Different Air Filter Ratings: FPR vs. MERV vs. MPR

There are three popular filter rating systems that are used to rate the filtration capacity of home and commercial air filters: MERV, MPR, and FPR.

Navigating the world of air filters can often feel like deciphering a complex code, with various ratings like FPR, MERV, and MPR thrown into the mix. Each of these acronyms represents a different standard used to measure the effectiveness of air filters, playing a crucial role in determining how well an air filter can purify your indoor environment by trapping dust, pollen, and other airborne particles.

In this blog, we'll delve into the distinctions and similarities between Filter Performance Rating (FPR), Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV), and Microparticle Performance Rating (MPR). By understanding these ratings, you can make an informed decision on the best air filter for your home or office, ensuring cleaner air and a healthier living space. Whether you're a homeowner looking to enhance your indoor air quality, or a facility manager aiming to maintain optimal air conditions, this guide will equip you with the knowledge you need to navigate the world of air filters with confidence.

Why Are Air Filters Rated?

The quality of an air filter is assessed by its rating, which tells you what capacity the filter has in blocking our particulates in the air. The higher the rating (for MERV, FPR, and MPR), the smaller the air and dust particles your home AC air filter can capture.

Without a standardized air filter rating method, homeowners and other HVAC enthusiasts are left in the dark about how well their air filter works against a wide range of airborne particles, including:

Dust
Pollen
Smoke
Pet dander
Hair
Odors
Bacteria
Airborne viruses

When it comes to assessing air filter filtration capacity, we use the term “micron” which allows us to know how the smallest size of particle that an air filter can block.

Micron sizes can range anywhere from microscopic to visible to the human eye. Here’s a handy chart to give you an idea of the range of micron sizes.

Micron Size Chart

It’s important to note that anything in the size range between .001 microns and 10 microns can reach deep into the lungs by being inhaled. Any particulates under around 100 microns can be inhaled into the nose.

The MERV, MPR, and FPR rating systems each consist of a range of numbers that represent the filtration effectiveness based on the micron size that it can filter out. Below, we’ll break down where the rating systems come from and how to use them when shopping for your next filter.

HAVE YOU MET YOUR MERV MATCH? TAKE THE QUIZ

MERV Air Filter Ratings

MERV stands for “Minimum Efficiency Rating Value.” Every air or furnace filter in the US carries a MERV rating, which is the only nationally regulated rating system for air filters. Established by the ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers), the MERV rating system specifies a filter’s ability to capture air particles and pollutants.

MERV ratings run on a 1-20 scale that designates the effectiveness of filters to capture certain particle sizes. The higher the MERV rating, the more particles it captures.

If the MERV rating is too high (above MERV 13), however, it can increase system backpressure and block airflow through your central air system, worsening the effectiveness of your HVAC system. Before you purchase a MERV 13 filter, check the filter recommendations of your HVAC system.

Why We Stock MERV 8, MERV 11, MERV 13 Air Filters

Filterbuy offers MERV 8, MERV 11, and MERV 13 air and furnace filters, which cover a range of needs for a home by providing clean air while also protecting HVAC equipment. MERV 8 filters can generally filter out 90% of airborne particles, MERV 11 can remove around 95%, and MERV 13 can block approximately 98%.

MPR Air Filter Ratings - Microparticle Performance Rating

MPR stands for “Microparticle Performance Rating.”

MPR is the measure of the filter’s ability to trap air particles smaller than 1 micron. MPR ratings range from 300 MPR (Basic) to 2800 MPR (Premium).

Below is a chart showing the MPR rating system:

FPR Air Filter Ratings

FPR stands for “Filter Performance Rating.”

Created by The Home Depot for brands only sold in Home Depot stores, including popular Honeywell filters. This rating system was established to provide a unified ranking system but lacks specific figures for comparison and simplicity.

The FPR rating system features a number scale from 4-10 and color code is used to rate the filter’s quality and ability to trap certain particles.

Below is a breakdown showing the FPR rating system:

FPR Rating 4-5 (Good)

Filters our large particles in the home like dust, link, dust mites, larger pollen particles, and pet dander

FPR Rating 6-7 (Better)

Filters our large particles in the home like dust, link, dust mites, larger pollen particles, and pet dander
Also, fitting out small particles like bacteria and mold spores

FPR Rating 8-9 (Best)

Filters our large particles in the home like dust, link, dust mites, larger pollen particles, and pet dander
Also, it filters out small particles like bacteria and mold spores
These filters also remove smoke, smog, allergens, and some particles that can carry viruses

FPR Rating 10 (Premium)

Filters our large particles in the home like dust, link, dust mites, larger pollen particles, and pet dander
Also, fitting out small particles like bacteria and mold spores
These filters also remove smoke, smog, allergens, and some particles that can carry viruses
Premium filters also can filter out odor-causing particles

HAVE YOU MET YOUR MERV MATCH? TAKE THE QUIZ

Which Air Filter Rating System Should I Follow?

So which rating system should you use in buying your next air filter?

Each air filter rating system has its advantages, but sometimes it’s hard to compare the rating ratings apples-to-apples. For an approximate comparison of the different MERV levels offered by Filterbuy with MPR and FPR, refer to the table below.

