A micron (also called a micrometer) is a unit of length in the metric system, equal to one millionth of a meter or 0.00003937 inches. To put it in perspective, a human hair is about 50–100 microns thick.

Micron measurements are commonly used in wire mesh and filtration to describe the size of the openings or the smallest particles the mesh can retain. Understanding microns helps you choose the right mesh for screening, filtration, or precision applications.