11/28/22, 9:29 PM Sandpaper Grit Chart & Guide - Grainger KnowHow

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Sandpaper Grit Charts & Grades

1/1/17

Revised: 3/9/21

Grainger Editorial Staff

Understanding the Different Sandpaper Grits

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Sanding is not only useful but can make all the difference in a woodworking,
metal or drywall project. Sanding can be done by hand as well as in tandem with
power tools such as electric sanders to create the best finishes on these
materials. Sanding by hand works well for woodworking and finishing, especially
for giving surfaces a lighter touch. Sanding with power tools helps scrape off
material quicker, with the added potency of shaping and leveling wood. It’s also
used to prepare metals for a paint job.

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Sandpaper for power sanding is sold in sheets, belts and discs. Regardless of

which route your application requires you to take—hand-sanding or power-
sanding—knowing the differences between the sandpaper grades is key to
completing a sanding application. Choose accordingly with our sandpaper grit
chart and by following the nuances in grades and material.

What does the grit number on sandpaper mean?

The grit of sandpapers is a rating of the size of abrasive materials on the

sandpaper. The higher grit number is equivalent to a finer abrasive, which creates
smoother surface finishes. Lower grit numbers represent coarser abrasives that
scrape off materials much quicker. In the chart below, the grit is measured via
both the CAMI (Coated Abrasives Manufacturing Institute) and FEPA (Federation
of European Producers of Abrasives) standards, the latter of which is preceded by
a “P.” There are two main subdivisions, micro and macro, with many more
gradations included.

Micro Grit Sandpaper
Micro grits are a class of finer abrasives. They include higher grit numbers. Micro
grit-sized sandpapers are commonly used on wood and some on drywall.

Grade Description CAMI FEPA Diameter Used for

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Ultra Most delicate abrasives 800 P1500,

8.4-12.6 Final sanding and polishing
Fine or P2000 or
micrometers thick finishes
1000 P2500

400,
Slightly wipes away patches/small P800,
Super 500 15.3 to 23.0
inconsistencies but not strong enough P1000 or Final wood finishing
Fine or micrometers
for removal P1200
600

360 P400,
Extra Slightly less fine and more abrasive 25.8 to 36.0 Initiative methods for wood
or P500 or
Fine than Super Fine micrometers polishing
320 P600

P240,
Sanding finishes between
Very P280, 40.5 to 58.5
The least fine of the micro abrasives 240 consecutive coats and
Fine P320 or micrometers
drywall and wood
P360

Macro Grit Sandpaper

Macro grits are a class of abrasives that range from medium to coarse
sandpaper calibers. They feature mid to low grit numbers. Macro grit-sized
sandpapers are commonly used on tougher wood and metals and have a
stronger clearance.

Grade Description CAMI FEPA Diameter Used for

Very A coarser material than Very 150, P150, 190 to 265 Sanding on bare wood
Fine Fine under the micro 180 P180 or micrometers

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abrasives or P220
220

100 Preparing wood for finishing, cleaning

Cannot remove varnish or P100 or 115 to 162
Fine or plaster and removing water stains on
paint on wood P120 micrometers
120 wood

Medium to coarse surface P60 or 190 to 265 Sanding bare wood to prepare it for
Medium 80
texture after sanding P80 micrometers removing varnish and final finishing

40,
Has the ability to remove P40 or 336 to 425 Wiping away a layer of debris or finish
Coarse 50 or
material rapidly P50 micrometers with minimal effort
60

P12,
24,
Extra Quickens the removal of P16, 530 to 1815 Initial efforts in hardwood floor
30 or
Coarse most materials rapidly P30 or micrometers sanding
36
P36

More Facts on Sandpaper Types

Besides the grits and grades, sandpaper is made out of materials that vary
chemically. It can be made from the grains of a natural mineral called garnet, or
from synthetic ones like aluminum oxide, alumina-zirconia or silicon carbide.
Irrespective of the sandpaper you work with, it must have a strong bond between
the sandpaper grit and its backing material. If it doesn’t, the grit and backing
material may become separated during use, ruining your application. Backing for

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sandpaper includes paper, cotton, polyester, rayon, PET film and rubber. Mylar is
used as backing for extremely fine grits.

What's the Difference Between Sandpaper Grit and Sandpaper Grade?

Grit size refers to the specific size of the abrasive grain (36, 60, 120, etc.), while
grade is a broader term, with each grade including a range of grits. For example,
medium grade includes grit sizes between 80 and 150.

The information contained in this article is intended for general information purposes only and is based on
information available as of the initial date of publication. No representation is made that the information or references
are complete or remain current. This article is not a substitute for review of current applicable government

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regulations, industry standards, or other standards specific to your business and/or activities and should not be
construed as legal advice or opinion. Readers with specific questions should refer to the applicable standards or
consult with an attorney.

SHOP GRAINGER

Sandpaper Sheets

Sanding Belts

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Sanding Discs

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