
The specification of any filter media is based upon a sieve analysis. This is produced by placing a representative sample of about 100grams onto the top of a stack of test sieves of reducing aperture size. The stack is vibrated until the sample has divided into its various sizes. A table of results is recorded from which a grading curve may be drawn. An example best illustrates the process.
Example Filtration Anthracite Grade 2
1.18 - 2.50mm
Sample 132 grams
| Sieve | Retained | Retained | Retained | Passing |
| mm | grams | % | accum. % | accum. % |
| 2.50 | 4.10 | 3.10 | 3.10 | 96.90 |
| 2.00 | 26.90 | 20.40 | 23.50 | 76.50 |
| 1.70 | 39.10 | 29.60 | 53.10 | 46.90 |
| 1.40 | 39.70 | 30.10 | 83.20 | 16.80 |
| 1.18 | 18.20 | 13.80 | 97.00 | 3.00 |
| Tray | 4.00 | 3.00 | 100.00 | 0.00 |
| 132.00 | 100.00 |

| Specification | Example | Comments | |
| Top Size | d95 | 2.50 mm | maximum 5% over size |
| Bottom Size | d5 | 1.18 mm | maximum 5% under size |
| Effective Size | d10 | 1.33 mm | 10% passing |
| Uniformity Coefficient | d60/d10 | 1.37 | usual maximum 1.50 |
| Hydraulic Size | 1.69 mm | see hydraulic page | |
| Minimum Size | d1 | 0.95 mm | 1% passing |
| Over Size | 3.10% | maximum 5% | |
| Under Size | 3.00% | maximum 5% | |
| Size Ratio | d95/d5 | 2.12 | Usually about 2 |