch (25.4 mm). It is a traditional specification especially common in the USA and the Anglo-American region to define the fineness of woven screens. For example, “100 mesh” means there are 100 openings lined up within one inch.

The mesh count depends on both the mesh opening size and the wire thickness, since the wire thickness is also counted within one inch. Formally, however, it refers to the number of openings. For instance, a 100 mesh fabric might have an opening size of about 150 µm with a wire thickness of 100 µm. A 200 mesh fabric could have about 74 µm openings with 50 µm wire. There are charts that link standard mesh counts with approximate mesh opening sizes.

In European standards, mesh opening size in micrometers (µm) is usually used directly. However, mesh remains commonly used, especially in international datasheets. For example, stainless steel filter cloth is often specified by “Mesh Count.”

Important: A higher mesh number means a finer fabric (smaller openings). Mesh is inversely proportional to the opening size (more openings per inch = smaller openings). For square meshes, neglecting wire thickness, 1 inch / N openings ≈ opening size. But wire thickness matters, so this is only approximate.

Example values:

• 4 mesh: very coarse, about 4 openings per inch → opening size ~5–6 mm.
• 20 mesh: about 20 openings per inch → opening size ~1 mm.
• 60 mesh: about 60 openings per inch → opening size ~0.25 mm (250 µm).
• 200 mesh: about 200 openings per inch → opening size ~0.074 mm (74 µm).
• 325 mesh: about 325 openings per inch → opening size ~0.043 mm (43 µm), often used as the definition “325 mesh = 45 µm sieve.”

As you can see, mesh numbers are often used in labs to name sieve fractions (e.g., “-200 mesh” means material finer than 74 µm).

In German, people also say “Maschenzahl,” but usually the term “mesh” is retained, especially for imported products and in commerce.

GKD produces according to international standards, so their products are often classified both by mesh opening size and mesh count. A glossary entry helps customers understand: 1 mesh = 1 opening per inch, and a higher mesh count = finer fabric.