Screen-printing mesh converter.
Convert threads per inch and threads per centimeter with the exact 2.54 conversion factor.
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Planning estimate · based on your inputs
Get your mesh units on the same page.
The converted number is mathematical, not a claim that a matching commercial mesh is available. Mesh count does not specify thread diameter, open area, or stencil thickness.
See the calculation
Threads per centimeter = threads per inch ÷ 2.54. Threads per inch = threads per centimeter × 2.54.
Is a 156 mesh exactly the same as a 61T mesh?
156 threads per inch converts to about 61.42 threads per centimeter. A supplier may describe a nearby commercial mesh as 61T, but confirm the full specification before substituting.
Better inputs.
Better estimates.
Keep a record of your actual job results. Replace these example values with measurements from your own shop.
Our calculation approach ↗Updated · Methods and example checks
Convert screen mesh from US to metric units
To convert screen-printing mesh count from threads per inch to threads per centimeter, divide by 2.54. To convert threads per centimeter to threads per inch, multiply by 2.54. Choose the input unit before entering your count.
The conversion is exact before rounding because an inch equals 25.4 mm, or 2.54 cm. See NIST’s definition of the standard inch. The table below rounds to two decimal places for reading.
Screen-printing mesh conversion chart
These are arithmetic conversions of example counts. They are not a supplier’s product list or a guarantee of interchangeable fabrics.
| Threads per inch | Threads per centimeter |
|---|---|
| 60 | 23.62 |
| 86 | 33.86 |
| 110 | 43.31 |
| 125 | 49.21 |
| 156 | 61.42 |
| 180 | 70.87 |
| 200 | 78.74 |
| 230 | 90.55 |
| 250 | 98.43 |
| 305 | 120.08 |
Worked example: 156 threads per inch
156 ÷ 2.54 = 61.4173228… threads/cm. The displayed result is 61.42 threads/cm. Converting 61 threads/cm back gives 154.94 threads/inch, not exactly 156. Keep the original unit with the specification instead of silently replacing it with a rounded count.
Mesh count is not aperture size
Mesh count describes thread density along a length. It does not directly tell you the clear opening between threads. Thread diameter also occupies space. Two meshes with the same count can therefore have different open areas and material behavior.
For an ideal evenly spaced square weave, center-to-center spacing in micrometers is 25,400 ÷ threads per inch. Clear opening would also require subtracting the thread diameter in micrometers. This tool intentionally converts counts only; it does not claim a supplier’s aperture, tension, or ink deposit.
Mesh conversion questions
Does “T” always tell me the unit?
Do not rely on an abbreviation alone. Check whether the supplier means threads per centimeter or threads per inch, and preserve the stated thread diameter and fabric specification.
Can I choose a screen from this chart?
The chart helps compare units. Choose a production screen using the actual ink, artwork, substrate, and supplier specifications, then test the result. No mesh-selection recommendation is implied by this conversion.
Does this estimate ink or emulsion use?
No. Use measured inputs in the ink consumption calculator or emulsion coverage calculator. A count conversion cannot replace a measured material-consumption rate.