Steel abrasives like steel shot and steel grit are fundamental tools in surface preparation, used in everything from rust removal to peening high-performance metal components. But to unlock their full potential, choosing the right size matters more than many realize.

Not sure what S110 or G25 actually means? This guide breaks down every size, chart, and standard you need to make the right blasting media choice.

If you’re here for a quick reference or looking to download a complete size chart — we’ve got that. But if you’re also trying to understand why size affects your cleaning results, blasting efficiency, and surface roughness — then keep reading.

By the end of this article, you’ll be able to confidently identify, compare, and select the right steel abrasive sizes based on international standards and real-world application needs.

What’s the Difference Between Steel Shot and Steel Grit?

If you’re new to abrasive blasting, it’s easy to confuse steel shot and steel grit — they’re both metallic, reusable, and used for surface treatment. But in reality, these two media types are designed for very different tasks.

Steel shot is spherical and ideal for smooth finishes; steel grit is angular and aggressive — perfect for tough cleaning jobs.

Steel shot is cast into perfectly round beads, commonly used for shot peening or finishing operations where surface deformation is minimal. It delivers uniform impact and leaves a smoother surface profile.

Steel grit, on the other hand, is crushed to produce sharp edges, making it ideal for removing mill scale, rust, or paint coatings. It creates a more aggressive blast pattern, increasing surface roughness — essential for coatings or bonding.

When comparing the two, it’s also important to consider their reusability. Steel shot tends to last longer due to its spherical shape and smoother surface, which minimizes breakage. Grit, with its angular edges, wears out more quickly but is more effective for quick material removal.

Choosing between shot and grit is your first step — and getting this right means better adhesion, faster cleaning, and lower media consumption in the long run.

What Size Standards Govern Steel Abrasives?

Size classification in steel abrasives isn’t random. Most manufacturers and buyers rely on international standards that define sizes by number, screen mesh, or actual diameter.

SAE, JIS, and ISO standards ensure consistency and compatibility in steel abrasive sizing across the globe.

SAE J444 is the most commonly used standard for steel shot and grit sizing, particularly in North America and Europe. Common sizes include S70, S110, S230, and so on, with nominal diameters ranging from 0.18 mm to 2.5 mm.

Japan uses the JIS R6001 standard, while Europe often references EN ISO 11124. While the names differ, most follow similar screening logic — the particle must pass through a specific sieve mesh and be retained on another smaller mesh.

Understanding these standards is key when comparing products from different suppliers. Without this knowledge, buyers risk ordering incompatible materials that may damage equipment, reduce efficiency, or fail to meet job specifications.

For projects requiring certifications, confirming compliance with relevant standards (like SAE or ISO) can also be critical for inspection and documentation.

Knowing the standard ensures you’re comparing apples to apples — and not risking performance with mismatched specifications.

What Are the Common Steel Shot Sizes?

Steel shot sizes follow a standardized naming convention: S followed by a number. But what does S110 or S330 actually mean?

S110 equals roughly 0.28 mm in diameter — and each number represents a different cleaning intensity and finish.

Here’s a quick size reference chart:

SAE Size	Nominal Diameter (mm)	Typical Applications
S70	0.18	Shot peening, delicate components
S110	0.28	Paint removal, general blasting
S230	0.6	Rust removal, medium surface prep
S330	0.85	Heavy mill scale, aggressive blasting
S390	1.0	Heavy rust removal, structural steel
S460	1.2	Pipeline cleaning, heavy-duty parts
S550	1.4	Structural steel fabrication
S660	1.7	Large equipment, ships
S780	2.0+	Industrial-scale descaling

Note that selection also depends on air pressure or turbine speed, stand-off distance, and workpiece material.

Matching size to your application can reduce media use by up to 30% and improve finishing consistency.

What Are the Common Steel Grit Sizes?

Steel grit sizes use a “G” followed by a number, but the grit grading system differs slightly from shot.

Smaller G-numbers mean coarser grit; G12 is much larger and more aggressive than G80.

Steel grit is crushed from steel shot and graded into angular particles. Here’s a basic chart:

Grit Size	Approx. Diameter (mm)	Typical Use
G10	2.0	Large structures, ship hulls
G12	1.7	Descaling, heavy-duty cleaning
G16	1.5	Pipeline coating removal
G25	1.2	Rust and scale removal
G40	0.85	General surface prep before coating
G50	0.6	Surface profiling for bonding
G80	0.35	Light profiling, fine surface finish
G100	0.25	Shot peening, precision components
G120	0.18	Micro-blasting, delicate surfaces

The best grit size depends on the type of steel, required Ra surface profile, and subsequent coating or welding processes.

Using the right grit size increases surface adhesion while reducing unnecessary wear on your equipment.

How Do You Choose the Right Size for Your Application?

With so many options available, choosing the right size steel abrasive depends on your process goal.

For cleaning, go coarser; for peening or profiling, go finer — but always match size to task.

Steel shot sizes typically range from S70 to S780, while steel grit sizes cover G10 to G120. Here’s a general guide:

• Fine Sizes (S70, S110, S170, G80, G100, G120): Ideal for surface preparation before painting, thin coatings, shot peening, and applications requiring minimal deformation.
• Medium Sizes (S230, S280, G25, G40, G50, G80): Common for general cleaning, rust and scale removal, and achieving medium surface profiles.
• Coarse Sizes (S330, S390, S460, S550, S660, S780, G10, G12, G16): Best for removing heavy coatings, thick scale, and cleaning large structural steel components.

Other considerations include:

• Equipment Type: Wheel blast systems may have different optimal sizes than air blasting units.
• Surface Profile Requirement: Coating manufacturers often specify a required Ra value that determines grit size.
• Workpiece Geometry: Delicate areas may require finer media to avoid over-blasting or deformation.

The best results come from testing under real process conditions.

A correct size choice reduces operating costs and helps meet surface profile standards like SSPC or NACE.

What Are the Most Frequently Asked Questions About Size?

Customers often ask us about specific sizes and their compatibility with certain machines or applications.

From “What is S110?” to “Can I replace grit with shot?” — here are quick answers to common size questions.

• What is the size of S110? About 0.28 mm in diameter.
• Can steel grit be used in place of steel shot? Only in machines designed for angular abrasives.
• Which size for rust removal? S230 or G25 are common choices.
• Can I mix sizes? Not recommended unless for specialized processes.
• Is there a universal chart? SAE J444 is widely accepted globally.
• What affects reusability? Spherical shot lasts longer than angular grit due to less fracture.
• Are finer sizes more expensive? Often yes, due to more complex screening and lower production yield.

Clarifying these common doubts helps avoid costly blasting errors and ensures smoother procurement.

Need Help Choosing the Right Size?

Even with the charts and standards, some applications require expert advice.

We’ve helped clients choose the right size based on their blasting goals and equipment.

Our technical team can analyze your current setup, cleaning targets, and production speed to suggest the most cost-effective abrasive size and hardness. If you’re unsure between two sizes, we’re happy to offer free samples or trials to help you decide.

We also support side-by-side performance comparisons, surface roughness tests, and blast pattern evaluation — especially useful for clients switching suppliers or scaling production.

Choosing the right size shouldn’t be a gamble — our experts are here to ensure your blasting success.

Conclusion: Why Size Matters in Every Application

Whether you’re removing rust from steel beams or preparing aircraft components for coating, steel abrasive size determines your surface profile, efficiency, and final result. It’s more than a number — it’s performance.

Getting the size right also extends the life of your blasting equipment, improves operator safety, and ensures compliance with client specifications or industry standards.

Ready to take the next step?