10 Best Laboratory Filter Paper for 2026

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top 10 filter papers 2026

You’ve likely encountered filter paper choices that leave you uncertain about which grade truly fits your lab’s needs. Whether you’re prioritizing retention, flow rate, or cost-efficiency, selecting the wrong product can compromise your results. The differences between grades matter more than you might think. We’ll break down exactly what you should evaluate to make your decision confidently.

Best Laboratory Filter Paper Picks

Premium Filter Paper 15cm Pack of 100Premium Filter Paper 15cm Pack of 100Best OverallDiameter Size: 15 cmQualitative Grade: Not specified (general laboratory)Pore Size / Retention: 10 µmCHECK ON AMAZONRead More..
Filter Paper 7cm Lab Qualitative Grade 1 (100 Discs)Filter Paper 7cm Lab Qualitative Grade 1 (100 Discs)Best For BeginnersDiameter Size: 7 cmQualitative Grade: Grade 1Pore Size / Retention: 10-15 µm (Grade 1)CHECK ON AMAZONRead More..
Qualitative Filter Paper 90mm Grade 1 (100 Discs)Qualitative Filter Paper 90mm Grade 1 (100 Discs)Mid-Range StandardDiameter Size: 9 cmQualitative Grade: Grade 1Pore Size / Retention: 10-15 µm (Grade 1)CHECK ON AMAZONRead More..
Qualitative Filter Paper 90mm Grade 4 (100 Discs)Qualitative Filter Paper 90mm Grade 4 (100 Discs)Fast Flow Pre-FilterDiameter Size: 9 cmQualitative Grade: Grade 4Pore Size / Retention: 20-25 µm (Grade 4)CHECK ON AMAZONRead More..
EISCO Economy Filter Papers 12.5cm 8-10 Microns (100-Pack)EISCO Economy Filter Papers 12.5cm 8-10 Microns (100-Pack)Budget-Friendly PickDiameter Size: 12.5 cmQualitative Grade: Not specified (8-10 microns)Pore Size / Retention: 8-10 µmCHECK ON AMAZONRead More..
Filter Paper 7cm Lab Qualitative Grade 4 (100 Discs)Filter Paper 7cm Lab Qualitative Grade 4 (100 Discs)Quick Cleanup FilterDiameter Size: 7 cmQualitative Grade: Grade 4Pore Size / Retention: 20-25 µm (Grade 4)CHECK ON AMAZONRead More..
Eisco Labs Premium Qualitative Filter Paper 10 MicronEisco Labs Premium Qualitative Filter Paper 10 MicronPremium Medium SpeedDiameter Size: 11 cmQualitative Grade: Not specified (10 micron)Pore Size / Retention: 10 µmCHECK ON AMAZONRead More..
Filter Paper 11cm Lab Qualitative Chemistry (3-Pack)Filter Paper 11cm Lab Qualitative Chemistry (3-Pack)Most VersatileDiameter Size: 11 cmQualitative Grade: Grades 1, 2, and 4 (3-pack bundle)Pore Size / Retention: 10-15 µm, 5-10 µm, 20-25 µm (mixed grades)CHECK ON AMAZONRead More..
Labasics Qualitative Filter Paper Circles 55mm (100-Pack)Labasics Qualitative Filter Paper Circles 55mm (100-Pack)Compact Lab EssentialDiameter Size: 5.5 cmQualitative Grade: Not specified (15-20 µm)Pore Size / Retention: 15-20 µmCHECK ON AMAZONRead More..
Filter Paper 7cm Lab Qualitative Grade 2Filter Paper 7cm Lab Qualitative Grade 2Fine Particle RetentionDiameter Size: 7 cmQualitative Grade: Grade 2Pore Size / Retention: 5-10 µm (Grade 2)CHECK ON AMAZONRead More..

More Details on Our Top Picks

  1. Premium Filter Paper 15cm Pack of 100

    Premium Filter Paper 15cm Pack of 100

    Best Overall

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    If you’re running qualitative analyses or general laboratory filtration work, you’ll find EISCO’s Premium Filter Paper delivers reliable performance without unnecessary expense. These 15cm diameter disks feature a 10 micron pore size and medium filtering speed (85 gsm), balancing efficiency with high retentivity for consistent results. You’ll receive 100 circles per pack, making this option economical for regular lab use. The paper’s specifications suit general filtration tasks across various applications. As a bestseller ranked #3 in qualitative lab filter paper, it’s earned its reputation through dependable performance. Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or building your lab’s inventory, this EISCO product offers straightforward quality and value in a convenient 100-piece format.

