Grit Size To Micron Chart
Quick answer: grit, mesh, and micron numbers all describe abrasive particle size, but they are not identical systems. Higher grit numbers usually mean finer abrasive. Lower micron numbers mean finer abrasive. For example, 8,000 grit is about 3 microns, 14,000 grit is about 1 micron, and 100,000 grit is about 0.25 micron in common lapidary-style conversion charts.
Grit Size To Micron Conversion Chart
| Grit | Mesh range | Approx. micron | Typical use note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100,000 | 0-0.5 | 0.25 | Ultra-fine specialty polish |
| 60,000 | 0-1 | 0.5 | Very fine polishing |
| 14,000 | 0-2 | 1 | Fine commercial polish range |
| 13,000 | 1-2 | 1.5 | Fine polish range |
| 9,000 | 2-3 | 2.5 | Fine pre-polish/polish range |
| 8,000 | 2-4 | 3 | Common pre-polish range |
| 5,000 | 2-6 | 4 | Fine abrasive |
| 4,500 | 4-6 | 5 | Fine abrasive |
| 2,800 | 5-10 | 7 | Pre-polish range |
| 1,800 | 6-12 | 9 | Fine sanding/lapping |
| 1,400 | 8-20 | 14 | Fine sanding/lapping |
| 1,200 | 10-20 | 15 | Fine sanding |
| 1,050 | 12-25 | 18 | Fine sanding |
| 800 | 20-30 | 25 | Fine finishing |
| 600 | 20-40 | 30 | Common finishing grit |
| 500 | 30-40 | 35 | Finishing grit |
| 325 | 40-50 | 45 | Coarser finishing/lapping |
| 240 | 60-80 | 70 | Coarser sanding |
| 160 | 100-120 | 110 | Coarse sanding |
| 100 | 120-160 | 150 | Coarse sanding |
Grit vs Micron vs Mesh
A micron is one millionth of a meter. Mesh is based on screen openings per inch. Grit is a grading label and can vary by abrasive standard, manufacturer, and whether the value describes average particle size or maximum particle size. That is why conversion charts should be treated as approximate.
How To Use This Chart
- Use the chart to compare rough abrasive steps, not as a laboratory specification.
- Avoid jumping from very coarse to very fine abrasive without intermediate steps.
- Compare abrasives from the same manufacturer when finish quality matters.
- For sharpening systems, follow the abrasive maker’s own progression chart first.
Source Notes
Conversion values were checked against grit/micron/mesh conversion references including the Cousins UK grit conversion chart and abrasive-maker conversion notes. Values are approximate because abrasive grading systems differ.
