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Air Filter Sizes Explained: 592 × 592 mm, 24 × 24 in and EN 15805

2026-10-30

Why one air handling unit takes 592 × 592 mm filters and another takes 24 × 24 in, how nominal and actual sizes differ, and what to measure before ordering replacements.

Key points

  • Europe and much of Asia use EN 15805 face sizes such as 592 × 592, 490 × 592 and 287 × 592 mm.
  • US filters are sold by nominal inch size: a 24 × 24 in filter actually measures about 23⅜ × 23⅜ in.
  • A few millimetres matter: a filter that is too small for its frame lets air bypass the media.
  • Before ordering, measure the old filter and the frame opening, not just the label.

Two size systems

Most air handling units are built around one of two systems. European and many Asian units follow EN 15805, which sets metric face sizes based on a 610 mm module, the metric equivalent of 24 inches. The filter face is made slightly smaller than the module so it slides into the frame: a full module becomes 592 × 592 mm.

Units built to US practice use nominal inch sizes such as 24 × 24 in or 12 × 24 in. The nominal size is a name, not a measurement: the real filter is a little smaller so that it fits the opening.

EN 15805 face sizes

Common EN 15805 face sizes and typical nominal airflow for pocket filters
Face size W × H (mm)Share of a full moduleTypical nominal airflow, pocket filter (m³/h)
592 × 592Full3400
490 × 5925/6 width2800
287 × 592Half width1700
287 × 287Quarter800
592 × 892Full width, 1½ height5000

Airflow figures are typical published nominal values for pocket filters; panel and compact filters can be rated differently. 3400 m³/h through 592 × 592 mm is a face velocity of about 2.7 m/s.

US nominal sizes and their actual dimensions

For inch sizes, always check the actual dimensions. Our own catalogue lists the actual size in millimetres next to each nominal size.

Nominal inch sizes and actual face sizes
Nominal size (in)Typical actual size (in)Actual size in our catalogue (mm)
24 × 2423⅜ × 23⅜595 × 595
12 × 2411⅜ × 23⅜289 × 595
20 × 2419⅜ × 23⅜492 × 595
20 × 2019⅜ × 19⅜492 × 492

Depth and pockets

  • Panel filters: 1, 2 and 4 in nominal depths, which are about 22, 45 and 95 mm in our catalogue.
  • European pocket filters: depths of 370, 520, 600 and 640 mm are common, with 6 to 12 pockets on a 592 mm wide filter.
  • US-style pocket filters: 15, 21, 30 and 36 in, listed in our catalogue as 381, 533, 762 and 914 mm.
  • At the same face size, more pockets and more depth mean more media area, a lower pressure drop and a longer service life.

Why a few millimetres matter

A 595 mm filter can jam in a frame made for 592 mm, and a 592 mm filter in a 24-inch frame leaves a gap around the edge. Air takes the easiest path, so even a small gap lets dust bypass the media, and the efficiency printed on the filter is lost. Gaskets and clamping clips close small differences, but they cannot fix a filter that is the wrong size.

What to send when you order

  • Actual width × height × depth of the old filter, in mm or inches.
  • Header or frame depth, and whether there is a gasket.
  • Number of pockets, for pocket filters.
  • Efficiency class: ISO 16890, EN 779 or MERV, as written on the label.
  • Design airflow and quantity for each size.
  • A photo of the label and of the filter in its frame, if you can.

Frequently asked questions

Is 592 × 592 mm the same as 24 × 24 in?

They are close but not the same. A 24 × 24 in filter is about 594–595 mm in reality, which may be too tight for a 592 mm frame. Measure the frame opening before ordering.

What does EN 15805 cover?

It standardises the face dimensions of air filters for general ventilation, so filters from different makers fit the same frames and housings.

Can I use a deeper pocket filter than the one I have?

Only if there is space in the unit behind the frame. A deeper filter lowers pressure drop, but the pockets must not touch the coil or the unit wall.

Do you make non-standard sizes?

Yes. We build filters to the dimensions you give us, so older or non-standard units can be supplied too.

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