MERV Filter Efficiency Guide

ASHRAE 52.1 ASHRAE 52.2

Arrestance Types of Filters Tested Contaminant
Average Efficiency MERV Rating

Disposable Panel Filters, Pollen, Spanish Moss,

Permanent Metal Filters, Dust Mites, Sanding &
> 20% 1-4 60 - 80%
Fiberglass & Foam Media, Spray Paint Dust, Textile
Hogshair, Automatic Rolls & Carpet Fibers

Pleated Panel Filter, Pudding Mix,

> 20% 5 80 - 90% Ring Panel Filters, Snuff,
Synthetic Media Powdered Milk

Cube Filters, Self Dusting Aids,

20 - 30% 6 90 - 95%
Supporting Filters Cement Dust
Hair Spray,
25 - 30% 6-7 90 - 95% Pleated Panel Filters
Fabric Protector
Pleated Panel Filters, Ring
40 - 50% 8 95 - 98% Panel Filters, Extended Mold Spores
Surface Pocket Filters
Welding Fumes,
Extended Surface Nebulizer Drops,
50 - 60% 9 - 10 98%
Pocket Filters Coal Dust,
Auto Emissions.

Pleated Panel Filters,

Lead Dust,
60 - 70% 10 - 11 99% Extended Surface Pocket
Milled Flour
Filters, Rigid Cell Filters

Legionella, Humidifier
Pleated MERV 12 Filters,
Dust, Smoke, Copier
Rigid Cell Filters,
80 - 90% 12 - 14 99% Toner, Face Powder, Paint
Extended Surface
Pigments,
Pocket Filters
Insecticide Dust

HEPA,
Extended Surface Sneeze,
90 - 95% 14 - 15 99%
Pocket Filters, Cooking Oil
Rigid Cell Filters

Bacteria,
95% 16 N/A Rigid Cell Filters
Tobacco Smoke