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Filter sizing

Air purifier filter sizes (UK): the complete chart

Filter size is the single most important number when you rebuy. Get it right and any MERV-13 media of that size will fit and seal. Here are the common UK sizes, how to measure, and what fits what.

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Common air purifier / box-fan filter sizes

Nominal sizeActual (approx)Typically used by
16×25×1"15.7 × 24.7 × 0.75"5-Fan Luggable, many Corsi-Rosenthal boxes
20×25×1"19.7 × 24.7 × 0.75"7-Fan XL Luggable, larger CR boxes
16×20×1"15.7 × 19.7 × 0.75"compact box builds
20×20×1"19.7 × 19.7 × 0.75"square box-fan builds
6"/6.5" roundcylindricalpersonal/desktop units (e.g. Exhalaron)

Nominal vs actual — why filters read "16×25" but measure smaller

Furnace-filter sizes are nominal: a "16×25" filter actually measures about 15.7×24.7 inches so it slides into a 16×25 slot without jamming. Always buy by the printed nominal size, not the tape-measure figure.

How to measure your filter

  • Read the size printed on the cardboard edge of the old filter first — it's almost always there.
  • No print? Measure length × width × thickness in inches and round to the nearest standard size.
  • Thickness matters: 1" is standard for box-fan/CR builds. Don't force a 2" filter into a 1" slot.

Which size should I buy?

If you run a Luggable or a 16×25 Corsi-Rosenthal box, you want 16×25×1. The 7-Fan XL and 20×25 boxes take 20×25×1. Both are standard MERV-13 sizes we stock — so you're never tied to one supplier.

The cheaper, no-lock-in alternative

Proprietary filters only fit Proprietary machines, so you pay whatever the brand charges, for as long as you own it. A purifier built around standard-size MERV-13 breaks that cycle.

 Proprietary proprietary filterStandard MERV-13 (16×25 / 20×25)
FitsProprietary models onlyany box of that size — no lock-in
Typical pricebrand-set, often £30–£80from £29 each (£58 a pair)
Rebuy fromthe brand / approved sellersanyone stocking the size, forever
Gradevaries by modeltrue MERV-13, MPR 1900, ~93% capture
Fits 7-Fan XL Luggable & 20×25 builds

3M Filtrete MERV-13 (20×25×1)

MERV-13 · MPR 1900 · fits 7-Fan XL & any 20×25 box · lasts 6–12 months

£58 per pair (2 filters) · 10% off with STAROFFER
Get 10% off →
Fits 5-Fan Luggable & 16×25 builds

3M Filtrete MERV-13 (16×25×1)

MERV-13 · MPR 1900 · fits 5-Fan Luggable & any 16×25 box · lasts 6–12 months

£75 per pair (2 filters) · 10% off with STAROFFER
Get 10% off →

Rebuy standard MERV-13 — no proprietary lock-in

Genuine 3M Filtrete MERV-13 in standard 16×25 and 20×25 sizes — 10% off with code STAROFFER. Ships from Oxford, free UK delivery over £100.

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Common questions

What is the most common air purifier filter size?

For box-fan and Corsi-Rosenthal style purifiers, 16×25×1 inch and 20×25×1 inch are the two most common standard sizes in the UK. Sealed branded units use proprietary cartridges instead, which vary by model.

Are air purifier filter sizes nominal or actual?

Nominal. A filter labelled 16×25 actually measures about 15.7×24.7 inches so it fits a 16×25 slot with a little clearance. Always order by the printed nominal size.

Can I use a slightly different size?

No — a gap around the filter lets unfiltered air bypass it, which sharply reduces cleaning. Match the nominal size and 1-inch thickness for a proper seal.

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