Mesh,also called mesh count, is the number of openings in a linear inch measured from the center of one wire to a point one inch distant. To determine the mesh, count the number of openings from the center of any one wire to the center of a parallel wire one inch away.

To measure coarse mesh simply lay a ruler on it and count the number of openings along a one inch length.To measure finer meshes a mesh counter or optical comparator may be needed.