    • Diameter Size:15 cm
    • Qualitative Grade:Not specified (general laboratory)
    • Pore Size / Retention:10 µm
    • Flow Speed:Medium (85 GSM)
    • Pack Quantity:100 discs
    • Primary Applications:General laboratory and qualitative analysis
    • Additional Feature:High retentivity general laboratory
    • Additional Feature:Medium filtering speed (85 gsm)
    • Additional Feature:Best seller rank #3
  2. Filter Paper 7cm Lab Qualitative Grade 1 (100 Discs)

    Filter Paper 7cm Lab Qualitative Grade 1 (100 Discs)

    Best For Beginners

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    Are you looking for a reliable, economical filter paper that won’t compromise on performance? The 7cm Lab Qualitative Grade 1 filter paper delivers medium flow and retention, making it ideal for routine lab work. These 100 discs retain medium crystalline particles between 10–15 microns, equivalent to Whatman’s qualitative grade 1 standard. You’ll find them perfect for fat content determination, liquid clarification, and solid extraction. They’re equally valuable in chemistry classrooms for teaching separation techniques and chromatography fundamentals. At just 1.27 ounces, this compact pack won’t clutter your workspace while providing dependable filtration for countless applications.

    • Diameter Size:7 cm
    • Qualitative Grade:Grade 1
    • Pore Size / Retention:10-15 µm (Grade 1)
    • Flow Speed:Medium
    • Pack Quantity:100 discs
    • Primary Applications:Lab filtration, chemistry education, air filtration
    • Additional Feature:Whatman grade 1 equivalent
    • Additional Feature:Teaches paper chromatography techniques
    • Additional Feature:Best seller rank #2
  3. Qualitative Filter Paper 90mm Grade 1 (100 Discs)

    Qualitative Filter Paper 90mm Grade 1 (100 Discs)

    Mid-Range Standard

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    Looking for a reliable filter paper that handles routine chemistry work without breaking the bank? The Qualitative Filter Paper 90mm Grade 1 from Fluted Filter delivers exactly that. You’ll get 100 discs of medium-flow paper that retains particles between 10–15 microns, making it ideal for extracting solids, clarifying liquids, and determining fat content. It’s equivalent to Whatman’s qualitative grade 1, so you’re getting trusted quality. Whether you’re teaching paper chromatography, monitoring air pollution, or performing standard lab separations, this 9cm filter paper performs reliably. At the #2 spot in qualitative lab filter paper rankings, it’s proven its worth in chemistry classrooms and research labs alike.

    • Diameter Size:9 cm
    • Qualitative Grade:Grade 1
    • Pore Size / Retention:10-15 µm (Grade 1)
    • Flow Speed:Medium
    • Pack Quantity:100 discs
    • Primary Applications:Lab filtration, chemistry education, air filtration
    • Additional Feature:Whatman grade 1 equivalent
    • Additional Feature:Teaches paper chromatography techniques
    • Additional Feature:Best seller rank #2
  4. Qualitative Filter Paper 90mm Grade 4 (100 Discs)

    Qualitative Filter Paper 90mm Grade 4 (100 Discs)

    Fast Flow Pre-Filter

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    When you’ve got coarse particles to remove quickly and don’t need fine filtration, Qualitative Filter Paper Grade 4 delivers the speed you’re after. This 90mm fast-flow option retains particles down to 20–25 microns while maintaining excellent air permeability, making it ideal for biological sample cleanup and organic extract clarification. You’ll find it particularly valuable for wine-making filtration and collecting large particulates from fast-moving air streams. The Fluted Filter brand version ranks #4 in qualitative lab filter paper and offers reliable performance at an accessible price point. With 100 discs per pack, you’re getting dependable filtration for routine laboratory work without compromising on speed or efficiency.

