Sandpaper Grit Guide
A complete chart of sandpaper grits — from coarse 40-grit to ultra fine 2000+ — with FEPA equivalents, micron sizes, and what each grit is actually good for.
Sandpaper grit numbers tell you how many abrasive particles fit per square inch of paper — the higher the number, the finer the grit and the smoother the finish. Picking the wrong grit either wastes hours of sanding or gouges your material. Use the chart below to find the right grit for your project, or jump straight to the interactive picker .
Coarse
Medium
Fine
Very Fine
Extra Fine
Ultra Fine
Grit Picker
🔍 What grit do I need?
Pick your task:
-- Select a task --
Stripping old paint / finish
Shaping raw wood / removing material fast
Rough sanding new lumber
Smoothing before staining/painting
Prepping between coats of paint/varnish
Removing rust from metal
Polishing metal / car body
Drywall joint compound sanding
Final finish before wax/oil
Buffing glass or plastic scratches
Automotive clear coat polishing
Coarse
40 – 60 grit
FEPA: P40 – P60Microns: 425 – 269 μm
Best for:
Stripping paint, varnish, or old finishes
Removing heavy material fast (leveling uneven boards)
Shaping rough-cut lumber before any refinement
Removing deep scratches or rust from metal
Materials: softwood, reclaimed lumber, rusted steel, deck boards
Medium
80 – 120 grit
FEPA: P80 – P120Microns: 201 – 125 μm
Best for:
General-purpose sanding of raw wood
Removing tool marks and mill marks from lumber
First-pass sanding before moving to finer grits
Smoothing drywall joint compound
Materials: pine, plywood, MDF, drywall mud, light rust
Fine
150 – 180 grit
FEPA: P150 – P180Microns: 100 – 82 μm
Best for:
Final sanding of wood before staining or painting
Smoothing surfaces for a clean, even finish
Light sanding between coats of primer
Materials: hardwood furniture, cabinetry, trim work
Very Fine
220 – 320 grit
FEPA: P220 – P320Microns: 68 – 36 μm
Best for:
Sanding between coats of paint or varnish
Removing dust nibs without cutting through finish
Prepping surfaces for staining on fine woodworking
Materials: painted surfaces, sealed wood, cured primer
Extra Fine
400 – 600 grit
FEPA: P400 – P600Microns: 23 – 12.6 μm
Best for:
Wet-sanding automotive clear coat and lacquer
Polishing metal to a satin finish
Final smoothing before buffing or waxing
Materials: car body panels, metal fixtures, high-gloss finishes
Ultra Fine
800 – 2000+ grit
FEPA: P800 – P2000+Microns: 6.5 – 2 μm
Best for:
Polishing glass, plastic, and acrylic surfaces
Buffing out fine swirl marks before wax
Mirror-finish polishing on metal and clear coats
Materials: glass, acrylic, chrome, high-end automotive finishes
Quick Reference Table
Category Grit Microns
Coarse 40 – 60 425 – 269 μm Medium 80 – 120 201 – 125 μm Fine 150 – 180 100 – 82 μm Very Fine 220 – 320 68 – 36 μm Extra Fine 400 – 600 23 – 12.6 μm Ultra Fine 800 – 2000+ 6.5 – 2 μm