The three filter rating systems were established by different organizations to measure an air filter's ability to capture and stop airborne contaminants and pollutants FPR was created by "The Home Depot" and MPR by "3M." Both are used by the brands to separate their filter products from others on the market. MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) Rating system is the most commonly used system established by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). MERV Ratings use a number from 1-20 to measure the effectiveness of a filter at trapping and stopping airborne contaminants and particles. 1 being the lowest level of filtration, and 20 being the highest. Most homes and office buildings use filters with a MERV 6-13 rating. Hospitals, clean rooms, and powerplants typically use a higher level MERV rated filter.
Air Filter Rating Systems Explained
What is a MERV rating?
MERV standings for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value and is the primary rating system used in the air filtration industry. The MERV rating system was developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). MERV uses a rating scale of 1-16, the higher the MERV rating the better the filter is at capturing a range of airborne contaminants.
MERV vs. MPR vs. FPR
There are three filter rating systems used that were established by different organizations to measure an air filter's ability to capture and stop airborne contaminants and pollutants: MERV, MPR, and FPR.
What’s the difference between MERV, MPR, and FPR air filter ratings?
There are three air filter rating systems MERV, MPR, and FPR. Each rating system was developed by a different organization.
MERV is an abbreviation for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value and was created by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). The MERV rating uses a scale of 1-16. The higher the MERV rating the more efficient the filter is at capturing a range of airborne contaminants. The MERV rating system is the primary rating system used for air filtration.
MPR was created by 3M and stands for Microparticle Performance Rating. The MPR rating system bases their ratings on the pollutant size that can be filtered, ranging from 0.3 to 1 micron. 3M’s MPR filter ratings range from MPR 300 -2800. The higher the MPR rating the more microparticles the filter can capture.
FPR rating system was established by The Home Depot and stands for Filter Performance Rating. The FPR system is used for brands sold throughout Home Depot stores, including Honeywell. The FPR rating system ranges from FPR 4-10. The higher the FPR rating the more pollutants the filter can capture.
| MERV Rating | Contaminates Captured | Comparable MPR Rating | Comparable FPR Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| MERV 6 | Dust, Lint, and Pollen | MPR 300 | n/a |
| MERV 8 | Dust, Lint, Pollen, Dust Mites, and Mold Spores | MPR 600 | FPR 5 |
| MERV 11 | Dust, Lint, Pollen, Dust Mites, Mold Spores Pet Dander, Smoke, Smog, Cough, and Sneezes | MPR 1000-1200 | FPR 7 |
| MERV 13 | Dust, Lint, Pollen, Dust Mites, Mold Spores, Pet Dander, Smoke, Smog, Cough and Sneezes, Bacteria and Some Viruses | MPR 1500-2000 | FPR 10 |
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