    • Diameter Size:9 cm
    • Qualitative Grade:Grade 4
    • Pore Size / Retention:20-25 µm (Grade 4)
    • Flow Speed:Fast
    • Pack Quantity:100 discs
    • Primary Applications:Biological sample cleanup, wine making, air filtration
    • Additional Feature:Wine making must filtration
    • Additional Feature:Fast biological sample cleanup
    • Additional Feature:Best seller rank #4
  5. EISCO Economy Filter Papers 12.5cm 8-10 Microns (100-Pack)

    EISCO Economy Filter Papers 12.5cm 8-10 Microns (100-Pack)

    Budget-Friendly Pick

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    The EISCO Economy Filter Papers deliver reliable qualitative filtration at an accessible price point, making them ideal for educational institutions and budget-conscious labs. You’ll appreciate the 12.5cm diameter discs with 8-10 micron pore sizes, perfect for distillation experiments and qualitative analytical techniques. This 100-pack offers excellent value for identifying and determining material composition. Whether you’re conducting school-based lab work or filtering coffee at home, these papers perform consistently. The qualitative grade suits general laboratory applications without demanding premium pricing. Note that packaging may vary from product images, but the filtration quality remains dependable for your routine filtration needs.

    • Diameter Size:12.5 cm
    • Qualitative Grade:Not specified (8-10 microns)
    • Pore Size / Retention:8-10 µm
    • Flow Speed:Not specified
    • Pack Quantity:100 discs
    • Primary Applications:Distillation experiments, coffee filtering, qualitative analysis
    • Additional Feature:Great for distillation experiments
    • Additional Feature:Home coffee filtering suitable
    • Additional Feature:Packaging may vary occasionally
  6. Filter Paper 7cm Lab Qualitative Grade 4 (100 Discs)

    Filter Paper 7cm Lab Qualitative Grade 4 (100 Discs)

    Quick Cleanup Filter

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    If you’re working with biological samples or organic extracts that need quick clarification, Grade 4 filter paper delivers the fast, efficient pre-filtration you’re looking for. These 70mm discs feature coarse retention capabilities, trapping particles between 20–25 microns while maintaining exceptional air flow rates. You’ll appreciate the high air flow design when handling fast-moving fumes or collecting large particulates during routine lab work. This 100-disc pack is particularly valuable for wine-making applications, where you can efficiently filter musts and clarify solutions. Equivalent to Whatman’s qualitative grade 4, this standard lab filter paper combines speed with reliability, making it an economical choice for general laboratory clarification tasks where you don’t require fine filtration.

    • Diameter Size:7 cm
    • Qualitative Grade:Grade 4
    • Pore Size / Retention:20-25 µm (Grade 4)
    • Flow Speed:Fast
    • Pack Quantity:100 discs
    • Primary Applications:Biological sample cleanup, wine making, laboratory clarification
    • Additional Feature:Wine making must filtration
    • Additional Feature:Fast biological sample cleanup
    • Additional Feature:Quick pre-filter standard lab
  7. Eisco Labs Premium Qualitative Filter Paper 10 Micron

    Eisco Labs Premium Qualitative Filter Paper 10 Micron

    Premium Medium Speed

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    For labs requiring reliable medium-speed filtration with minimal particle retention, Eisco Labs’ Premium Qualitative Filter Paper delivers consistent performance. You’ll appreciate the 11 cm diameter discs with their 10-micron pore size, ideal for general laboratory applications. The 85 GSM basis weight provides a balanced filtration speed that won’t compromise your results. Each pack contains 100 pieces, giving you consistent supplies for ongoing work. With its premium quality construction, this filter paper ranks highly among qualitative lab options, making it a dependable choice for routine filtration tasks in your laboratory.

    • Diameter Size:11 cm
    • Qualitative Grade:Not specified (10 micron)
    • Pore Size / Retention:10 µm
    • Flow Speed:Medium (85 GSM)
    • Pack Quantity:100 discs
    • Primary Applications:Laboratory and qualitative filtration
    • Additional Feature:Premium quality lab use
    • Additional Feature:Medium speed 85 GSM
    • Additional Feature:Best seller rank #16
  8. Filter Paper 11cm Lab Qualitative Chemistry (3-Pack)

    Filter Paper 11cm Lab Qualitative Chemistry (3-Pack)

    Most Versatile

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    Are you searching for reliable filtration that won’t compromise your lab results? This 3-pack of 11cm qualitative filter paper delivers versatile performance across three grades. Grade 1 offers medium retention and flow for general applications, Grade 2 provides high retention with slower flow for finer particles, and Grade 4 ensures fast flow with coarse retention. Each pack contains 100 discs equivalent to Whatman Top 3 standards. Whether you’re conducting chemistry experiments, food analysis, brewing work, or air filtration, you’ll find these papers adaptable to your needs. The variety pack approach lets you select the ideal grade for specific tasks without purchasing multiple products.