FPR vs MERV Chart

While it may be hard to decide between systems to follow, MERV is considered the industry standard when it comes to air filter ratings and is generally the most used system.

The more niche ratings systems like MPR and FPR originated mostly from certain companies wanting to have a set system that would make them appear unique to customers.

With MERV-rated air filters, you get to know your filter’s ratings are widely understood and trusted.

To get more details on which MERV filter is right for your specific situation, take the quiz below.

What is FPR vs MERV?

Understanding the difference between FPR and MERV ratings is key to selecting the right air filter for your HVAC system. MERV, a standard developed by ASHRAE, rates filters on a scale from 1 to 16 based on their ability to capture airborne particles, with higher numbers indicating finer filtration. FPR, exclusive to The Home Depot, categorizes filters from 4 to 10, focusing on factors like filter lifespan and particle capture efficiency. While MERV is widely recognized across the HVAC industry, FPR is specific to The Home Depot's product range. Choosing the right filter involves balancing the need for air quality with your system's airflow capabilities, and both MERV and FPR ratings aim to simplify this decision by indicating a filter's efficiency in trapping pollutants.

Guide to FPR vs. MERV Air Filter Ratings

Deciding between FPR and MERV-rated air filters? Here’s a good way to compare FPR vs. MERV air filter ratings and capabilities.

FPR 4 -5 is the same as MERV Ratings 6 – 8
FPR 6 – 7 is the same as MERV Ratings 8 - 11
FPR 8 – 9 is the same as MERV Rating 11
FPR 10 is the same as MERV Ratings 13

Guide to MPR vs. MERV Air Filter Ratings

If you’re looking at air filters rated for MPR compared to air filters rated by the MERV filter rating system, you can reference this chart below:

MPR 600 is equal to MERV Rating 8
MPR 1000 is equal to MERV Rating 8
MPR 1200+ is equal to MERV Rating 11
MPR 1500 is equal to MERV Rating 11
MPR 1550 is equal to MERV Rating 11
MPR 1900 is equal to MERV Rating 11
MPR 2200 is equal to MERV Rating 13
MPR 2800 is equal to MERV Rating 13

Have more questions about MERV, MPR, and FPR ratings? Our filter experts can help you. Contact us today! Or you can search for your next replacement air filters by MERV rating below.

Shop now

HAVE YOU MET YOUR MERV MATCH? TAKE THE QUIZ

FPR, MPR, and MERV Air Filter Rating FAQs

What does MERV stand for in air filter ratings?

MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Rating Value, an industry-wide rating system used to determine how effective an air filter is at removing particles in the air. The system is based on the size of microns that can pass through the filter.

What does FPR stand for in air filter ratings?

FPR stands for Filter Performance Rating, and it is a proprietary rating system for branded air filters sold by Home Depot and their air filters seem unique. While the FPR rating has no bearing on the overall efficacy of the air filter itself, the rating system isn’t as thorough as the MERV rating system, so it’s difficult to know exactly how efficacious an FPR-rated air filter is.

What does MPR stand for in air filter ratings?

MPR stands for Microparticle Performance Rating, and it is a proprietary air filter ratings system created by 3M Their air filters seem like they have a unique rating and filtration ability. The MPR rating system goes from 100 up to 2200 and can cover a wide range of filtration capabilities. The rating system is generally comparable to the MERV rating system.

How does FPR compare to MERV ratings?

Here are the filtration comparisons between FPR and MERV:

FPR 4 -5 is the same as MERV Ratings 6 – 8
FPR 6 – 7 is the same as MERV Ratings 8 - 11
FPR 8 – 9 is the same as MERV Rating 11
FPR 10 is the same as MERV Ratings 13

Are high FPR filters worth it?

High FPR (Filter Performance Rating) filters are often worth the investment, especially for individuals with allergies, respiratory issues, or pets in their homes. These filters are designed to capture a higher percentage of airborne particles, including dust, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander, compared to lower-rated filters. By improving indoor air quality, high FPR filters can contribute to a healthier living environment and may also protect HVAC systems from dust buildup, potentially extending their lifespan and improving efficiency. However, it's important to balance the need for high filtration with your HVAC system's capability, as overly restrictive filters can reduce airflow and system performance. Consulting with an HVAC professional to find the optimal FPR rating for your specific system and needs is advisable.

How does MPR compare to MERV ratings?

Here are the filtration comparisons between MPR and MERV-rated air filters:

MPR 600 is equal to MERV Rating 8
MPR 1000 is equal to MERV Rating 8
MPR 1200+ is equal to MERV Rating 11
MPR 1500 is equal to MERV Rating 11
MPR 1550 is equal to MERV Rating 11
MPR 1900 is equal to MERV Rating 11
MPR 2200 is equal to MERV Rating 13
MPR 2800 is equal to MERV Rating 13

What is the best MERV rating filter for a home AC system?

We recommend utilizing a MERV 13-rated air filter for maximum filtration capabilities without taxing your central air system’s air flow capabilities. At a certain point, the MERV rating can get too high and cause your central air system to work much harder to push air through the filter.