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Sandpaper Grit Converter

Compare sandpaper grit across the three major standards — CAMI (US), FEPA “P” (Europe) and JIS (Japan) — and see what each grit is good for. The numbers do not line up: a European P220 is not the same as a US 220, especially in the finer grades, because the standards measure and grade the abrasive particles differently. Enter a grit in one system to find its equivalents and the job it suits.

How to use this tool

  1. Enter a grit number.
  2. Select which standard it belongs to: CAMI, FEPA (the “P” numbers) or JIS.
  3. Read the equivalent grit in the other two systems, the approximate particle size, and the recommended use.
  4. Match the grit to your task — coarse for stripping, medium for shaping, fine for finishing.
  5. Work up through the grits in steps rather than skipping, for the smoothest result.

The formula

Grit numbers relate to the size of the abrasive particles: higher numbers mean smaller particles and a finer finish. The three standards grade those particles differently, so the tool matches by approximate particle size in microns.

higher grit number → smaller particles → finer finish equivalence matched on average particle size (µm) FEPA "P" and JIS grade finer distributions than CAMI
µm
Micron — a thousandth of a millimetre; the particle size
CAMI
US standard (Coated Abrasives Manufacturers Institute)
FEPA "P"
European standard; grit shown with a P prefix

Below about 220 grit the three systems agree closely. Above it they diverge, so a European P400 is finer than a US 400.

Worked examples

Matching European paper

Given
FEPA P120
Result
CAMI 120, JIS 120

In the medium range the standards align, so P120 is a straightforward 120 in each system.

Fine-grit divergence

Given
CAMI 400
Result
≈ FEPA P400, JIS 400 (finish sanding)

At fine grits the equivalents drift; the tool matches by particle size and flags that they are approximate.

Choosing for a job

Given
Smoothing bare wood before priming
Result
≈ 150 grit

The recommended-use note points you to a medium-fine grit for final prep before finishing.

Frequently asked questions

Because the standards grade abrasive particles differently. CAMI (US) allows a wider spread of particle sizes, while FEPA (Europe) and JIS (Japan) use tighter distributions. Below about 220 grit they line up well; above it the same number means a slightly different fineness.

The P prefix marks the FEPA (European) standard. So P220 is FEPA grit 220, which is not identical to a US 220 in the fine range. If your sandpaper’s number starts with P, choose the FEPA option here.

It depends on the surface. For stripping paint or heavy shaping, start coarse (60–80). For general smoothing of bare wood, 100–150. For final prep before finishing, 180–220. Then move finer between finish coats. The tool’s use note suggests a range for each grit.

Better not to. Each grit removes the scratches left by the previous one, so jumping from 80 straight to 220 leaves coarse marks the fine paper can’t erase. Step up gradually — roughly 60, 80, 120, 180, 220 — for an even, scratch-free finish.

It is fine abrasive (often 400 grit and above) on a waterproof backing, used with water to sand finishes, primer or metal smoothly. The water carries away debris and reduces clogging, giving the very fine, even finish used in automotive and finishing work.

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