    • Diameter Size:11 cm
    • Qualitative Grade:Grades 1, 2, and 4 (3-pack bundle)
    • Pore Size / Retention:10-15 µm, 5-10 µm, 20-25 µm (mixed grades)
    • Flow Speed:Mixed (medium, slow, fast)
    • Pack Quantity:300 discs (3-pack bundle)
    • Primary Applications:Lab and chemistry, food and agriculture, brewing and wine, air and gas filtration
    • Additional Feature:Three-pack bundle offering (300 discs)
    • Additional Feature:Multiple grades in bundle
    • Additional Feature:Whatman Top 3 standard
  9. Labasics Qualitative Filter Paper Circles 55mm (100-Pack)

    Labasics Qualitative Filter Paper Circles 55mm (100-Pack)

    Compact Lab Essential

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    Wondering how to achieve reliable filtration without breaking your lab budget? Labasics Qualitative Filter Paper Circles deliver excellent value in a 100-pack format. These 55mm cellulose circles retain particles between 15–20 µm while filtering at speeds of 35–70 seconds, making them ideal for routine laboratory work. With ash content kept below 0.15%, you’ll get consistent, high-quality results. The generous pack size ensures you’ve got plenty on hand for ongoing experiments. Labasics backs your purchase with a one-year limited warranty, and their customer care team resolves any arrival damage promptly.

    • Diameter Size:5.5 cm
    • Qualitative Grade:Not specified (15-20 µm)
    • Pore Size / Retention:15-20 µm
    • Flow Speed:35-70 seconds
    • Pack Quantity:100 sheets
    • Primary Applications:Standard laboratory qualitative filtration
    • Additional Feature:Low ash content ≤0.15%
    • Additional Feature:One-year limited warranty included
    • Additional Feature:35–70 second filtration speed
  10. Filter Paper 7cm Lab Qualitative Grade 2

    Filter Paper 7cm Lab Qualitative Grade 2

    Fine Particle Retention

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    When you’re working with fine particles that demand meticulous separation, this qualitative grade 2 filter paper delivers the slow flow and high retention you’ll need. The 7cm discs retain crystalline particles around 5–10 microns, making them ideal for agriculture, brewing, and air filtration applications. You’ll find them perfect for soil pre-filtration, fertilizer analysis, and yeast separation in brewing operations. The 100-pack format gives you reliable stock for routine lab work. Equivalent to Whatman’s qualitative grade 2, these papers handle clarification and pre-filtration tasks where precision matters. Whether you’re monitoring atmospheric contaminants or analyzing beer turbidity, this standard lab essential performs consistently across multiple disciplines.

    • Diameter Size:7 cm
    • Qualitative Grade:Grade 2
    • Pore Size / Retention:5-10 µm (Grade 2)
    • Flow Speed:Slow
    • Pack Quantity:100 discs
    • Primary Applications:Agriculture, brewing, air and gas filtration
    • Additional Feature:Fine particle retention (5–10 microns)
    • Additional Feature:Soil pre-filtration agriculture use
    • Additional Feature:Yeast filtration brewing application

Factors to Consider When Choosing Laboratory Filter Paper

You’ll need to evaluate pore size and retention capabilities to match your filtration precision, along with the flow rate and speed that’ll suit your timeline and application demands. Consider the grade and particle range you’re targeting, since different qualitative and quantitative papers handle various substance sizes differently. You should also assess paper quality, basis weight, and any application-specific requirements that’ll determine whether your chosen filter paper delivers reliable, reproducible results.

Pore Size And Retention

How do you know which filter paper will actually capture the particles you’re trying to remove? The answer lies in pore size, which directly determines retention capability. Smaller pores (5–10 microns) trap finer particles, while larger pores (20–25 microns) allow faster flow but miss smaller contaminants.

Grade designations clarify this trade-off. Medium retention papers target 10–15 micron particles, balancing speed with capture efficiency. If you’re performing precise qualitative separations, coarser papers won’t suffice—they’ll let fine particles slip through.

Your choice depends on your specific application. Align your paper’s pore size to your target particle range. This alignment ensures you’re not compromising filtration outcomes by choosing convenience over precision.

Flow Rate And Speed

Flow rate determines how quickly liquid passes through filter paper—a critical consideration that directly complements the pore size decisions you’ve already made. You’ll encounter three classifications: slow, medium, and fast.

Slow flow papers excel at retaining smaller particles and delivering exceptional clarity, though they demand patience. Medium flow papers strike the ideal balance between speed and retention, making them your go-to choice for routine qualitative work. Fast flow papers prioritize rapid filtration, handling larger particulates efficiently—perfect for quick pre-filtration tasks.

