What a mesh number means
A mesh number is the count of openings per linear inch of sieve cloth. A Mesh 20 sieve has 20 openings across one inch, so each opening is smaller than on a Mesh 16 sieve. The opening also depends on wire thickness, which is why millimetre values come from a standard table rather than from dividing 25.4 mm by the mesh number.
For fine salt, the mesh number usually names the sieve used to separate the grains. Grains that pass a Mesh 20 sieve are smaller than its 0.841 mm aperture. A product sold as Mesh 20 can still contain much smaller grains, or a small share of larger ones, within the agreed tolerance. A clear purchase specification therefore states the percentage passing or retained on a named sieve.
Different sizes. Defined specifications.
Choose a mesh to compare sieve apertures. These are sieve references, not a product particle-size test result.
View specificationsMesh to millimetre table (US standard sieve)
Source: Mesh (scale), Wikipedia. Micrometre values are the millimetre values multiplied by 1,000.
| Mesh (US standard sieve) | Aperture (mm) | Aperture (µm) | Ventura SKUs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mesh 16 | 1.19 | 1,190 | Non-iodized Fine Salt Mesh 16, Iodized Fine Salt Mesh 16 |
| Mesh 18 | 1.00 | 1,000 | Non-iodized Fine Salt Mesh 18, Iodized Fine Salt Mesh 18 |
| Mesh 20 | 0.841 | 841 | Non-iodized Fine Salt Mesh 20, Iodized Fine Salt Mesh 20 |
| Mesh 25 | 0.707 | 707 | None |
| Mesh 30 | 0.595 | 595 | None |
The US standard sieve series goes from Mesh 25 to Mesh 30. Mesh 26 is not in this series or in the Tyler series; aperture in mm for Ventura Mesh 26: [awaiting data].
About Mesh 26
Ventura sells Iodized Fine Salt Mesh 26. The number 26 does not appear in the US standard sieve series, which lists Mesh 25 and then Mesh 30, nor in the Tyler series. A name like this can come from a sieve made to another standard or from local market naming.
We do not guess the size. The aperture in millimetres for Mesh 26 will be published once the production sieve is confirmed: [awaiting data]. If your process depends on particle size, ask for sieve data and a sample before ordering.
Which mesh for which use
Qualitative guidance; confirm against your own specification.
| Need | Direction | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Salt dissolved into brine | Mesh 16 or 18 | Larger grains flow more easily and create less dust; dissolving speed is rarely the constraint. |
| Dry blends, seasonings and doughs (food manufacturing, bakery and snacks) | Mesh 20 or 26 | Finer grains spread more evenly through a mix and dissolve faster. |
| Very fine topping on snack surfaces | Powder salt K100 | K100 particle size [awaiting data]; trial it on your line. |
| Animal feed | Non-iodized fine salt Mesh 16–20 | Choose a size close to the other feed ingredients so the salt does not separate during mixing. |
Typical selection; confirm with your spec.
Particle size, caking and moisture
Fine grains have more surface area. Fine salt therefore dissolves faster, but it also picks up moisture more readily and can cake in humid storage. The moisture value on the COA and well-sealed packaging both decide whether fine salt still flows freely when it reaches your plant. Moisture limits are covered on the specifications page.
How to write particle size into a specification
- Name the sieve standard, for example US standard sieve or ISO, together with the mesh number.
- Give the aperture in millimetres or micrometres, because the same mesh number can differ between standards.
- Set a minimum percentage passing the main sieve and a limit for retained oversize grains.
- Ask for the sieve analysis of each batch on the COA.