Mesh Count Converter
Mesh count is the same thing said two ways. US suppliers count threads per inch; European and Chinese suppliers count threads per centimeter — the metric number usually carries a "T" (120T means 120 threads/cm). The conversion is a fixed ratio: 1 inch = 2.54 cm.
Convert mesh count
Type in either box — the other updates as you type.
Theoretical mesh opening
Opening: —
Formula: opening = 10,000 ÷ T − thread diameter. This is the geometric opening of an unworn, perfectly tensioned screen — real ink deposit depends on emulsion thickness, squeegee and off-contact too.
Common mesh counts
| US (mesh/inch) | Metric (T) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 43 | 17T | Glitter, thick specialty inks |
| 86 | 34T | White underbase on dark garments |
| 110 | 43T | General garment printing, bold graphics |
| 156 | 61T | Standard plastics, panels, moderate detail |
| 196 | 77T | Fine detail, halftones on flat stock |
| 230 | 90T | Halftones, thin ink films on plastics |
| 305 | 120T | Fine-line automotive / membrane switch work |
| 380 | 150T | Very fine detail, UV inks, electronics |
The "typical use" column is a starting point, not a law — ink rheology and substrate matter as much as the number. When in doubt, test print.