The sandpaper grit converter translates grit numbers between CAMI (US standard), FEPA P-grade (European standard), and JIS (Japanese standard). Different countries use different grading systems — the same physical grit size has different numbers in each system, especially at fine grits above 220.
Grit Conversion Chart — CAMI / FEPA / JIS
| CAMI (US) | FEPA P-grade (EU) | JIS (Japan) | Coarseness | Best For |
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Sandpaper Application Guide
How to Use the Sandpaper Grit Converter
The sandpaper grit converter helps woodworkers and metalworkers match grit numbers across international standards. The key difference: CAMI and FEPA are nearly equal at coarse grits (40-100) but diverge significantly at fine grits above 180.
Why the Standards Differ at Fine Grits
FEPA uses tighter particle size tolerances than CAMI — this means P400 grit sandpaper has more uniform particles than CAMI 400. As a result, the same particle size gets different numbers: FEPA P320 ≈ CAMI 280, FEPA P600 ≈ CAMI 500, and FEPA P2000 is considerably finer than CAMI 2000.
Woodworking Grit Progression
Always progress through grits without skipping — jumping from 80 to 220 leaves deep 80-grit scratches. Standard progression for hardwood: 80 → 120 → 150 → 180 → 220 → finish. Between coats of oil, varnish, or lacquer: 320-400 (CAMI) or P400-P600 (FEPA).
FAQ
Is this sandpaper grit converter free?
Yes, completely free with no signup required. Convert between CAMI, FEPA/P-grade, and JIS grit standards instantly.
What is the difference between CAMI and FEPA grit ratings?
CAMI (Coated Abrasives Manufacturers Institute) is the US standard, while FEPA P-grade is the European standard. At lower grits (40-100), they are approximately equal. At higher grits, they diverge significantly — FEPA P320 is roughly equivalent to CAMI 280, and FEPA P2000 is much finer than CAMI 2000.
What grit sandpaper should I start with for wood?
For bare wood that needs shaping or rough stock removal: start at 60-80 grit (CAMI). For already-smooth surfaces needing light sanding before finishing: 120-150 grit. Final sanding before applying finish: 180-220 grit. Between coats of finish: 320-400 grit. Each step should move up by one grit level.
What does P-grade mean on sandpaper?
The 'P' prefix indicates the FEPA P-grade standard (common in European products). P-graded sandpaper uses tighter particle size tolerances than CAMI, meaning the actual abrasive particles are more uniform. Many premium abrasives sold in the US are now P-graded even for domestic use.
What grit sandpaper to remove paint?
For removing paint from wood: start with 60-80 grit (CAMI) or P80 to cut through paint quickly. Switch to 120-150 for smoothing, then 180-220 before refinishing. For removing paint from metal, use 80-120 grit with a random orbital sander.