Reference chart
Sandpaper Grit Chart
Which sandpaper grit to use and when, from coarse stock removal to super-fine finish polishing, using the CAMI grading numbers.
Sand in steps, skipping no more than one grade at a time, until the scratches are uniform and fine enough for your finish. Most furniture is finished to 180 or 220 grit before the first coat. Grit numbers below follow the common CAMI grading used on US sandpaper.
| Category | Grit | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Extra coarse | 24 to 36 | Stripping finishes and heavy stock removal |
| Coarse | 40 to 60 | Rough shaping and leveling, removing mill marks |
| Medium | 80 to 120 | General smoothing and final shaping before finer grits |
| Fine | 150 to 180 | Final sanding of bare wood before staining or sealing |
| Very fine | 220 to 240 | Sanding sealer and between first finish coats |
| Extra fine | 280 to 320 | Light scuff sanding between finish coats |
| Super fine | 360 to 600 | Polishing and rubbing out a cured finish |
FEPA (P-graded) numbers differ from CAMI above about 220 grit; check whether your paper is marked P.
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Sources
These calculators are for planning and estimation. Engineering results (shelf sag, wood movement) use published average material properties; real boards vary by grade, grain, moisture and defects. Verify load-bearing designs with a professional.