Your application dictates which you’ll need. If you’re performing routine lab filtering, medium flow offers reliability. For urgent pre-filtration, choose fast flow. When you require superior clarity and don’t mind waiting, slow flow delivers.

Grade And Particle Range

Why do some labs consistently choose Grade 1 filter paper while others reach for Grade 4? The answer lies in understanding how grade numbers correlate with particle retention and flow rates.

Grade 1 offers you medium retention around 10–15 microns with balanced flow, making it ideal for general qualitative separations and paper chromatography. If you’re working with smaller crystals (5–10 microns), Grade 2 provides slower flow and finer retention. Conversely, Grade 4 gives you faster flow and coarser retention (20–25 microns), perfect when you’re rapidly clarifying larger particulates in applications like wine making.

You’ll match your filter paper grade to your specific particle range, ensuring efficient separation without clogging or losing valuable material.

Application Specific Requirements

Since your filtration application dictates everything from particle size to processing speed, you’ll need to align your filter paper choice with the exact demands of your procedure. For wine-making must filtration or liquid clarification, you’ll want coarser, faster-flow papers that accelerate processing. Conversely, qualitative separations and chromatography require slower, finer papers for precision results. Medium retention papers targeting 10–15 micron crystals work well for standard clarification, while finer applications demand higher retention down to 20–25 microns with reduced flow rates. Consider your apparatus capacity too—disc diameter and count directly impact batch sizes and compatibility. Finally, reference equivalency standards like Whatman grades to ensure your alternative brand selection delivers consistent, predictable performance for your specific procedure.

Paper Quality And Basis Weight

Once you’ve matched your filtration application to the right filter paper grade, you’ll need to evaluate paper quality and basis weight—two interconnected factors that determine whether your discs will perform reliably and consistently. Basis weight, measured in GSM (grams per square meter), directly influences paper strength and handling during filtration. Higher GSM values indicate thicker, more robust discs that withstand rigorous procedures.

Pore size compatibility with basis weight creates a crucial trade-off. A 10 µm pore size offers fine filtration ideal for qualitative analysis and precise crystal retention, but you’ll need appropriate GSM to support this capability. Medium flow papers around 85 GSM balance filtration speed with particle retention effectively.

Consistency in basis weight across discs ensures uniform performance within each pack, reducing variability in your filtration results.

Pack Size And Diameter

How you’ll use your filter paper determines the pack size and diameter you need to select. You’ll find packs ranging from 100 discs to 100 sheets in bundles, so match your order quantity to your daily usage rates. This prevents frequent repurchasing and ensures you’re stocked appropriately.

Diameter selection is equally critical. Common sizes include 7 cm, 9 cm, and 11 cm, and you must align your choice with your existing equipment or filter holders. Larger diameters cover more surface area, which increases both filtration speed and capacity compared to smaller discs. This means you’ll achieve faster separation with greater throughput.

Consider your retention and flow characteristics too, as they influence whether a disc’s effective diameter suits your specific separation needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Properly Store Filter Paper to Maintain Its Quality and Prevent Contamination?

You’ll store filter paper in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep it in its original sealed packaging or an airtight container. You should maintain temperatures between 15-25°C and avoid areas with chemical fumes or dust.

What Is the Difference Between Qualitative and Quantitative Filter Paper for Laboratory Use?

You’ll find qualitative filter paper removes particles but isn’t precise for mass measurements, while quantitative paper provides accurate weight retention for analytical work. Quantitative’s superior ash content makes it ideal for your gravimetric analyses.

Can Filter Paper Be Reused, or Should It Be Discarded After Single Use?

You shouldn’t reuse filter paper because it’ll retain contaminants and particles from previous filtration. You’ll compromise your results’ accuracy and reliability by reusing it. Discard it after single use for best laboratory practices.

How Do I Select the Correct Micron Rating for My Specific Filtration Application?

You’ll match your micron rating to your particle size by checking what you’re filtering. Choose finer ratings for smaller particles, coarser ones for larger debris. You’ll find specifications on filter paper packaging that’ll guide your selection perfectly.

Are There Environmental or Sustainability Considerations When Choosing Laboratory Filter Paper?

You’ll want to contemplate biodegradable options and papers made from sustainably sourced cellulose. Choose filters that minimize waste, select reusable alternatives when possible, and verify manufacturers’ environmental certifications to reduce your lab’s ecological footprint.

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